Yes, the American Express Gold Card is a metal card. Since its major redesign in late 2018, the card has been constructed from stainless steel, giving it a significantly heavier weight and more "premium" feel than traditional plastic cards. In 2026, the metal construction is the standard design for all new and replacement Gold cards; you do not need to make a special request or pay an extra fee to receive the metal version. The card is currently available in two distinct finishes: the classic Gold and the popular Rose Gold, both of which feature the same metallic build. While the metal material makes the card more durable and resistant to bending, it does contain a small amount of plastic on the back to house the contactless (EMV) antenna and the magnetic stripe. This metal design has become a hallmark of "prestige" in the credit card industry, reflecting the card's position as a high-end tool for dining and travel rewards. Because of its metal core, you should not put it through a traditional home paper shredder; instead, Amex provides a prepaid envelope to return old cards for secure destruction.