So, you’ve probably seen the ads or watched a friend drop their card on a restaurant table with that satisfying clink. It’s a flex. We all know it. But is the Chase Sapphire Preferred metal, or is it just some clever marketing trickery? Honestly, it’s a bit of both, and the answer has changed slightly as we’ve moved into 2026.
Most people assume "metal" means a solid slab of steel. It’s not. If your card were solid metal, the chip wouldn't talk to the terminal properly, and tap-to-pay would be a total nightmare.
The Anatomy of the Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is technically a metal card, but it’s what the industry calls a "composite" or "sandwich" design. It’s basically a metal core—usually a proprietary stainless steel alloy—pressed between two thin layers of plastic.
Why the plastic? Because of science.
Antennas. Specifically, the NFC (Near Field Communication) antenna that lets you tap your card at a grocery store needs to "breathe." Metal blocks those radio waves. To make the card functional for the 2026 world of contactless payments, Chase has to use a plastic front or back (or both) so the signal can actually get out.
If you look closely at the edge of your card, you can often see the silver "filling" between the blue layers. It’s like an Oreo, but instead of cream, you get 13 grams of weight that makes you feel like a high-roller even if you're just buying a coffee.
How Heavy is It, Really?
To give you some context, a standard "trash" plastic card weighs about 5 grams. The Chase Sapphire Preferred clocks in at roughly 13 grams.
Is it the heaviest card out there? No. Its big brother, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, recently got a weight upgrade to around 18 grams in late 2025 to justify its massive $795 annual fee. But for the $95 you're paying for the Preferred, 13 grams is plenty of heft. It’s heavy enough to notice in your wallet, but not so heavy it’ll rip a hole in your pocket.
👉 See also: Solving the French Toast in French NYT Crossword Clue Once and for All
Why Metal Matters (Beyond the Flex)
Let's be real: the main reason people want a metal card is the "clank factor." There’s a psychological hit of dopamine when you hand over a card that feels expensive. But there are some actual, non-vain reasons why this construction matters.
- Durability: Plastic cards snap. They peel. They get those weird white stress marks after six months in a tight wallet. The metal core in the Sapphire Preferred makes it almost impossible to bend or break.
- Heat Resistance: Okay, this is niche, but if you accidentally leave your wallet on a dashboard in the July sun, a plastic card will warp into a Pringle. The Sapphire Preferred holds its shape.
- Identity Theft (The Physical Kind): It’s much harder for someone to "skim" a card by physically snapping or tampering with the chip when it's embedded in a metal composite.
But it isn't all sunshine and rainbows. These cards are a total pain to get rid of. You can’t just take a pair of kitchen scissors to them when they expire. You’ll ruin your scissors, and the card will just laugh at you. Most cardholders end up having to mail them back to Chase in a special prepaid envelope just to get them destroyed safely.
The "Plastic" Rumors of 2025 and 2026
You might have heard some grumbling on Reddit or travel blogs lately about people receiving "plastic" Sapphires. What’s going on there?
Essentially, Chase sometimes runs into supply chain issues with the metal blanks. It happened back in 2016 when the card first blew up, and it happened again recently during some of the 2025 design refreshes. If you request a replacement card and they're low on stock, they might send you a temporary plastic version.
📖 Related: Finding a Synonym for Angry: How to Say Exactly What You Feel
Don't panic. If you get a plastic one, it’s usually temporary. You can almost always call the number on the back of the card and request a metal one once they're back in stock. Just tell them you prefer the "premium feel." They know what you mean.
Is the Design Changing in 2026?
There have been some "sneaky" changes to the Sapphire lineup. While the Sapphire Reserve got a total overhaul—new weight, new fee, and a new "Points Boost" system—the Preferred has stayed relatively stable in its physical form.
The 2026 version of the card features the same matte finish, but the logo engraving is slightly deeper than it was a few years ago. It’s a subtle shift toward a more "tactile" experience. Chase is leaning hard into the idea that your credit card should feel like a piece of jewelry, not just a tool for debt.
Actionable Next Steps for Cardholders
If you're sitting there with a flimsy plastic card wondering why you haven't joined the metal club yet, here's what you should actually do:
- Check Your Weight: If your current card feels light, weigh it on a kitchen scale. If it's under 10 grams, it's likely a plastic replacement or an older model.
- Request a "Metal Reissue": You can log into the Chase app, go to "Account Services," and select "Replace a Card." You can often specify that you want the metal version due to durability issues with plastic.
- Prepare for Disposal: If your card is expiring soon, don't try to shred it at home. Call Chase and ask for a "metal card return envelope." It’s free, and it saves your shredder from a violent death.
- Evaluate the Perks: Remember, the metal is just the shell. Make sure you're actually using the $50 annual hotel credit and the 3x points on dining, because a heavy card with no rewards is just a shiny paperweight.
The metal construction of the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a mix of stainless steel and plastic designed to look cool while still letting you tap-to-pay at the pump. It’s not solid gold, but in the world of mid-tier travel cards, it’s still the gold standard for how a card should feel in your hand.