Exploring metal cards: Status symbol or smart choice for the modern consumer

In today’s world, personal branding is everything and has gone far beyond clothing or accessories. Even your choice of credit card can make a statement. One such aspirational product in banking is metal credit cards, which are often perceived as being reserved for a select few, only for the ultra-rich.

The truth is, they are as much accessible to you as the next person, but are they really a smart choice, or simply a status symbol, a sign of exclusivity with only the premium look but no real perks? Read on to find out.  

What makes metal credit cards so desirable? 

What exactly is it about metal credit cards that have people swooning over them? Let’s find out.

Premium aesthetics
Metal cards have that premium aesthetic about them, drawing people in and looking luxurious. The unique look and feel instantly grab attention with its stylised design and material. It’s a subtle but unmistakable marker of sophistication. 

A sense of exclusivity
Metal Credit Cards have that exclusive air about them, often perceived as reserved for a select few.  They inherently communicate that the card holder belongs to a high financial bracket, and this perception adds to the card’s aspirational value. 

Tailored experiences 
Unlike basic credit cards, metal credit cards come packed with premium rewards designed to elevate everyday living, whether it’s complimentary airport lounge access for travel, exclusive dining privileges, or curated lifestyle upgrades. They set their users apart with real value and benefits.

Durability meets design
In addition to looking and feeling exclusive, metal cards also last much longer. Their make and material make them less prone to wear and tear, delivering durability with value. 

Why choose an IDFC FIRST bank metal credit card? 

IDFC FIRST Bank’s metal credit cards- Ashva and Mayura, don’t just look powerful, they deliver serious value with their perks. Here’s why these could be a great option for you:

• 1. Exceptional rewards & value
  Both Ashva and Mayura offer up to 60X never-expiring reward points on hotel and flight bookings made through the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app.  
• You can also earn up to 10X reward points on your incremental spends above ₹20,000 in a statement cycle.
• Mayura has a slight edge with points redeemed at up to ₹0.50 per point, while Ashva offers redemption value of up to ₹0.40 per point.  

2. Travel and global spending perks

• Ashva charges a low forex markup of just 1%, making overseas shopping or travel transactions far more cost efficient. Mayura goes further with 0% forex markup fees - zero extra cost on international spends.
• Both cards offer complimentary lounge access: Mayura provides 4 domestic and 4 international lounge accesses, while Ashva includes 4 domestic and 2 international lounge accesses.
• Both cards also provide premium golf privileges. With Mayura, you can enjoy up to two rounds or lessons per month when you spend ₹20,000 in the previous statement cycle. Ashva offers the same benefit, giving you up to two rounds or lessons each month based on ₹20,000 spent in the last cycle.

3. Insurance

• Both cards feature travel insurance, accident cover, lost card protections. 
• Ashva includes accidents and lost card liability cover up to certain amounts.
• Mayura offers a Free Trip Cancellation Cover of up to ₹50,000 per year for non-refundable hotel or flight cancellations, while Ashva provides a Free Trip Cancellation Cover of up to ₹25,000 per year for similar non-refundable travel bookings.

4. Transparent fees and upside for spenders

• Both cards can be availed at a reasonable joining fee – Ashva at ₹2,999 + GST and Mayura at ₹5,999 + GST. 
• Mayura’s benefits on international spends, bonus points, lounge access, and strong redemption value are especially suited for users who travel or spend internationally.
• Ashva’s lower forex charges and high reward multipliers make it attractive for frequent travellers who also want value domestically without excessive cost.

Metal credit cards: Who are they for?
While perceived as only for a select few, metal credit cards offer perks that cater to a wide demographic, and anyone and everyone can avail one for them, here’s who all stand to benefit the most: 

1. Professionals and entrepreneurs
Working professionals and entrepreneurs who spend on travel and business expenses can benefit from the card’s rewards as well as premium look and feel. 

2. Frequent travellers
For those who travel and fly often stand to benefit from the low forex charges, lounge access and travel insurance perks.  

3. Lifestyle-conscious consumers
Metal Credit Cards like those offered by IDFC FIRST Bank offer many benefits for lifestyle experiences, from dining out to movies for consumers who love to go for such experiences stand to reap the most benefits.

Conclusion
With IDFC FIRST Bank’s metal credit cards, you do not have to pick between style and substance, we make sure you get the best of all with premium rewards and practical features. If you want a credit card that is both a style statement and a practical tool, this is the one.

So, if you are wondering whether metal cards are simply a status symbol or truly a smart choice, the right card will always be the smart choice, with the sophisticated look we all crave.