Best Metal Credit Cards in India 2026

A metal credit card is no longer just a status symbol in India. Over the last few years, metal credit cards in India have moved from being rare, invite-only products to structured premium offerings with clearly defined rewards, travel privileges, concierge services, and lifestyle benefits.

For high-income professionals, business owners, and frequent travellers, a metal credit card often sits at the top of the wallet not because it looks premium, but because it delivers tangible value through higher reward rates, airport benefits, and exclusive access.

This guide breaks down what a metal credit card actually offers, how much it costs, the best metal credit cards in India, and, most importantly, whether paying ₹10,000–₹70,000 in annual fees makes financial sense for you. 

Table of Contents:

1. What Are Metal Credit Cards?
2. Why Are Metal Credit Cards Considered Premium?
3. Best Metal Credit Cards in India
4. Fees & Costs of Metal Credit Cards
5. Metal Credit Cards vs Premium Plastic Credit Cards
6. Who Should Consider a Metal Credit Card?
7. Who Should Avoid Metal Credit Cards?
8. How to Choose the Right Metal Credit Card in India
9. Are Metal Credit Cards Worth It in India?
10. FAQs on Metal Credit Cards

What Are Metal Credit Cards?

A metal credit card is a premium credit card made partially or fully from stainless steel, titanium, or alloy-based materials instead of PVC plastic. The metal construction increases durability and weight, but the real differentiation lies in eligibility, pricing, and bundled benefits.

Key structural characteristics include:

• Weight typically between 12–18 grams (plastic cards are ~5 grams)
   
• EMV chip and NFC contactless support similar to plastic cards
   
• Issued only on premium card networks such as Visa Infinite, Mastercard World Elite, or American Express
   
• Often, it is invitation-only or relationship-based issuance

From a usage standpoint, metal credit cards function exactly like plastic cards at POS terminals and online platforms. The difference is not acceptance, but access — access to higher credit limits, premium reward structures, and exclusive services.

Takeaway: A metal credit card is not about looks; it is about access to premium banking ecosystems built for high-value customers.

Why Are Metal Credit Cards Considered Premium?

Metal credit cards in India are positioned as premium because banks attach them to customers with higher income stability, asset backing, or long-term banking relationships. The card itself is a signal of creditworthiness and spending capacity.

Reasons metal cards sit at the top tier:

• Higher eligibility thresholds: Income requirements often exceed ₹25–50 lakh annually
   
• Superior reward economics: Reward rates of 3–5% on general spends vs 0.5–1% on entry cards
   
• Uncapped or high spend limits: Monthly limits can exceed ₹10–25 lakh, depending on profile
   
• Lifestyle privileges: Unlimited airport lounge access, golf games, concierge, luxury hotel programs
   
• Dedicated relationship support: Priority customer care and faster dispute resolution

Banks also recover costs through high annual fees, which fund reward programs, partner benefits, and customer servicing infrastructure.

Takeaway: Metal credit cards are premium because banks design them for customers who spend heavily and consistently, not occasionally.

Best Metal Credit Cards in India 2026

Below are the leading metal credit cards in India currently available across major banks. Each caters to a specific spending and lifestyle profile.

1. HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card

HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition is considered the benchmark metal credit card in India. It is targeted at ultra-high-income customers with strong banking relationships. The card offers high reward rates across most spending categories with industry-leading redemption flexibility.

HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card – Metal Edition

• Joining Fee: ₹12,500 + GST
• Annual Fee: ₹12,500 + GST (waived on ₹10 lakh annual spend)

Key Features & Benefits:

• 5 reward points per ₹150 on all spends (up to 3.33% value via airmiles)
• Unlimited domestic and international lounge access with up to 12 guest visits per year
• Complimentary Club Marriott membership for 1 year (worth ₹15,000) along with 12,500 welcome reward points
• Low 2% forex markup on international spends and 1.99% monthly interest rate
• Renewal fee waiver on ₹10 lakh annual spends; accelerated 10X reward points via HDFC SmartBuy portal
• 24x7 concierge services, complimentary golf rounds, and insurance cover up to ₹3 crore

Also, check the complete rewards, cashback options, and premium benefits of the HDFC Infinia Credit Card.

2. HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card

The HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card is designed for frequent travellers and professionals who prefer premium dining, travel rewards, and international acceptance within the Diners ecosystem.

• Joining Fee: ₹10,000 + GST
• Annual Fee: ₹10,000 + GST (waived on ₹8 lakh annual spend)

Key Features & Benefits:

• 5 reward points per ₹150 spent with up to 10X points on SmartBuy (up to 3.33% reward value)
• Unlimited domestic and international lounge access with up to 24 complimentary golf games or lessons annually
• Complimentary Swiggy One, Amazon Prime, and Club Marriott memberships
• 2% forex markup with no additional cash advance fee beyond standard charges
• ₹1 crore air accident insurance cover with 24x7 concierge support
• Low rent payment fee of 1%, capped at ₹3,000 per transaction

3. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card

Axis Bank Magnus is issued in metal form to select eligible customers, particularly those under Burgundy relationships. It focuses on milestone-based rewards and luxury lifestyle privileges.

• Joining fee: ₹12,500 + GST
• Annual fee: ₹12,500 + GST (waived on ₹25 lakh spend)

Key Features & Benefits: 

• Earn 12 EDGE reward points per ₹200 spent up to ₹1.5 lakh monthly and 35 EDGE points thereafter (up to 5% value)
• Unlimited airport lounge access worldwide, along with vouchers worth ₹10,000+ annually
• 2% forex markup with 1% fuel surcharge waiver capped at ₹400 per month
• Complimentary golf rounds and lessons with 24x7 concierge services
• Insurance cover including ₹2.5 crore air accident and personal accident protection
• Annual milestone vouchers on cumulative spends between ₹7.5–30 lakh
• No cash withdrawal fees across ATMs

Want detailed info about its benefits, rewards, and charges? Check Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card.

4. Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card 

This card is reserved for Axis Bank’s Burgundy Private clients and is among the most exclusive metal credit cards in India. It is positioned as a relationship-driven offering rather than a publicly marketed card.

• Joining Fee: Nil (by invitation)
• Annual Fee: Nil (subject to relationship criteria)

Key Features & Benefits:

• Earn 15 EDGE reward points per ₹200 spent (around 1.5% base return)
• Unlimited airport lounge access globally with complimentary guest visits and zero forex markup
• No cash advance fees or interest on extended credit facilities
• Complimentary bank locker access along with unlimited RTGS and NEFT transactions
• Golf privileges, hotel elite memberships, and eligibility linked to ₹5 crore total relationship value
• Comprehensive insurance covers with 24x7 global concierge support
• Premium metal card delivered in a secure presentation box

5. ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

ICICI Emeralde Private is a metal credit card offered to select wealth management clients. It focuses on lifestyle, travel, and premium service access rather than aggressive reward rates.

• Joining fee: ₹12,499 + taxes
• Annual fee: ₹12,499 + taxes (waived on ₹10 lakh spend)

Key Features & Benefits:

• Earn 6 reward points per ₹200 on online spends and 3 points on offline spends (up to 6% value)
• Unlimited domestic and international lounge access along with complimentary global golf benefits
• Competitive forex markup of 1.99% on international transactions
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver capped at ₹1,000 per statement cycle
• Annual welcome benefit of 12,500 reward points
• EazyDiner dining discounts up to 20% and a complimentary Taj Epicure membership
• No cash advance fees across transactions

6. SBI Aurum Credit Card

SBI Aurum Credit Card is SBI’s flagship metal credit card aimed at senior professionals and high-income salaried individuals. It offers straightforward benefits without complex reward structures.

• Joining fee: ₹9,999 + GST
• Annual fee: ₹9,999 + GST (waived on ₹12 lakh spend)

Key Features & Benefits:

• Earn 4 reward points per ₹100 on domestic spends and 20 points per ₹100 on international spends
• Complimentary access to 8 domestic and 6 international airport lounges per year (not unlimited)
• Travel insurance cover of ₹1 crore with air accident insurance up to ₹4 crore
• Welcome benefit of 40,000 reward points on card issuance
• Complimentary golf lessons along with 24x7 concierge support
• 3.5% forex markup on international transactions
• Movie ticket discounts via the BookMyShow platform

7. American Express Platinum Credit Card

The American Express Platinum Credit Card is one of the most globally recognised metal credit cards. In India, it focuses heavily on concierge services, luxury travel, and curated experiences rather than conventional rewards.

