Credit card rewards are constantly evolving and becoming more valuable than ever before. However, it’s not just unique perks such as dining credits, Uber credits and automatic elite status that set cards apart — it’s also how they physically look.
Following Chase’s highly successful launch of the Chase Sapphire Reserve in 2016, there’s been a rapid rise in metal cards on the market as issuers compete to offer the most eye-popping designs. And it isn’t just premium credit cards with these sleek new looks — even some low- and no-annual-fee credit cards have gotten spiffy makeovers.
Cool-looking cards make for a great conversation starter, but this shouldn’t be the only reason to apply for a credit card. If you’re on the hunt for your next card — whether it’s for traveling, airport lounge access or beyond — we’ve got you covered.
If you’re all about aesthetics, check out our picks for the prettiest cards. (Notably missing from this list are invitation-only cards like the titanium-crafted Centurion Card from American Express and J.P. Morgan Reserve Card).
The information for the Centurion Card from American Express and J.P. Morgan Reserve Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
American Express Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card doesn’t just take the cake for one of the highest returns on dining at restaurants and groceries at U.S. supermarkets, but it’s also the best-looking card publicly available, in our opinion. You can get the card in two different shiny metal forms: Gold and the wildly popular Rose Gold. There was also a period in mid-2024 where you could get a limited-edition White Gold card.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. According to TPG’s January 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $1,200. Some people may be targeted for an even higher welcome offer via the CardMatch Tool (though keep in mind that offers are subject to change at any time).
Standout benefits: Earn 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year at U.S. supermarkets, then 1 point per dollar spent) and 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. You also get up to $120 annually in dining credits per calendar year that you can use at merchants such as Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com and Five Guys, as well as up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S.
To receive this benefit you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App. The Amex Gold also offers up to $84 per calendar year (up to $7 per month) for Dunkin’ purchases in the U.S. and up to $100 in Resy credits every calendar year. This credit is divided into $50 credits biannually. Enrollment is required.
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Related: A complete guide to the Amex Gold dining credit
Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)
To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Gold Card.
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express comes in a sleek — wait for it — platinum color. The metal card weighs 0.7 ounces and came out as one of the strongest (least bendy) cards in our battle of the metal cards. Since 2022, both new and existing cardholders can also choose a card from options designed by artists Julie Mehretu and Kehinde Wiley.
Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This bonus is worth $1,600 according to TPG’s January 2025 valuations. Some people may be targeted for an even higher welcome offer via the CardMatch Tool (offers are subject to change at any time).
Standout benefits: This card earns a stellar 5 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly with the airline or Amex Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels purchased through Amex Travel, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Every calendar year, you get up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, up to $200 in Uber credits, up to $100 in credit at Saks Fifth Avenue and up to $240 digital entertainment credit with Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock and The Wall Street Journal.
The perks don’t stop there; for avid travelers, the card offers up to $200 on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection (requires a two-night minimum stay) per calendar year and up to a $120 statement credit for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee. Additionally, the card offers unparalleled lounge access and automatic elite status with Hilton and Marriott, among other perks. Enrollment is required. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit in the US.
Related: How to maximize benefits with the Amex Platinum Card
Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)
To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Platinum.
Apply here: Platinum Card from American Express
Limited-edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Though no longer available, the limited-edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card certainly earned a spot on our list of prettiest cards. The sleek design is made with 25% metal from a retired Delta Boeing 747 aircraft and was available to new and existing cardholders while supplies lasted through early August 2022. A new version of the card was released earlier this year while supplies lasted, and it’s possible we could see another return in the future.
Welcome bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership. Based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations, the welcome bonus is worth $840. Some people may be targeted for an even higher welcome offer via the CardMatch Tool (offers are subject to change at any time).
Standout benefits: This card earns 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases. As a cardholder, you get complimentary Delta Sky Club access* when traveling on a same-day, Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
You also get free access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta with a ticket purchased on a U.S.-issued American Express card. Additionally, you’ll receive a domestic first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin round-trip companion certificate each year when you renew the card.
The companion pass is valid in all 50 U.S. states (including Hawaii and Alaska), Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Cardmembers also earn 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for every $10 spent, with no limit on how many MQDs you can earn, plus an MQD boost of 2,500 MQDs each calendar year.
*Beginning in February 2025, Delta Sky Club visits are limited to 15 free annual visits, with unlimited annual visits after spending $75,000 in a calendar year.
Related: Delta Amex changes in 2024: Higher annual fees, new and enhanced perks
Annual fee: $650 (see rates and fees)
To learn more, read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The 0.5-ounce Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a minimalist design and was so popular when it first came out that there was a shortage of the metal it was made of.
Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. This bonus is worth $1,230, according to TPG’s January 2025 valuations.
Standout benefits: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel (excluding the annual $300 travel credit) and dining at restaurants and 10 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides (through March 2025). The annual $300 credit covers travel-related costs such as hotels, airfare, tolls, train tickets and almost anything that codes as a travel purchase by the merchant.
Other benefits include primary auto rental insurance, trip cancellation coverage and no foreign transaction fees.
Related: Which purchases count as travel with Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Annual fee: $550
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One may not be the bank that first comes to mind when you think of sleek cards, but the Venture X comes with a design that looks right at home next to other premium cards. In addition to the design, though, the card sports a lower annual fee than some of its competitors, which adds to its value.
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. According to TPG’s January 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $1,388.
Standout benefits: With this card, you’ll earn 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases. You’ll also get 10,000 bonus miles every year on your anniversary, a $300 annual credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel and up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit. As a cardholder, you also will enjoy unlimited complimentary visits to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges, with the ability to bring up to two guests at no additional cost.
Related: How the Capital One Venture X travel credit can save you $300 on your next trip
Annual fee: $395
To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture X
Learn more: Capital One Venture X
Bottom line
Issuers want you to feel proud when handing over your credit card to merchants. While the prettiest cards are often also the most rewarding, how a card looks shouldn’t be a determining factor when you’re thinking about which one to apply for next. We offer plenty of resources, such as our monthly roundup of limited-time and new welcome offers, that you can use as a guide to decide which card would be the most beneficial addition to your wallet.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex, click here.
