Quick answer: A custom metal card is a stainless steel card with your name, signature or design laser-engraved on it. You move your own bank chip into it, and it works like your old plastic card. Below are 8 custom metal card ideas, plus simple tips to get a clean, sharp engraving.
What is a custom metal card?
A custom metal card starts as a stainless steel body. A laser burns your design into the metal, so it will not peel or fade like a print. You then move the chip from your existing bank card into it. The transfer takes about 5 minutes and you do it yourself at home, so your original card never leaves your hands. See the How It Works page for the full steps.
8 custom metal card ideas
1. Name only: the minimalist card
Just your name, nothing else. It is the cleanest, most timeless look and the easiest to engrave well. Try the Name Only | Minimalist Card.
2. Your own signature
Turn your real signature into the design. It feels personal, and no two cards are the same. See the Signature Card.
3. A fully custom design
Want your own idea? Start with Customize Your Own or browse the Customize Your Own collection. You can also use the Card Field Designer to lay out your card. We also have dedicated customize pages for the Gold AMEX, Black Centurion and Dubai Royal.
4. Royal Arabic design on solid brass
The Dubai Royal Card pairs an Arabic royal design with solid brass. It has a warm, heavy, gold look that stainless steel does not give.
5. Statement cards about money and hustle
Bold, fun and made for sharing. Look at the Hustle $ Card, the Millionaires Club Card or the Money Card.
6. Art you can carry
Famous art looks sharp on metal. The Great Wave Card brings Hokusai's wave to your wallet.
7. Script and dragon designs
For something dramatic, try the Script Dragon Card, an East Asian dragon design engraved in steel.
8. A card for your business
Founders and professionals like a card that matches their brand. The Black Business AMEX is a sharp, serious choice. Also read why a metal card makes a great business card.
Tips for a clean engraving
- Keep it short. A short name engraves sharper than a long line of text.
- Use fewer elements. One strong idea looks better than five small ones.
- Leave space around the chip. Keep text and artwork clear of the chip area so nothing looks crowded.
- Choose clear lettering. Simple, bold fonts read better in metal than thin, fancy ones.
Can a custom card tap to pay?
Yes, with a contactless build. Any black design card can be made contactless in the small chip setup. A contactless card has a metal front and a plastic back, because metal blocks the tap signal. The back is printed instead of engraved, because plastic cannot go under the laser. Read How Contactless Metal Cards Work to find out more.
A custom metal card makes a great gift
A personalised card is a gift nobody else will have. See our metal card gift guide for men, or ask yourself are metal cards worth it? before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put my name on a metal card?
Yes. Choose the Name Only card or Customize Your Own, and your name is laser-engraved into stainless steel.
What are custom metal cards made of?
Most are laser-engraved stainless steel. The Dubai Royal Card is solid brass.
How do I put my bank chip into a custom metal card?
You move the chip yourself. It takes about 5 minutes, and our chip installation tutorial shows every step. We never ask for your original card.
Can a custom metal card be contactless?
Yes. Any black design card can be made contactless in the small chip setup. It has a metal front and a printed plastic back.
Do I need to know how to design?
No. Start with a pre-made design from the pre-made designs collection, or pick the simple Name Only card.
Start designing your custom metal card
Solaris Metal Cards designs are inspired by well-known card styles. We are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, any bank or card network.
