As the payments industry undergoes digital transformation, one unexpected physical product is redefining prestige and consumer expectations, the metal payment card. In this exclusive interview with BW Businessworld’s Senior Editor Ruhail Amin, Amanda Gourbault, Chief Revenue Officer at CompoSecure, dives deep into the growing traction of metal cards across the APAC region, especially in markets like India.
From the psychology of luxury and the perception of trust, to digital integration and future scalability, Gourbault shares insights on how metal cards are not just a trend, they are fast becoming a core tool for customer loyalty, brand differentiation, and financial innovation.
Excerpts:
In your view, what is holding back wider adoption of metal cards in high-growth Asian markets?
Metal cards have already gained strong traction among high-net-worth individuals in APAC, and broader consumer adoption is now accelerating as awareness increases and perceptions of exclusivity evolve. Encouragingly, our recent survey reveals that 92% of Indian consumers, across all socioeconomic segments, are willing to pay a premium for a metal card. Globally, awareness has also surged in recent years, signaling a robust and growing demand.
The positive momentum in India mirrors trends observed in Western markets, where metal cards evolved from exclusive status symbols to widely sought-after financial products. The 2016 launch of the Chase Sapphire Reserve in the U.S. marked a turning point, followed by leading European FinTechs integrating metal cards into their premium offerings, underscoring the power of innovation and aspirational branding in driving adoption.
As APAC follows a similar trajectory, metal cards are well-positioned to become a compelling, value-added offering across both mature and emerging markets.
