Premium Metals: Solid Gold Cards (18k) — Why Exclusivity Still Needs a Physical Symbol
Premium Metals: Solid Gold Cards (18k) A card worth its weight in gold. Crafted from pure 18k gold, SwipeMetal’s Premium Metals collection is more than a membership card — it’s a statement piece designed for those who demand prestige, exclusivity and lasting value. Exclusivity note: SwipeMetal offers a fully contactless solid-gold card as part of this collection. A detailed brochure is available only upon consultation. Explore custom metal cards or request a private consultation to discuss commissioning options. The Premium Metals Standard Premium Metals solid gold cards are commissioned as investment-grade pieces, with provenance-led finishing and a consultation-first process. Hallmarked by London Assay Office Insured worldwide delivery Lifetime certification Three Masterpieces: Choose Your Gold Card Format The collection includes three distinct builds — each engineered for permanence, distinction and function. Option Designed For What Makes It Distinct Solid Gold Bank Cards Elite financial identity Pure 18k gold form factor designed to embody wealth, permanence and distinction Gold NFC Business Cards Modern introductions, tap-to-share Premium gold craftsmanship combined with contactless functionality Bespoke Gold Cards One-of-one commissions Custom design, finishing and inscription — built around your vision Brochure and technical configurations are shared during consultation to protect exclusivity. The Gold Standard: Why Gold Still Wins Gold isn’t just aesthetic — it represents permanence, intrinsic worth and an enduring standard of excellence. A Timeless Investment Gold’s intrinsic value has anchored economies for centuries. In this collection, each card is commissioned not only as a functional object, but as a certified asset with lasting presence. Heritage Craftsmanship Premium Metals cards prioritise precision finishing, deliberate proportions and provenance-led verification. The result is a piece that feels generational — not disposable. Functional Elegance Luxury is more convincing when it works flawlessly. Where specified, contactless capability enables modern access and interaction while preserving the integrity of a premium gold build. Fully Contactless Solid Gold: What That Means A fully contactless gold card is a solid-gold build engineered to support tap-based interaction without compromising the premium metal construction. Typical uses include: Tap-to-share identity (digital profile, contact details, credentials) VIP access workflows (event check-in, hosted experiences) Member validation (tier recognition at point-of-service) Important: because specifications vary by use case and exclusivity level, contactless configurations are discussed privately and supplied via consultation brochure. The Experience: From Consultation to Delivery Premium Metals commissions are delivered via a structured, white-glove process — every step treated with the same attention to detail as the card itself. Stage What Happens Private Consultation Define purpose, edition, finish, inscription and desired outcome Design & Engraving Design proofs, typographic selection and precision engraving Hallmarking & Authentication Assay-led verification and certification pathway Presentation & Delivery Final inspection, presentation case and insured courier delivery If you’re commissioning for an elite programme or club environment, you may also want to review our dedicated members clubs metal cards options. Is a Solid Gold Card Right for Your Programme? Solid gold is most appropriate when the card itself is part of the value proposition — a physical symbol of scarcity, prestige and permanence. Invitation-only tiers or ultra-premium clientele High-value memberships where the artefact signals belonging Founder editions, legacy memberships and generational access Brand moments where “ordinary” materials weaken the story Frequently Asked Questions Are these cards really solid 18k gold? Premium Metals cards in this collection are described as crafted from pure 18k gold and supported by hallmarking and certification. How do I request the brochure? The brochure is provided upon consultation to keep configurations and availability exclusive. What does “fully contactless” mean for a gold card? It refers to a gold build designed to support tap-based interaction. Exact configuration depends on your use case and is confirmed during consultation. Do you deliver internationally? Yes — delivery is described as insured worldwide, with presentation-led fulfilment. Can a club commission a limited edition run? Yes. Consultation covers edition sizing, numbering, finishing and member experience design. Do you offer non-gold premium metals? Yes — you can explore broader custom metal card options for premium tiers that don’t require solid gold. Key Takeaways Solid 18k gold cards function as both identity objects and prestige signals. SwipeMetal offers a fully contactless gold card option within this collection. Brochure and configurations are shared only via consultation. Hallmarking, insured worldwide delivery and lifetime certification support provenance. Best suited to invitation-only, ultra-premium or legacy membership tiers. Request a private appointment to discuss commissioning, finishing and contactless configuration. Brochure available upon consultation. Last updated: 16 February 2026
