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Metal credit cards are more difficult to destroy than plastic credit cards and need to be handled differently. Whether you've upgraded to a new card or your card expired, safely destroying your metal credit card is crucial to protecting your personal information. You can destroy a metal credit card by cutting it with the right tool, returning it to your credit card issuer or simply keeping it in a safe place.
Mail It Back to Your Card Issuer
The safest and most effective way to make sure your metal credit card is properly destroyed is to send it back to the credit card issuer. Many card issuers provide a prepaid envelope when they replace an expired credit card. Using this envelope ensures your card is securely handled and safely destroyed.
If you didn't receive a prepaid envelope or you've misplaced it, simply call the number on the back of your credit card. Ask your card issuer to mail you a prepaid envelope so you can return your old card.
Bring It to a Physical Branch
Another option is to drop your metal credit card at a local bank branch for disposal—if your card issuer has branches near you. This option may be useful if you don't have a return envelope or prefer not to deal with mailing it back.
Check your card issuer's website or mobile app to see if there's a local branch in your area. Before heading in, call to confirm they can handle your credit card disposal.
Destroy the Metal Card on Your Own
You may be able to destroy and discard the card on your own, but it's important to use the right tools and take safety precautions. Regular household scissors won't be sufficient to cut through metal, but metal snips or heavy-duty cutters should do the job. Wear protective gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from sharp pieces that may fly off when you're cutting.
Be sure to cut through the magnetic stripe and EMV chip since these contain sensitive information. After cutting the card into small pieces, place them in separate trash bags to prevent anyone from reassembling them.
Keep the Card Safely Stored Away
If you're not ready to destroy your meal credit card yet, storing it in a secure place is another option. Keeping it in a locked drawer, home safe or lockbox will protect it from potential misuse.
Consider locking your card through your card issuer's website or app if your account is still open but you won't be using it for a while. This helps avoid unauthorized purchases and provides an extra layer of protection in case someone gains physical access to your card.
What to Avoid Doing With a Metal Credit Card
Destroying a metal credit card requires careful handling. Some methods are not only ineffective but also dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Don't Use a Shredder
While many shredders can handle plastic credit cards, metal credit cards will damage household shredders leading to jams and motor failure.
Attempting to shred a metal credit card could cause the shredder to overheat and spark a fire, especially if there are shredded paper strips near the overheated components. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines to confirm the types of materials your shredder can handle. Most consumer shredders are not suitable for metal credit cards.
Don't Use a Third-Party Service
Using a third-party service to shred your metal credit card can expose you to unnecessary risks. A service may claim to securely destroy credit cards, but there's no guarantee they will handle your card with care. Unauthorized credit card use is a real possibility, especially if the company is a scam or doesn't use proper security protocols.
Don't Try to Burn It
Metal credit cards may be made from heat-resistant materials that are hard to destroy with a lighter or campfire. Some metal credit cards are actually a blend of metal and plastic—burning can release toxic fumes that are bad for your health and the environment.
Trying to burn a metal credit card is also a fire safety hazard. When exposed to extreme heat, metal can produce sparks and ignite nearby materials. Additionally, burning may not fully destroy the EMV chip and magnetic strip, which contain sensitive information.
Don't Throw It Away
Tossing an intact or partially destroyed credit card in the trash puts you at risk of identity theft and fraud. Thieves with the right knowledge or tools can still recover some sensitive information through the magnetic strip or the EMV chip, even if the card is expired or inactive. Always be sure your credit card is completely destroyed before throwing it away, and consider using the methods outlined above to protect your information.
The Bottom Line
When it's time to retire your old metal credit card, proper disposal is important for protecting your personal and financial information. Whether you mail it back to the card issuer, drop it off at a branch or destroy it yourself, following the right steps keeps your sensitive information safe.
If you're interested in the perks that come with a metal credit card, Experian can provide you with personalized offers that match your credit profile. You'll be able to compare offers and benefits, finding the right card for you.