Various embodiments include computer-implemented methods, computer program products and systems for terminal metal connector inspection. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for identifying a set of critical terminal metal connectors (TMCs) in an integrated circuit (IC) layout includes: identifying a group of necessary terminal metal connectors (TMCs) in the IC layout to form a first portion of the set of critical TMCs; forming a rule including a limit on a number of redundant connections that can be noncompliant between each terminal metal connector (TMC) and a connecting surface in the IC layout without impacting a circuit parameter; and inspecting at least one of the IC layout or the connecting surface to identify each TMC that violates the rule, wherein each identified TMC that violates the rule forms a second portion of the set of critical TMCs.