Custom Metal Bank Cards: Why They’re Better Than Subscription Metal Cards (UK Guide)
Custom Metal Bank Cards: The Premium Alternative to Subscription Metal Cards Custom metal bank cards are rapidly replacing subscription-based metal debit and credit cards in the UK. Instead of paying ongoing monthly fees for a bank’s premium tier, cardholders can now upgrade their existing plastic card into a fully personalised metal payment card for a one-time cost. This guide explains how custom metal bank cards work, why they’re better value, and who they’re best suited for. What Are Custom Metal Bank Cards? Short answer: Custom metal bank cards are replacement payment cards made from stainless steel that replicate your existing debit or credit card — but with premium materials and full design control. Unlike traditional plastic cards, these are typically manufactured from 304 stainless steel, a corrosion-resistant alloy known for strength and durability. The card retains: EMV chip functionality NFC contactless payments Standard magnetic stripe compatibility This means your custom metal card works exactly like your existing card — just with superior materials and appearance. Why Subscription Metal Cards Are Expensive Long-Term Short answer: Bank-issued metal cards usually require ongoing monthly subscription fees. Many banks position metal debit cards as part of a “premium” account tier, often costing £10–£25 per month. These subscriptions typically include: Monthly account fees Bundled perks (travel insurance, airport lounge access) Limited card design options Over 3–5 years, that can total £600–£1,000+ — simply to keep access to a metal card. And if you downgrade your account? You lose the metal card. Why Custom Metal Bank Cards Are a Better Choice 1. One-Time Fee vs Monthly Charges With SwipeMetal, you pay once to upgrade your existing card. There are no recurring subscription fees and no premium banking tiers required. This means: Lower lifetime cost No ongoing commitment Freedom to switch banks without losing your card identity 2. Complete Design Control Bank-issued metal cards typically offer minimal design variation. Custom metal bank cards allow: Personal logo engraving Corporate branding Minimalist or bold aesthetics Matte, brushed, or mirror finishes Unique layouts that reflect your identity This transforms your card from a bank product into a personal asset. 3. Stronger Personal & Business Branding Your payment card is often visible in meetings, networking environments and client interactions. A bespoke metal card: Signals professionalism Reinforces brand identity Creates conversation opportunities Differentiates you from generic premium card holders 4. Durability & Premium Materials Metal payment cards typically weigh 18g–28g compared to around 5g for plastic cards. They are resistant to: Bending Snapping Surface wear Fading over time 304 stainless steel is widely used in aerospace and marine environments due to its corrosion resistance and strength — making it ideal for everyday use. Custom Metal Cards vs Bank-Issued Metal Cards Feature Custom Metal Bank Card Bank Subscription Metal Card Cost Structure One-time fee Monthly subscription Lifetime Cost Lower Higher over time Design Options Fully custom Limited variations Bank Dependency Independent of account tier Must maintain premium tier Branding Personal or corporate Primarily bank-branded Material 304 stainless steel Varies How Metal Bank Cards Work (NFC, EMV & Security) Short answer: Metal cards function exactly like plastic cards because they retain certified payment components. Key components include: EMV Chip: The global security standard for card-present transactions. NFC (Near Field Communication): Enables contactless payments. Magnetic Stripe: Allows compatibility with older terminals. RFID Shielding Layer: Helps prevent unwanted signal interception. When properly manufactured, a metal debit or credit card remains fully compatible with UK and international payment systems. Who Should Upgrade to a Custom Metal Card? Short answer: Professionals who value brand identity, premium materials and long-term savings. Custom metal bank cards are ideal for: Entrepreneurs and founders Company directors High-net-worth individuals Personal brands and creators Corporate gifting programmes How to Order a Custom Metal Bank Card The process is straightforward: Choose your design Submit details securely Card manufacturing and chip integration Delivery to your address Learn more here: How It Works Pricing Design Your Card FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Are custom metal bank cards legal in the UK? Yes, provided they comply with payment network and EMV standards. Do metal debit cards work with contactless payments? Yes. NFC functionality is retained within the card design. Are metal cards heavier than plastic? Yes — typically three to five times heavier. Can I use a custom metal card internationally? Yes, wherever your existing card network is accepted. Is there a monthly fee? No — custom metal cards are typically offered on a one-time upgrade model. Do metal cards block RFID skimming? Many designs include protective shielding layers. Key Takeaways Custom metal bank cards eliminate recurring subscription fees. They provide full design and branding control. Manufactured from durable stainless steel. Fully compatible with EMV and NFC payment systems. Ideal for professionals, founders and corporate branding. Offer long-term cost savings over bank premium tiers.
