by Credit cards are a common way to pay for things, but have you ever considered how they affect the environment? Most credit cards are made of plastic, which can harm the planet. This article will explore why metal credit cards are a better environmental choice.
What Are Metal Credit Cards?
Metal credit cards are just like regular plastic cards, made from materials like stainless steel, titanium, or other metals. They look and feel heavier than plastic cards and often last much longer. Banks usually offer these cards to their special or premium customers, but they are also becoming more common for others.
Benefits of Metal Credit Card
Below are the benefits of Metal credit cards which you should know before you apply for a credit card:
One of the biggest advantages of a metal credit card is its durability. Metal cards are sturdy and can last up to 5 times longer than standard plastic cards. They can withstand wear and tear, bending, drops, and heat exposure better than plastic. A metal card can look brand new even after years of heavy usage.
The materials used to make metal cards are more resistant to chipping, cracking, breaking, or shredding than plastic cards. Thus, you don’t have to worry about frequently damaging or replacing your metal credit card.
Metal credit cards offer enhanced security due to their materials. Being made of rigid, durable metals makes it much harder for thieves to skim or digitally copy your information. The EMV chip and magnetic strip on metal cards are well-protected against hacking or cloning attempts.
Many metal cards have RFID-blocking technology that provides a unique level of tech security. Sensitive card data stored on RFID chips can be vulnerable to remote hacking. But metal cards use an RFID blocking layer to stop scanning attempts, making your purchases more secure.
Metal credit cards have an inherently elegant, stylish and luxurious design that provides a premium feel. The sleek metallic shine and extra weight make it seem high-end. Whipping out a fancy metal card has an instant status symbol effect.
You can often customise a metal card by adding an engraving, a special design, or your name. This helps a metal card double as a personal fashion accessory representing your unique style and personality.
Metal cards are better for the environment than plastic cards. Their durable nature means they need to be replaced less often, and they can be fully recycled repeatedly when disposed of responsibly. Eco-conscious consumers increasingly prefer sustainable metal materials.
Metal credit cards are easier to recycle than plastic ones. When thrown away, plastic cards only contribute to the waste problem because they cannot be recycled or used again. Conversely, metal may be melted down to create new items, which also contributes to waste reduction.
If a person no longer uses a metal credit card, they can return it to the bank or a recycling facility. The metal can then be used to make new cards or other useful goods like tools. This technique contributes to preserving natural resources by reducing the need to create new materials from scratch.
Why Plastic Credit Cards Harm the Environment
Today’s credit cards are made of plastic, specifically PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Plastic is harmful to the environment in many ways:
The Bottom Line
Switching from plastic to metal credit cards might seem like a small change, but it can make a big difference for the environment. By choosing a metal card, you use fewer plastic materials, reducing waste and helping save resources. It’s a simple step that anyone can take to help protect the planet.
In the future, more and more people may switch to metal or other eco-friendly credit cards, which could significantly reduce plastic waste. While not everyone can have a metal card right now, it’s important to keep looking for ways to make better environmental choices, one step at a time.