• Joining fee: ₹66,000 + GST
• Annual fee: ₹66,000 + GST (no waiver)

Key Features & Benefits:

• Welcome benefit of 100,000 Membership Rewards points (worth ₹50,000+ depending on redemption)
• Unlimited global airport lounge access with complimentary Marriott Bonvoy and Taj Gold status
• Annual renewal vouchers worth up to ₹35,000 based on usage
• Access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program with room upgrades and hotel credits
• Global concierge support with access to wine tastings and curated culinary events
• 1:1 reward point transfers to 15+ international airline partners
• Comprehensive travel and purchase protection insurance covers

8. IDFC FIRST Mayura Metal Credit Card

IDFC FIRST Mayura Metal Credit Card targets professionals seeking premium features without extreme annual fees. It combines metal aesthetics with practical benefits like zero forex markup.

• Joining fee: ₹5,999 + GST
• Annual fee: ₹5,999 + GST

Key Features & Benefits:

• Earn 10X reward points on monthly spends above ₹20,000 and on birthday spends with zero forex markup
• Complimentary access to 4 domestic (1 guest) and 4 international lounges per quarter (spend-based)
• Up to 40 complimentary golf rounds or lessons annually
• Welcome benefit of 12,000 reward points on activation
• Trip cancellation insurance cover and dining privilege programs
• Overall low fee structure compared to other premium metal credit cards

9. IDFC FIRST Ashva Metal Credit Card

Ashva is IDFC FIRST Bank’s premium metal credit card aimed at affluent professionals who want predictable returns without complex milestones.

• Joining fee: ₹2,999 + GST
• Annual fee: ₹2,999 + GST

Key Features & Benefits:

• Earn 10X reward points on incremental spends above ₹20,000 per statement cycle and on birthday spends; 5X points on spends up to ₹20,000
• Welcome benefit of 2,500 reward points plus up to ₹2,000 cashback on eligible fee or spend milestones
• Airport lounge access of 4 domestic and 2 international lounges per quarter (spend-based), including one complimentary domestic guest visit
• Low forex markup of 1% along with 5% cashback on eligible EMI transactions
• Up to 24 complimentary golf rounds or lessons annually, subject to spend qualification
• Trip cancellation cover up to ₹50,000 along with other insurance protections
• Movie ticket offers, including Buy-One-Get-One up to ₹400 twice per month, plus dining and fuel benefits
• Competitive interest rate of around 2.99% per month

Comparison Table: Best Metal Credit Cards in India

Card Name	Annual Fee (₹)	Best For
HDFC Infinia	12,500 + GST	High spenders seeking max rewards
Diners Club Black Metal	10,000 + GST	Travel and dining users
Axis Magnus	12,500 + GST	Milestone luxury spenders
Axis Burgundy Private	Nil (private clients)	Private banking clients
ICICI Emeralde Private	12,499 + GST	Lifestyle/service users
SBI Aurum	9,999 + GST	Senior professionals
Amex Platinum	66,000 + GST	Luxury travel/concierge
IDFC FIRST Mayura	5,999 + GST	Value premium users
IDFC FIRST Ashva	2,999 + GST	Entry-level metal users

If you're evaluating multiple high-end cards, this guide on the best premium credit cards in India helps you compare rewards, fees, and lifestyle privileges side by side.

Fees & Costs of Metal Credit Cards (What You Actually Pay)

The cost of owning a metal credit card goes beyond the annual fee. Understanding the full cost structure is essential before applying.

Typical cost components include:

• Joining fee: ₹2,999 to ₹60,000 depending on card tier
• Annual renewal fee: Often equal to the joining fee
• GST: 18% applied on all fees
• Forex markup: Ranges from 2% to 3.5% unless waived
• Opportunity cost: Spend thresholds required for fee waivers

For example, a ₹12,500 annual fee card effectively costs ₹14,750, including GST, unless waived through spending.

Takeaway: Metal credit cards reward usage. Idle ownership leads to poor value recovery.

