In Canada, there are several types of metal cards. Each one comes with its own requirements you need to meet for approval. These cards are often considered high-reward credit cards as well.
Top 9 Credit Card Options
Many banks and large credit card issuers offer metal credit cards as a payment method. Each of these cards is unique, whether or not they’re from the same bank. Let’s take a look.
Keep in mind, though, you’re going to end up with either metal Visa credit cards or American Express. And while all of these cards are rewards credit cards, you have to check whether the card you choose allows you to transfer points toward a statement credit.
Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is a great option for a travel rewards card. Right now, when you get this card, you can earn 70,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 on your card in the first 3 months. You can also earn an extra 40,000 points when you spend $2,500 in month 13.
With this card, the purchase interest rate is 21.99%, the cash advance rate is 21.99%, and there’s an annual fee of $599. There’s an additional fee of $199 for each card. The best part of this card, though, is what it includes.
You can earn 3X Aeroplan points on eligible Air Canada purchases, including Air Canada vacations, 2X the points on dining and food delivery purchases and 1.25X the points on everything else. You also have access to exclusive travel benefits, insurance coverage, and exclusive Air Canada benefits, including:
- One Annual Worldwide Companion Pass when you spend $25,000 in one year
- Air Canada Priority check-in, Air Canada priority boarding and priority baggage handling for you and up to 8 people with Air Canada
- Access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes for you and a guest on Air Canada and Star Alliance flights
- Priority access to standby lists and upgrades
- Free checked bag (first) with Air Canada for you and up to 8 guests
- $100 NEXUS statement credits
- Lounge access with a Priority Pass
- Pearson priority lane security
- 15% off express and daily park rates at Toronto Pearson International Airport
- 15% off car care services at Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Complimentary upgrade to AVIS Presidents Club
Besides all the perks, another thing to consider when choosing a credit card is the included insurance. The insurances included with this card are:
- Trip delay insurance
- Trip interruption insurance
- Out-of-province and country emergency medical insurance
- Flight delay insurance
- Baggage delay insurance
- Hotel burglary insurance
- Lost or stolen baggage insurance
- $500,000 travel accident insurance
- Car rental theft and damage insurance
- Travel emergency assistance
- Buyers’ assurance protection plan
- Purchase Protection Plan
With American Express, you also get world-class service, exclusive offers and different borrowing options.
American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
The American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card has the same rate and premium benefits as the American Express Aeroplan Reserve premium credit card. The only difference is the added business benefits. These include:
- Employee card misuse protection
- Special business offers
American Express Platinum Card
Another great option for a metal card is the Platinum Card from American Express. When you sign up for this card now, you’ll receive 90,000 points after you spend $10,000 on your card in the first 3 months. You can earn another 40,000 when you spend $50,000 in your first 12 months. There’s no preset spending limit on the card, and an annual fee of $799 is required.
With this card, you also earn some great rewards. You can earn 2x points on every dollar spent on dining, food delivery, and travel. You can earn 1X the points on everything else. As for benefits, the same as the other standard American Express cards we mentioned, with a few additions. The additional benefits are:
- Exclusive American Express Travel Online offers
- Hotel status benefits
- Complimentary fine hotels and resorts benefits
- American Express Global Lounge collection
- $200 annual travel credit
- Platinum concierge
- Global dining collection
- $200 annual dining credit
- $200 or more in member extras
Business Platinum Card From American Express
With the Business Platinum Card from American Express, you can earn up to 100,000 points when you spend $15,000 in net purchases before the end of the first 3 months. You can also earn an extra 50.000 points when you purchase between months 15 and 17.
The annual fee for this card is $799, and there’s no preset spending limit. Your purchases are also interest-free for the first 55 days. Most of the other benefits that come with the Platinum Card from American Express are also available with this card. There are just a few added business benefits, but the points are different. You only earn 1.25X the points for every dollar you spend.
The business benefits included with this card are:
- Expense management reports
- Business services
- Employee card misuse protection
- Plaza Premium lounge
- Priority pass
- The Centurion Lounge
- Delta Sky Club
- Premium airport transfer service
- International airline program discounts
- Platinum card travel service
American Express Gold Rewards Card
If you’re looking for a high-limit metal credit card, the American Express Gold Rewards Card is another great choice. When you sign up now, you can get up to 90,000 reward points. You’ll earn 5,000 points for $1,000 spent each month in the first year you get the card. You’ll get an extra 30,000 points when you spend $20,000 in your first 12 months. The rate of this card is 21.99%, and the annual fee is $250. However, you do get 1 free additional gold rewards card.
