Quick answer: Yes, a metal card works anywhere you can insert the chip and enter your PIN, including most ATMs and card terminals. The one thing a full-metal card cannot do is tap to pay, because solid metal blocks the contactless signal. If you want to tap, you can choose a contactless metal card, which has a metal front and a plastic back.
What works and what doesn't: at a glance
| Situation | Works? |
|---|---|
| Chip and PIN at a shop terminal | Yes |
| ATM withdrawal (insert the chip) | Yes, at ATMs that read chips |
| Tapping a full-metal card | No, metal blocks the signal |
| Tapping a contactless metal card (metal front, plastic back) | Yes |
| Tapping with your phone wallet | Yes, if your bank supports it |
| Swiping the magnetic stripe | No, the stripe is left blank on purpose |
Why does a metal card work at all?
The part of a bank card that talks to your bank is the chip, not the plastic. A Solaris metal card is a laser-engraved stainless steel body built to hold your own chip. You move the chip from your existing bank card into the metal body yourself, and the whole job takes about 5 minutes. Your account, your PIN and your limits stay exactly the same because the chip is still yours. Your original card never leaves your hands, and we never take possession of it.
Want to see the process? Read our complete guide to turning a plastic bank card into a metal card or follow the chip installation tutorial.
Do metal cards work at ATMs?
Yes. Insert the card chip-first, enter your PIN, and withdraw as usual. Most modern ATMs read the chip, so a metal card behaves like your old plastic one. The exception is an older machine that only reads a swipe. The magnetic stripe on our cards is intentionally left unprogrammed, so a swipe-only machine will not be able to read it. For everyday banking, chip and PIN is the method to rely on.
Can you tap to pay with a metal card?
Not with a full-metal card. Contactless payments use a small radio antenna, and solid metal blocks that signal. There are two simple ways to tap:
- Choose a contactless metal card. It has a metal front and a plastic back, so the signal can pass through. We offer Platinum AMEX, Black AMEX and any black design as contactless. See the Tap to Pay AMEX Black Centurion Card and read How Contactless Metal Cards Work for the full explanation.
- Use your phone. If your bank lets you add your card to a phone wallet, you can tap with your phone and keep the metal card for chip and PIN.
Our Contactless & Tap to Pay page has more detail.
Why is the magnetic stripe blank?
It is a deliberate security choice. Stripe skimmers copy the data on a swipe stripe. A blank stripe gives them nothing to copy. The chip, which is far harder to clone, handles your payments instead.
Which metal card should you choose?
If you mostly use chip and PIN, any finish will do the job, so choose on style. The Gold AMEX Metal Card is a classic, the Platinum AMEX Metal Card is understated, and the Black Centurion AMEX Metal Card is our best seller. Not sure it is worth it? Read Are Metal Cards Worth It? An Honest Look Before You Buy. You can also check compatibility with our Will Your Card Work? page.
Frequently asked questions
Do metal cards work at ATMs?
Yes. Insert the chip, enter your PIN and withdraw as normal at any ATM that reads chips. Swipe-only machines will not read the card because its magnetic stripe is left blank on purpose.
Can you tap to pay with a metal card?
Not with a full-metal card, because metal blocks the contactless signal. A contactless metal card, with a metal front and a plastic back, can tap. You can also tap with your phone wallet if your bank supports it.
How long does it take to put my chip into a metal card?
About 5 minutes. You do it yourself at home, and your original card stays with you the whole time.
Why does my metal card not work in a swipe machine?
The magnetic stripe is intentionally left unprogrammed as a security feature. Use chip and PIN instead.
Will my account or PIN change?
No. The chip inside is your bank's own, so your account, PIN and limits stay the same. If you are unsure about your bank's rules on altering cards, it is worth a quick look at their terms.
Browse the American Express-inspired collection or design your own 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.
