Quick answer: A bank-issued metal card is a card your bank sends you, usually with the bank's perks and fees attached. A custom metal card from Solaris is a stainless steel body that holds your own bank chip. It is a style upgrade, not a new account. You keep your bank, your PIN and your limits, and you choose the look.
The main difference
A bank-issued metal card is a new product from your bank. You often have to qualify for it, and it may come with an annual fee and its own rewards. A custom metal card is different. You take the chip out of the plastic card you already have and move it into a Solaris metal card. Nothing about your account changes, and we never ask for your card or any account details.
Side by side
| Bank-issued metal card | Custom metal card (Solaris) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A new card from your bank | A metal body for your existing chip |
| Account | Often a new or upgraded account | Your same account, PIN and limits |
| Perks and rewards | Often included, sometimes with an annual fee | None added. It is a style upgrade |
| Design | Fixed by the bank | Many finishes, or your own custom engraving |
| Tap to pay | Usually yes | Yes with a contactless build (metal front, plastic back). Full-metal cards can't tap |
| Setup | Apply and wait for approval | Order, then move your chip in about 5 minutes |
Why choose a custom metal card?
- You keep what you have. Same bank, same account, same PIN.
- You choose the look. Pick a finish, a design or your own name. See our custom metal card ideas.
- No application. There is no approval step and no new credit check.
When a bank-issued metal card is the better choice
Here is the honest answer. If you want the bank's rewards, travel perks or concierge service, those come only from the bank's own card. A custom metal card does not add any perks. It gives you the weight, feel and look of metal on the card you already use. Many people choose both: they keep the perks of their bank card and put it in a metal body they love.
How does it work?
The chip is the part that talks to your bank. You move it from your plastic card into the metal body yourself, following our chip installation tutorial. Your original card never leaves your hands. In our experience, banks do not mind this, since the chip does all the work and the metal body holds no account data. Rules can differ by bank and country, so if you want to be certain, check your card agreement. Our How It Works page shows every step.
Delivery to the USA and EU
Standard shipping to the USA and EU takes about 9 to 10 days. Express shipping takes about 5 to 6 days and includes priority production and engraving.
Frequently asked questions
Is a custom metal card a real bank card?
It is a metal body that holds your own bank chip. Your bank account and card details stay exactly as they were. It does not add perks or change your account.
Do I need to apply or pass a credit check?
No. You use the chip from the card you already have.
Can a custom metal card tap to pay?
Yes, with a contactless build that has a metal front and a plastic back. Full-metal cards cannot tap. Read How Contactless Metal Cards Work.
Are metal cards worth it?
If you value the look and feel, many people say yes. See our honest take in Are Metal Cards Worth It?.
How long does delivery take?
About 9 to 10 days with standard shipping and 5 to 6 days with express to the USA and EU.
Browse the American Express-inspired collection
Solaris Metal Cards designs are inspired by well-known card styles. We are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, any bank or card network.