The points you earn with this card are worth 2X for every dollar you spend on travel and everyday purchases. You get 1X the points on everything else. The benefits included with this card are:
- $100 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Worldwide Lounge Access
- Plaza Premium Lounge Visits
- $50 NEXUS Card Statement Credit
- The Hotel Collection Benefits
- Hertz Car Rental Benefits( not Avis and Budget)
- American Express Travel Online offers
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Trip interruption insurance
- Flight delay insurance
- Baggage delay insurance
- Hotel burglary insurance
- Lost or stolen bag insurance
- $500,000 travel accident insurance
- Car rental theft and damage insurance
- Travel emergency assistance
- American Express experiences
- Buyer’s Assurance Protection Plan
- Purchase Protection Plan
- Amex Offers
BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card has a purchase interest rate of 20.99%, a cash advance rate of 23.99%, and an annual fee of $499. You must have a minimum annual income of $150,000 or a household income of $200,000. If you qualify, though, you can earn up to 200,000 points as a welcome offer.
When it comes to BMO rewards points, you can earn 5x the points for purchases at grocery stores and on gas, travel, dining and drugstore purchases. Plus, you earn 1 point for every dollar spent on all other purchases. The Visa Infinite Privileges include:
- Visa airport companion membership and 6 complimentary airport lounge visits
- Priority security line, airport parking, and valet service discounts at certain airports
- Access to the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
- Access to the Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge
- Access to the Visa Infinite Dining Series and Visa Infinite Wine Country
- Troon Rewards Golf Benefits
When it comes to the benefits that BMO includes with their credit cards, you can get:
- Out-of-province/Country Emergency Medical Insurance
- Common Carrier Insurance
- Collision/Loss Damage Insurance on Car Rentals
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Trip Interruption Insurance
- Flight Delay of Baggage Insurance
- Purchase Security Insurance
- Extended Warranty Insurance
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Like the other metal credit cards we’ve mentioned, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card has a special welcome offer. If your account is approved, you could earn up to a $3,300 value back. That said, the rates on this card are 21.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, and $599 in annual fees. Like other metal credit cards, though, you do also need a
Before you apply for this card, though, it is important to note that you need a personal income of $150,00 or a household income of $200,000. Like other metal credit cards, though, you do also need a high credit score for approval. However, if you are approved, there are some great benefits to know about.
With this card, you can earn some great points. You earn 2 points for every $1 spent on Air Canada, including Air Canada vacations purchases, 1.5 points for every dollar spent on everyday purchases, and you can earn points twice when you use your Aeroplan payment card and your Aeroplan number. The other benefits include:
- Maple Leaf Lounge Access
- Annual Worldwide Companion Pass
- Priority check-in
- Priority boarding
- Priority baggage handling
- Priority airport standby
- Priority airport upgrades
- Avis President’s Club complimentary upgrades
- Global airport lounge access
- Visa Infinite Concierge
- Travel Medical Insurance (Comprehensive Travel Insurance)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Trip Interruption Insurance
- Flight Delay Insurance
- Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance
- Nexus
- Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
- Auto Rental Insurance
- Hotel Burglary Insurance
- Mobile device insurance
- Purchase security and extended warranty protection
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
CIBC offers the Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. Currently, they have a welcome offer for this card that gives you up to $3,200 in value in your first year. There are some other added perks thrown in there as well, including:
- First checked bag free for 2 passengers for each round-trip flight if you take one or more round-trip Air Canada flights in the first year
- Maple Leaf Lounge unlimited access
- 6 complimentary lounge visits with the Visa Airport Companion program
- NEXUS application fee rebate
The rates for this particular card are similar to those of other metal cards. There’s an annual fee of $599, a purchase interest rate of 20.99% and a cash interest rate of 22.99%. That said, to qualify, you do need a minimum annual income of $150,000 or a household income of $200,000.
