How to Spot a Fake Metal Card Site

The metal card trend has exploded, and with it, cheap knock-offs have flooded the market. Before you buy a kit, make sure you know what you are getting.

1. The "Skin" Scam

Some sites sell "Metal Cards" for $15. These are usually just vinyl stickers with a metallic texture that you paste onto your plastic card. They look cheap, peel off in a week, and feel light.

2. The "Aluminum" Trap

If a site doesn't specify "Stainless Steel," it is likely Aluminum. Aluminum is metal, yes, but it is extremely light (like a soda can) and scratches if you look at it wrong. It lacks the premium "thud" of steel.

3. The Magstripe Promise

If a DIY kit claims to transfer your magnetic strip simply by "taping" it on, run away. Magnetic data is complex. A proper conversion requires a new, programmable HiCo magnetic strip (which our kits provide instructions for).