Metal Credit Cards vs Premium Plastic Credit Cards

Metal credit cards in India generally deliver deeper rewards, higher caps, and stronger exclusivity compared to premium plastic cards. Plastic cards such as HDFC Regalia Gold or Axis Atlas are easier to access and suit mid-tier spenders, while metal cards are designed for users with ₹8–10 lakh+ annual spends who can extract value at scale.

To understand the difference, consider a ₹12 lakh annual spend split across 40% travel and 30% dining. A metal credit card can generate nearly ₹45,000 in net value after fees, driven by higher reward rates, milestone vouchers, and unlimited lounge access. A comparable premium plastic card typically delivers around ₹20,000 in value with capped lounges and fewer accelerators.

Aspect	Metal Credit Cards	Premium Plastic Credit Cards
Fees	₹10,000–₹60,000; waived on high spends	₹1,000–₹5,000; lower waiver slabs
Reward Rate	3–5% effective + milestones	1–2.5% with limited boosts
Lounge Access	Unlimited domestic & international + guests	8–12 domestic, 2 international
Forex Markup	0–2%	~3.5% standard
Milestones	Frequent vouchers/hotel benefits	Limited annual benefits
Lifestyle Perks	Golf rounds, hotel elite status, and concierge	Dining offers, basic golf access
Insurance	₹1–5 crore covers	₹50 lakh–₹1 crore
Eligibility	Invite-only / high ITR or assets	Easier salaried eligibility
Net ROI (₹10L spend)	2.5–4× annual fee value	1.5–2× annual fee value

Takeaway: Upgrade to a metal credit card only after maximising premium plastic benefits. If annual spends exceed ₹8 lakh and rewards plus perks are at least twice the fee, metal cards make financial sense; otherwise, plastic cards deliver most of the value at a much lower cost.

Who Should Consider a Metal Credit Card?

Metal credit cards in India are best suited for users who:

• Spend ₹6–10 lakh or more annually on cards
• Travel frequently for business or leisure
• Value airport, hotel, and concierge privileges
• Can meet spend-based fee waiver conditions
• Maintain strong banking relationships

Guidance: If rewards and benefits exceed fees by at least 20–30%, the card makes financial sense.

Who Should Avoid Metal Credit Cards?

You should avoid metal credit cards if:

• Annual card spends are below ₹3–4 lakh
• You primarily use cards for EMI or utility payments
• You prefer no-fee or cashback cards
• You do not travel or use lifestyle benefits

Guidance: Premium plastic cards often deliver better value for low to moderate spenders.

How to Choose the Right Metal Credit Card in India

When selecting a metal credit card, evaluate:

• Annual spend vs fee waiver threshold
• Reward redemption flexibility
• Travel and lounge usage frequency
• Forex spending patterns
• Bank relationship requirements

Matching your spending behaviour to the card structure is critical.

Are Metal Credit Cards Worth It in India?

A metal credit card in India is worth it only if your lifestyle and spending naturally unlock its benefits. For the right user, it can deliver more value than its annual fee.
For everyone else, premium plastic cards often offer better efficiency with lower financial commitment.

Final takeaway: Metal credit cards reward alignment, not aspiration.

Want to compare metal cards with the best cards in every category? Explore the complete list of Best Credit Cards in India on Finology Select to compare features, rewards, fees, and benefits before making your choice.

FAQs on Metal Credit Cards

1. What is a metal credit card in India?
A metal credit card is a premium card made from metal alloy, offering higher rewards, limits, and lifestyle benefits compared to plastic cards.

2. Are metal credit cards better than plastic cards?
They are better only for high spenders who use premium benefits; otherwise, plastic cards offer better cost efficiency.

3. Which is the best metal credit card in India?
HDFC Infinia Metal and Axis Magnus Metal are among the best metal credit cards based on rewards and privileges.

4. Is there any free metal credit card in India?
Some private banking cards, like Axis Burgundy Private, may be issued with no annual fe,e subject to relationship criteria.

5. Do metal credit cards have higher credit limits?
Yes, metal credit cards usually come with significantly higher credit limits based on income and assets.

6. Can metal credit cards be used everywhere?
Yes, they work like regular cards at all POS terminals and online platforms.