SOURCE RESEARCH
Innovative Metal Payment Card Materials
Market Data | 3Q 2026 | MD-IPCM-103
Get The ReportMetal card adoption has shifted away from the expected entry-level PVC/metal core/PVC format. Banks are instead launching programs with PVC/metal edge/PVC and PVC/metal, which have become the dominant product types due to their balance of cost, premium appeal, and contactless performance.
- PVC/metal edge/PVC has emerged as the de facto entry-level metal card solution.
- PVC/metal edge/PVC and PVC/metal accounted for 88% of shipments in 2025 and are forecast to reach 93% by 2030.
- PVC/metal remains the largest segment, growing from 47% of shipments in 2025 to 51% by 2030 as issuers launch new programs and upgrade from PVC/metal edge/PVC.
- Full metal cards will remain a niche offering for high-net-worth customers, but PVC/metal is increasingly replacing them due to better support for contactless payments.
- Suppliers with broad portfolios spanning multiple materials and price points are best positioned to support new launches, issuer upgrades, and long-term banking relationships.