Since this is an Aeroplan card, there are plenty of ways to earn points for their flexible points travel program. These include:
- 1.5 points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases, as well as gas, EV charging, grocery, and dining purchases
- 2 points for every $1 spent with Air Canada
- 1.25 points for every dollar spent on all other purchases
- You can also earn twice the points through the Aeroplan store
Other benefits included are:
- Out-Of-Province Travel Medical Insurance
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Trip Interruption Insurance
- Flight Delay and Baggage Insurance
- Hotel Burglary Insurance
- Common Carrier Accident Insurance
- Mobile Device Insurance
- Purchase Security and Extended Protection Insurance
- Auto Rental Collision and Loss Damage Insurance
- Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling for you and 8 companions
- Avis President’s Club complimentary upgrade
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card is another great option for those looking to earn points with a metal card. CIBC also offers a great welcome offer for this card that lets you earn over $2,600 in value. These welcome bonus points include:
- 25,000 Aventura points when you spend $3,000 in your first 4 months
- 25,000 Aventura points when you spend $6,000 in your first 4 months
- 1st anniversary bonus of 30,000 points if you have at least $25,000 in statement amounts in your first 12 months
- 6 complimentary lounge visits with the Visa Airport Companion program
- 2 NEXUS application fee rebates
- $200 annual travel credit
- Free Skip+ membership
The rates for this card are also similar to those of other metal credit cards. There’s an annual fee of $499, a purchase interest rate of 21.99% and a cash interest rate of 22.99%. To qualify for this card, you need to have an annual income of $150,000 or a household income of $200,000.
The points earned with this card are:
- 3 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC rewards centre
- 2 points for every $1 spent on dining, entertainment, gas, transportation, groceries and EV charging
- 1.25 points on all other purchases
Other benefits included are:
- VIP luxury hotel benefits
- Out-Of-Province Travel Medical Insurance
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Trip Interruption Insurance
- Flight Delay and Baggage Insurance
- Hotel Burglary Insurance
- Common Carrier Accident Insurance
- Mobile Device Insurance
- Purchase Security and Extended Protection Insurance
- Auto Rental Collision and Loss Damage Insurance
Visa Infinite Privilege Vs Amex Platinum
When we look at the different options for metal credit cards in Canada, we notice that they’re either Amex or Visa Infinite Privilege, with the odd Mastercard. While the credit card issuer will affect what the card offers, the type of card will as well. Both Visa Infinite Privilege and Amex Platinum are very different. Let’s take a look.
Visa Infinite Privilege
The thing about Visa Infinite Privilege cards is that they offer the most perks. This is because they’re the highest level of Visa traditional credit cards. While each credit card issuer offers its own perks, many are related to the Visa Infinite Privilege status. These cards also have a great rewards system. Even though they have high fees, they also have high limits, if any, and can provide some great benefits and savings to those who travel a lot.
Amex Platinum
Amex Platinum offers the most perks of all the Amex credit cards. There are no specified credit limits, and it has a higher annual fee than Visa Infinite Privilege cards. That said, the fees can be reduced with the platinum cards if you get the $200 annual travel credit, making the fee comparable.
If you travel a lot, Amex offers some fantastic perks that rival those of Visa Infinite Platinum. However, the one downside of Amex Platinum compared to Visa is that Amex isn’t accepted everywhere. Visa Infinite Platinum is more widely accepted.
Best Metal Credit Cards in Canada With No Annual Fee
Unfortunately, premium metal credit cards always have an annual fee. This is because these credit cards have high limits and are metal. They also offer plenty of great rewards. If you’re looking for a high-limit credit card with no annual fee, then an ordinary plastic card that offers some great alternatives may be the way to go. However, they still don’t offer all the benefits that only metal credit cards can.
Custom Metal Credit Cards in Canada
If you currently have a plastic credit card but want a metal one, a great option is to have a custom one made. There are a few different companies in Canada that actually offer this service.
Once you find a reputable custom metal credit card company, you can start to design your credit card. You can choose to have it made in 24k gold, chrome, silver, stainless steel or a bunch of other alloys. You can also fully customize the design. However, how much the metal credit card costs and how much the metal credit card is worth are based on which metal you choose.
Once you’ve designed it, you will send your plastic credit card off. However, you should make sure the card is locked and frozen so it can’t be used while it isn’t in your possession. Once you receive your new custom metal credit card, you can start using it again. However, you do need to take into account that the tap-and-pay function won’t be usable anymore.
Metal Debit Card Canada
Just like with metal credit cards, you can get custom metal debit cards. These aren’t issued by banks at all, but you can have one made. However, you won’t have access to the tap feature either.
If you’re looking outside the custom metal card route, your best option is KOHO. This comes with their Everything Plan, which has an annual fee of $177. While this is technically a prepaid Mastercard, it actually works as a debit card. You earn 4% interest on your balance, get up to 2% back on groceries,s as well as transport and food and drink, and you can even get up to 5% back at select merchants.
This plan also includes 50% off credit building, no foreign transaction fees and a free credit score. Plus, you don’t need a high-end credit card to get a metal card. You can get one with no interest rates and a reasonable annual fee.
