Quick answer: Yes. A metal card is as safe as the chip inside it. Your payments are handled by your own bank chip, not by the metal. The metal body stores no account data, and on our cards the magnetic stripe is left blank on purpose. Here is how that works and how to keep your card safe.
Where does the security come from?
The chip does all the work. When you pay, the chip talks to the terminal and creates a unique code for that one payment. That is much harder to copy than the old magnetic stripe. A metal card is simply a stronger, better-looking body for that same chip. We never ask for your card, your card number or any account details, and the metal body holds none of that information.
Why is the magnetic stripe blank?
It is a deliberate security choice. Skimmers that copy a swipe stripe have nothing to read on a blank one. Payments go through the chip instead. The trade-off is that a swipe-only machine can't read the card, so use chip and PIN. Read Do Metal Cards Work? ATMs, Chip Readers and Tap to Pay Explained for more.
What about the engraving on the card?
Engraving is only for looks. It does not connect to your account in any way. If you want custom text, you can engrave your name or any design. You can even use dummy details, such as a made-up number, because the chip is what makes the card work. Our advice: do not engrave your real card number, expiry date or security code. A card that shows your real details gives anyone who sees it more than they need.
Is tap to pay safe on a metal card?
Full-metal cards cannot tap at all, because metal blocks the signal. Contactless metal cards have a metal front and a plastic back, so they can tap. Tap payments only work at very short range, a few centimetres from a terminal. Read How Contactless Metal Cards Work to see how the tap works.
Is it safe to move my chip into a metal card?
You do it yourself at home, so your original card never leaves your hands. We never accept or ask for your card. The transfer takes about 5 minutes and our chip installation tutorial shows each step. If you would rather not do it yourself, a local technician can follow the tutorial for you. In our experience, banks do not mind a chip being moved, because the chip does all the work and nothing about your account changes. Rules can differ by bank and country, so if you want to be sure, check your card agreement.
6 simple ways to keep any card safe
- Keep your PIN private and never write it on the card.
- Engrave your name or a design, not your real card number.
- Check your statements often.
- Report a lost card to your bank straight away, just as you would with plastic.
- Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN.
- Use chip and PIN or tap instead of swiping where you can.
Frequently asked questions
Are metal cards safe to use?
Yes. The chip handles every payment. The metal body stores no account data.
Can a metal card be skimmed?
Our cards have a blank magnetic stripe, so a swipe skimmer has nothing to copy. Payments use the chip.
Should I engrave my real card number?
No. Engraving is only decoration, so use your name, a design or dummy details instead.
Does a metal card change my account or PIN?
No. It uses your own chip, so your account, PIN and limits stay the same.
Do you need my bank card to make mine?
No. We never ask for or accept your card. You move the chip yourself.
See our specs and quality details or 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.
