How to Dispose of a Credit Card

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Never worry about someone stealing sensitive information from your old credit cards again
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If your bank or credit card account expires, you’ll be asked to dispose of your old card safely and securely. But how do you do that exactly? First, call your bank or credit card company to ensure you're taking the proper measures for your card. Then, destroy the card’s magnetic strip and chip before cutting the card up. If you’re still unsure, no worries! We’ve laid out everything you must do to safely destroy and dispose of a credit card below.

What is the best way to destroy old credit cards?

To destroy an old or expired credit card, run a magnet slowly along the card’s strip to demagnetize it. Then, smash the chip with a hammer to ensure your information cannot be stolen. Finally, cut the plastic card into different sized pieces.

Section 1 of 2:

Destroying a Credit Card

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  1. Before you destroy and dispose of your credit card, it’s important to take a few cautionary measures, especially if you're closing an account. First, pay off the balance of your card (if there is one), as leaving a balance could negatively affect your credit score. Lastly, contact your credit card company if you’re closing your account. This way, they can ensure that your information is secure and the account is closed correctly. [1]
    • If you’re getting rid of an expired card or receiving a replacement, skip this step.
    • As finance executive Andrew Lokenauth advises, it’s always best to call your credit card company and let them know that you no longer have to have the card. You can also ask them to freeze the credit card if you believe your identity is at risk.
  2. To safely dispose of an old card, disable the magnetic strip containing all your personal data, such as your account number, card limit, and name. Demagnetizing this strip makes the card unusable by anybody, making it nearly impossible for someone to steal your information. Run a magnet along the credit card’s strip (where you’d swipe the card when making a purchase). [2]
    • Do this slowly so the magnet is against the strip for a good amount of time.
    • Use any magnet! A fridge magnet is perfect for the job.
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  3. The credit card’s chip is the small silver or gold square typically on the left-hand side of the card. This chip contains the same personal information the magnetic strip does, so it’s also very important to destroy. It can be difficult to cut it up with scissors, so for the best results, use a hammer to smash the chip into small pieces. [3]
  4. Lokenauth recommends that once you’ve disabled the magnetic strip and electronic chip to cut up the rest of the card. Cut the card up into several pieces that are difficult (if nearly impossible) to piece back together. If you’re not sure where to start, follow these simple steps: [4]
    • Start by cutting up the numbers on the card so there are no more than 2 numbers on each piece of card.
    • Then, cut up the security code and signature on the back of the card into very small pieces.
    • Cut the card with bent, curved, and straight cuts that’ll make it harder to piece together.
    • If you have a metal credit card, return it directly to the bank or company, as they can safely destroy it despite its durability.
  5. The safest way to dispose of your card is to throw various pieces away in different trash cans or bags. This way, all of the credit card fragments aren’t in the same place, making it even more difficult for someone to obtain and piece back together. [5]
    • If you’re throwing away any related documentation, such as account statements or receipts, avoid putting these in the same bag as the card fragments.
  6. If you’re closing a credit card or bank account, it’s also best to destroy documentation related to it. This includes statements or receipts that contain personal information about you and your account. Tear the papers up by hand, with scissors, or use a cross-shredder if you have access to one. [6]
  7. If you want to be completely sure that your card and all the related documentation are destroyed, consider setting it on fire. It’s generally not advisable to burn the card itself, as the materials it’s made of may contain harmful substances, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfur dioxide, dioxins, furans and heavy metals, as well as particulates. [7]
    • Burning papers and bills is a way to guarantee that nobody will be able to read them.
    • Always use caution when handling fire. Burn remaining records in a safe outdoor environment in a barrel or firepit with minimal wind.
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Section 2 of 2:

FAQ

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  1. Destroy a metal credit card by returning it to the bank or card issuer. Unlike plastic credit cards, metal cards are harder to destroy by hand. Their durable material must be broken down and recycled by the card company itself. So, if you’d like to dispose of a metal credit card, call up your bank or credit card company for additional guidance. [8]
  2. While you can burn old credit cards, you should avoid doing so. It’s possible to set fire to a plastic credit card, but the plastic can release harmful gasses when burned, such as hydrochloric acid and sulfur dioxide. Cutting up a card is the safest option; however, if you’d prefer to burn it, make sure to do so safely in an incinerator or burn barrel. [9]
  3. The average credit card is about 0.03 inches (0.076 cm) thick, which is roughly the thickness of a few sheets of paper. The thickness and size of the card, however, can vary depending on the manufacturer and card type. [10]
  4. Believe it or not, expired credit cards may be worth something in the future. Credit card collecting is a hobby with a small community around the world. [11] The age, condition, owner, brand, and rarity of a card contributes to its worth. For instance, an original 1959 AmEx paper card was sold for $1,200 (one of the highest expired credit card prices recorded). [12]
  5. There’s no specific reason to keep an old credit card, especially if it’s inactive or the account is closed. However, you may want to keep the card in an event that you’d like to reopen the account in the future. [13]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I have a credit card I never even used, yet the company online thinks I still have it, but I shredded it.
    Community Answer
    Your credit card account is still open if you didn't close it. Disposing of the card doesn't close the account. If you want to close it, call the company and tell them you want to close your account.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 38
  • Question
    Can I boil a credit card to destroy it?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Boiling may not fully destroy the card. Completely melting it over a flame would be more effective. Cutting it into little pieces and scattering the pieces is even better. Best method of all: Close the account! If the account is closed, it doesn't matter if someone were to find your card or secretly use the account number. A closed account can't be used by anyone.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do I cut up a very thick metal card?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    Use superior weapons. Get industrial-grade cutters, for example, or use a saw that cuts through metal. Use acid to cut through it, if you have the knowledge how to do that safely. Weld through it, or melt it in a furnace.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-to-cancel-credit-card/
      2. ↑ https://www.orangecountyscu.org/stories/5-ways-to-securely-destroy-a-debit-or-credit-card/
      3. ↑ https://go.hfcu.org/blog/safely-destroy-expired-credit-cards
      4. ↑ https://go.hfcu.org/blog/safely-destroy-expired-credit-cards
      5. ↑ https://www.orangecountyscu.org/stories/5-ways-to-securely-destroy-a-debit-or-credit-card/
      6. ↑ https://www.orangecountyscu.org/stories/5-ways-to-securely-destroy-a-debit-or-credit-card/
      7. ↑ https://securerecordssolutions.com/can-i-burn-my-sensitive-documents-instead/
      8. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/credit-cards/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-a-credit-card
      9. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/credit-cards/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-a-credit-card
      1. ↑ https://www.valuewalk.com/credit-card-dimensions/
      2. ↑ https://www.creditcollectibles.com/credit-card-collecting/
      3. ↑ https://www.creditcollectibles.com/valuation/
      4. ↑ https://time.com/personal-finance/article/is-it-bad-to-close-a-credit-card/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before you dispose of a credit card, run a magnet along the card strip to demagnetize it. Next, use a hammer to smash the chip. To be extra sure no one will try to use you card, you can also cut it up with scissors. When you’re ready to throw away the card, make sure to split up the remains of the card in a couple separate trash bags so the pieces can’t be recovered. To learn how to destroy credit card documents to protect yourself, read on.

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 254,722 times.

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        May 31, 2016

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