RBC Metal Credit Cards
In fact, RBC does offer a metal credit card. This is the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege for Private Banking. This card is exclusive to their private banking clients and does have a high-income requirement. That said, the perks of this card are similar to those of other Visa Infinite Privilege cards. They have exclusive deals, travel perks and more.
However, now that RBC owns HSBC, another card that technically falls under them is the HSBC World Elite Mastercard. You can get this metal credit card directly from HSBC.
HSBC World Elite Mastercard
The HSBC World Elite Mastercard allows you to earn points and access exclusive benefits. You get premium lounge access to over 750 airport lounges around the world, and you can earn 2 points for every dollar spent in certain countries, whether overseas or online. You can then redeem these points for vouchers with top retailers or even travel.
Some travel benefits that are included are:
- 10% off select hotels through Expedia
- 10% off certain hotels booked through Agoda
Scotiabank Metal Credit Cards
Scotiabank offers a metal credit card called the Scotiabank Platinum American Express card. This card has a minimum credit limit of $10,000, an interest rate of 9.99% and an annual fee of $399. The perks included with this card are:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Mobile device insurance
- 10 complimentary airport lounge access passes
- American Express experiences
- Premium concierge services
- Amex offers
- Premium lifestyle experiences
- Hertz #1 Club Gold Member
- Scene points with every purchase
You can also get the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, which has an annual fee of $120 and rates of 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
How to Get A Metal Credit Card
There are two ways to get a metal credit card. You can have one custom-made from your current plastic credit card, or you can apply for one. However, there are some things to consider when considering both options.
If you choose to apply for a metal credit card, it’s important to note that 90% of these cards have a high-income requirement. This is because they’re high-limit, high-reward credit cards. They also require you to have a good-to-excellent credit score and a low debt-to-income ratio. Your credit history is also important. For this reason, it can be difficult to get approval.
The Most High-End Credit Card in Canada
In Canada, there are plenty of metal credit cards and other premium cards available to high-income individuals. These are considered to be more prestigious credit cards. This means that they include things like:
- Travel benefits
- High-quality rewards programs
- Concierge services
- Luxury perks
- Premium customer service
- High or no credit limits
Because of this, these credit cards are often difficult to get approved for. And, some credit cards are more prestigious than others. These are the cards that millionaires and others who have a lot of money tend to choose. That said, there is one that sits above the rest: the American Express Centurion Black Card.
American Express Centurion Black Card
The thing about the American Express Centurion Black Card is that it’s very exclusive, and Amex doesn’t reveal what it takes to get it. However, there are plenty of suspicions. It is believed that a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee are required. However, the card is notoriously known for being limitless. Essentially, you don’t apply for this credit card; if you qualify, then you will get one. It’s usually the top 1% of income earners in Canada who might get an invite.
The perks included with this card are:
- 1 point per dollar on all eligible purchases
- Complimentary elite status with leading hotel brands
- Automatic access to elite status with Delta Airlines
- Access to the Global Lounge Collection
- Invitation to Hertz Platinum Status and Avis President’s Club
- VIP Airport Arrival Services
- Free Equinox Gym Membership
- 24/7 Concierge Services
The unique thing about the American Express Black Card is that it’s different from your typical credit card. This is because it’s actually a charge card, meaning you cannot carry a balance and must pay it in full each billing period. It’s often used for high-value purchases such as cars or planes, and it saves the trouble of carrying cash or having funds wired. To even be considered for this card, you already have to have a high spending record on some of their other elite cards. Plus, you need a very good credit score.
Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege: Is It a Metal Credit Card?
If you bank and invest with Wealthsimple, then you have access to the Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege card. However, you only have the option of the metal card if you hold at least $100,000 in assets with Wealthsimple. You can also choose to just go the virtual card route if you don’t want a physical card.
What Card Do Billionaires in Canada Use?
In Canada, the most common credit card used by billionaires is the American Express Centurion. This card is also known as the Amex Black Card. This is a very exclusive card, strictly by invitation only. It’s also reported that there’s a multi-thousand-dollar fee to get started.
The Most Difficult Credit Card to Get in Canada
As you might have guessed, the most difficult credit card to get in Canada is the American Express Centurion card. The main reason is that you can’t even apply for one. You have to already be an American Express member and be invited to get a card.
What Do You Need to Qualify for a Metal Credit Card?
With a traditional metal credit card, there are specific requirements you must meet to be approved. These include:
- Meeting the personal income requirement
- Having a credit score of 660 or higher
- Having Canadian residency
- Being of the age of majority
You also have to be prepared to pay any required annual fees. Since most metal credit cards are considered premium cards, fees will start at around $200.
