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A credit card account is more than just a financial instrument, you also get a physical object to carry around with you and present to merchants. And some card issuers feel that if you are going to carry this card around, it might as well look good. And some of the cards out there are downright stunners.
It’s easy to put a bunch of fancy graphics or attractive artwork on a credit card, and the market is filled with good-looking cards. To truly be cool these days, a credit card has to offer something different, such as novel material or a unique look. So here are six credit cards that dare to be cooler than your average piece of plastic.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
This card comes in a shade of deep blue, with the numbers printed on the back — and not even raised. But what really makes this card stand out is the solid piece of metal within. This metal core gives it a far more rigid feel than a traditional plastic credit card, and it’s noticeably heavier. But it’s also a card that carries its own weight, by offering double points on both travel and dining, as well as the ability to transfer points to airlines, hotels and Amtrak Guest Rewards. There is a $95 annual fee for this card and no foreign transaction fees.
2. Visa Black Card From Barclays
The Visa Black card is all about looking cool, and when it comes to its appearance, the name pretty much says it all. The front is black stainless steel, and the back has a carbon-fiber like pattern. This card also offers a 24-hour concierge service, airport business lounge access and a rewards program that offers 2% return on spending when purchasing airline tickets. There is a $495 annual fee for this card, and no foreign transaction fees.
3. Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card From Chase
This is an all-black card made of metal that will probably impress whoever you hand it to. New applicants receive 50,000 bonus points after spending just $1,000 in new purchases in the first three months of card membership. You can earn 5x points for spending at Marriott properties, 2x points on airline tickets, car rentals and at airports, and 1x on all other purchases. There is an $85 annual fee for this card that is waived the first year, and no foreign transaction fees. This card is best suited for applicants with a good credit score. You can check out an expert guide to picking a “good credit” credit card here.
4. Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card From Chase
It’s no coincidence that this card looks a lot like the Marriott card, as Ritz-Carlton is a subsidiary of Marriott. Like the Marriott card, this card is also pure black and made of metal, yet it offers benefits specifically tailored to Ritz-Carlton guests, such as three upgrades to the Ritz-Carlton Club Level each year, and a $100 hotel credit on paid stays of two nights or more. In addition, cardholders receive a $300 annual travel credit toward baggage fees, Global Entry fees, seat upgrades, airport lounge access and more. There is a $395 annual fee for this card, and no foreign transaction fees.
5. Citi Prestige Card
Although made of mere plastic, this card has an intricate design that uniquely includes its magnetic strip on its front. Benefits include access to the American Airlines Admiral’s club and the Priority Pass airport lounge networks, a fourth night free on hotel stays, and a $250 annual air travel credit. Points can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise and travel reservations, or transferred to miles with airline partners. There is a $450 annual fee for this card, and no foreign transaction fees. This card was named the Best Premium Credit Card in America for 2015.
6. The Palladium Card by JP Morgan Chase
This card is made of a shiny metal that contains trace amounts of palladium, a rare metal that is worth more than $600 an ounce. It also contains some gold and is laser-engraved with the cardholder’s information. Benefits include numerous travel insurance and purchase protection policies, as well as access to the Lounge Club airport lounge network. There is a $595 annual fee for this card that is only offered to Chase Private Bank customers.
Before you apply for any credit card, it’s important to make sure you meet the issuer’s general credit requirements. If you don’t quite meet the requirements for a card you have your heart set on, take some time to build your credit and apply when you’re within the issuer’s preferred range. You can get your credit scores for free from many sources, including Credit.com. It’s ideal to check the same score over time so that you can more clearly track your progress.
At publishing time, the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card From Chase and Citi Prestige are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply for and ultimately sign up for any of these cards. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment.
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.
More on Credit Cards:
- 6 Smart Credit Card Strategies
- How Secured Cards Can Help Build Credit
- Tips for Paying Off Credit Card Debt
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