A metal transaction card is provided having a metal core layer with metal cladding layers connected thereto on opposing sides thereof. The metal core layer may have a density and/or thickness that is significantly greater than the density and/or thickness of the metal cladding layers. The density of the metal core layer may be at least 2.5 times greater than the density of the metal cladding layers. The density of the metal core layer may be at least 7.5. The outward facing lateral surface of one or both of the metal cladding layers may be anodized, or anodized and colorized. The anodized lateral surface(s) may be coated to increase the performance of a one or more hot-stamped elements attached to the coated surface(s).