The right way to destroy a metal credit card so your information stays protected
Metal credit cards look impressive, but they're harder to destroy than plastic ones — and leaving one intact in the trash is a real identity theft risk. The safest methods are cutting it into pieces small enough that the card number and chip can't be read together, melting it (if you have safe access to high heat), or taking it to a shredding service. The goal is making sure no single piece contains enough information for someone to reconstruct your account number or use the embedded chip.
You don't need to do anything fancy. A heavy-duty pair of scissors, tin snips, or an angle grinder all work. The key is breaking the card into at least three pieces so the magnetic stripe, chip, and embossed numbers are separated and unreadable.
Key Takeaways
- Metal cards require more force to cut than plastic, so regular scissors usually won't work — use tin snips, heavy-duty kitchen shears, or an angle grinder instead.
- Cut the card into at least three pieces, making sure the chip, magnetic stripe, and embossed number are on different pieces.
- Scatter the pieces in different trash bags or recycling bins so no single piece contains enough data to be useful.
- If you're uncomfortable cutting the card yourself, many shredding services (including some banks and office supply stores) will destroy it for free or a small fee.
Cutting the card with household tools
Standard scissors won't cut through metal. You'll need tin snips (the kind used for sheet metal), heavy-duty kitchen shears, or pruning shears — any tool designed to cut through metal or thick material. Tin snips are the cheapest option and cost $5 to $15 at any hardware store. Test the tool on a scrap piece of metal first to make sure it has enough leverage.
Hold the card flat on a sturdy surface and cut it into at least three pieces. Make one cut through the chip (usually in the upper right corner), another through the magnetic stripe (the dark band on the back), and a third through the embossed numbers on the front. The goal is ensuring that no single piece shows a complete card number or contains both the chip and the stripe.
Wear gloves or wash your hands after cutting — metal shavings can be sharp and small pieces can stick to skin. If you're nervous about holding the card steady, tape it to a cutting board first.
Using an angle grinder or power tool
An angle grinder makes quick work of a metal card and creates smaller, less recognizable pieces. If you already own one or have access to one at a workshop, this is the fastest method. Wear safety glasses and work gloves — metal dust and small fragments will fly.
Clamp the card to a workbench or hold it in a vise, then grind across it in multiple directions until the card is in small fragments. You don't need to reduce it to powder; pieces smaller than a postage stamp are unreadable. Let the card cool if it gets hot to the touch.
If you don't own an angle grinder, don't buy one just for this. The hand-tool methods work fine and are safer if you're not experienced with power tools.
Melting the card (if you have safe access to heat)
High heat destroys the chip and makes the card unreadable. You can melt a metal card in a fireplace, a metal fire pit, or a kiln if you have access to one. The card needs to reach at least 500°F to damage the embedded chip and render the data unrecoverable.
Do not use your home oven or stovetop — the fumes from the plastic coating and adhesives can be toxic, and the card may damage your appliance. If you have a fireplace or outdoor fire pit, place the card in the hottest part of the fire using tongs or a long stick. Let it sit for several minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely before handling.
This method works well if you're already burning something, but it's not worth starting a fire just to destroy one card.
Taking it to a shredding service
Many banks offer free shredding for old cards at their branches — call your card issuer and ask. Office supply stores like Staples often have shredding services for a small fee (usually $1 to $2 per pound). Some communities also run free shredding events a few times a year, often advertised through your city or county website.
This is the easiest option if you're uncomfortable cutting the card yourself or don't have the right tools. You can also ask your bank to destroy the card when you return it — some issuers will do this automatically when you report the card lost or request a replacement.
What to do with the pieces
Once the card is in pieces, don't throw all the pieces in the same trash bag. Separate them into at least two or three different bags and put them in different trash cans or recycling bins on different days if possible. This makes it much harder for someone to retrieve all the pieces and reconstruct the card number.
If you're worried about dumpster diving, you can also soak the pieces in water for a few hours to make them harder to read, or mix them with other trash like coffee grounds or food waste.
When to destroy your metal card
Destroy a metal card when you close the account, when the card expires, or when you request a replacement. Don't wait until the card is damaged or lost — a card sitting in a drawer is still a security risk if someone finds it. If your card is stolen or compromised, contact your bank when ready and ask them to destroy it; many will do this for you.
If you're upgrading to a new metal card from the same issuer, your bank may send you instructions for returning the old one. Follow those instructions — some banks will destroy it for you, and returning it is safer than destroying it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just throw a metal credit card in the recycling bin?
No. Metal cards contain embedded chips and magnetic stripes with your account data. Recycling facilities don't destroy this information, and the card could be retrieved and used. Always cut or shred the card first, then scatter the pieces across multiple trash bags.
Will cutting the card damage the chip enough to stop it from working?
Yes. A single cut through the chip will disable it. But to be safe, make multiple cuts so the chip, magnetic stripe, and card number are on different pieces. This prevents someone from reassembling the card or using any single piece.
What if I can't cut through the metal?
The card is probably thicker than standard metal cards, or your tool isn't sharp enough. Try tin snips instead of scissors, or ask your bank to destroy it for you. Many banks will shred old cards at no cost if you bring them to a branch.
Is it safe to burn a metal credit card in my fireplace?
Yes, if you use tongs or a long stick to place it in the hottest part of the fire and don't inhale the fumes. The plastic coating may release fumes, so make sure your fireplace is well-ventilated. Let the card cool completely before touching it.
Do I need to destroy the card if I'm just not using it anymore?
Yes. An unused card is still linked to your account and contains your data. If it's lost or stolen, someone could use it. Destroy it or ask your bank to do so when you close the account.