Banks That Offer Metal Credit Cards
In Canada, metal credit cards are exclusive cards offered by every financial institution. Many come with:
- high annual fees
- minimum income requirements
- premium membership rewards points
- Premium travel perks
- lounge passes
- comprehensive insurance coverage
Because of the exclusivity of these cards, not every financial institution offers them. Currently, you can get a metal card through:
- CIBC
- BMO
- TD
- RBC
- American Express
- KOHO
- Wealthsimple
Credit Score Needed for a Metal Credit Card
For most metal credit cards in Canada, you’re going to need a good credit score. This means your credit score should be between 660 and 700, or higher, before you apply. However, that still may not be enough to get approved. Many issuers have requirements beyond a good credit score.
Are These Credit Cards Worth the Annual Fee?
While these cards aren’t worth the annual fees for the metal card alone, it’s the perks that will determine whether the card is worth it. Many of the perks that you can look forward to include:
- Aeroplan Elite Status
- Free checked bags
- Accelerated rewards for electric vehicle charging
- Access to airport lounges worldwide
- $200 travel credit
- Annual lifestyle credit
- Complimentary valley service
- Unlimited airport lounge access
- 55 interest-free days on purchases
- Affordable balance transfers
- Priority security lane access at Toronto Pearson airport
- Accelerated rewards on everyday spending
- Exclusive travel perks
However, it’s important to note that not all cards offer the same perks. You should research each credit card individually to find the best card for you.
Disadvantages of Metal Credit Cards
While metal credit cards can be great, they also have some disadvantages. Not only do they have high annual fees, but they can also be difficult to destroy. You can’t just cut them up like a traditional credit card.
Another downside is that they don’t work with all card readers because they’re thicker. Many also don’t work with tap because the card’s metal interferes with the signal. On top of that, they’re also heavy, and they can trigger airport security.
The Cheapest Metal Credit Card in Canada
The cheapest metal credit card in Canada is the American Express Gold Rewards Card. It has an annual fee of only $250, and it’s made of yellow and rose gold. On top of the many other perks that you can get with this card, you can also get a $50 rebate on your NEXUS program application.
Is the KOHO Metal Card a Credit Card?
The KOHO metal body card is not your traditional credit card. It’s actually a prepaid card that lets you build your credit score by spending your own money. What you get included with the card depends on the program that you choose. Your options are:
- KOHO Essential
- KOHO Extra
- KOHO Everything
Disposing of an Old Metal Card
Metal credit cards are more difficult to dispose of than traditional cards. Your typical kitchen scissors aren’t going to do the trick. You’ll need heavier-duty metal cutters if you’re going to cut them yourself. However, you do also have some other options.
You can mail the card back to the issuer, and they will dispose of it for you. You can also drop it off at any branch of your bank. You shouldn’t get rid of it by:
- Using a paper shredder
- Using a third-party mailing service
- Throwing the card away intact
Comparison of Metal Credit Cards in Canada
With every credit card, there are many factors to consider. Here’s a look at the fees and minimum income requirements for each popular metal credit card.
| Metal Credit Card | Fees | Minimum Income Requirements |
| Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card | $599 | N/A |
| American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card | $599 | N/A |
| American Express Platinum Card | $799 | N/A |
| Business Platinum Card from American Express | $799 | N/A |
| American Express Gold Rewards Card | $250 | N/A |
| BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card | $599 | $150,000 for personal income or $200,000 in combined household income |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege | $599 | $150,000 for personal income or $200,000 in combined household income |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege | $599 | $150,000 for personal income or $200,000 in combined household income |
| CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege | $499 | $150,000 for personal income or $200,000 in combined household income |
The travel incentives each card offers are listed above.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to getting a metal credit card in Canada, there are plenty of options available to you. These include making your own metal credit card. That said, a custom metal credit card won’t have the same capabilities as a card that is given to you by the credit card issuer.
When it comes to getting a metal card issued to you, there are two main providers: American Express and Visa Infinite Privilege. However, Mastercard does have a few metal credit card options as well. The types of metal credit cards you do get will be based on your annual income, your credit score and other financial factors.
When you’re applying for these credit cards, you must consider what’s important to you. Each card will offer its own benefits, and some of those may not be what you’re looking for. It’s important to pay attention to FX fees, late fees, eligibility criteria, and even redemption options to redeem points. These cards can also be difficult to get approved for, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t get approved. There are plenty of plastic credit cards out there with amazing features.
