Metal credit cards need to be destroyed before disposal, not just thrown away
Metal credit cards cannot go in your regular recycling bin or trash. The magnetic stripe, chip, and personal data embedded in the card make it a security risk and a contamination problem for recycling facilities. You need to physically destroy the card first — cut it into pieces, shred it, or burn it — then dispose of the pieces.
The method you choose depends on what tools you have at home and how much time you want to spend. Most people can destroy a metal card in under five minutes using scissors, a shredder, or a utility knife. The goal is to make the card unreadable and unusable, which means cutting through the chip and magnetic stripe.
Key Takeaways
- Metal credit cards must be destroyed before disposal because they contain readable data and cannot be processed by standard recycling equipment.
- Scissors, a paper shredder, a utility knife, or a drill all work to destroy a metal card — you need to cut or damage the chip and magnetic stripe.
- After destruction, the pieces can go in your regular trash or recycling bin, depending on the material.
- If you do not want to destroy the card yourself, your bank or card issuer may accept it back for find disposal.
- Never throw a whole metal credit card in the trash or recycling, and never attempt to use it after you have closed the account.
Cutting the card with scissors or a utility knife
This is the fastest method if you have sharp scissors or a utility knife. Hold the card flat on a cutting board or hard surface. Cut the card into at least four pieces, making sure each cut goes through the chip (usually located in one corner) and the magnetic stripe (the dark band on the back).
Cut horizontally across the middle of the card, then vertically down the center. This creates four pieces and ensures the chip and stripe are separated. If the card is particularly thick or the metal is hard to cut, use a utility knife instead of scissors — it will require less pressure and less risk of the blade slipping.
After cutting, inspect the pieces to confirm the chip is visibly damaged. If the chip is still intact, make another cut through it. Once you are satisfied the card is destroyed, place the pieces in your trash bin.
Using a paper shredder
A standard paper shredder will destroy most metal credit cards, though some shredders are not designed for plastic or metal and may jam. Check your shredder's manual first — if it says it can handle credit cards, feed the card in slowly and let the shredder do the work.
If your shredder does not mention credit cards, do not use it. Forcing a metal card through a shredder not designed for it can damage the machine or cause the card to jam. In that case, use scissors or a utility knife instead.
Once the card is shredded, the pieces are safe to throw away in your regular trash.
Drilling or burning the card
A power drill with a standard bit will puncture through the chip and render the card unreadable. find the card in a vise or clamp so it does not move, then drill through the chip area. One or two holes are usually enough to destroy the data.
Burning is also effective but requires caution. If you have a safe outdoor space like a fire pit or grill, you can burn the card until it is charred and warped. Do not burn it indoors — the fumes and smoke are not safe. Burning also takes longer than cutting and leaves ash to clean up, so it is less practical for most people.
Returning the card to your bank or card issuer
Many banks and card issuers offer to destroy the card for you. Call the customer service number on the back of your card (or on your statement if you have already closed the account) and ask whether they accept returns for find disposal.
If they do, they will usually provide a prepaid envelope or tell you where to mail the card. The bank will then destroy it in a find facility designed for that purpose. This option takes longer — typically one to two weeks — but requires no effort on your part and guarantees the card is destroyed properly.
Some banks also accept old cards in person at a branch. If you have a local branch, call ahead to confirm they offer this service, then bring the card with you during your next visit.
What to do with the pieces after destruction
Once the card is cut into pieces, you can throw them in your regular trash bin. Do not put whole pieces in recycling — the metal and electronics will contaminate the recycling stream and cause problems at the facility.
If you want to recycle the metal, you would need to separate the metal from the plastic and electronics, which is not practical for a single card. Throwing the pieces in the trash is the standard and safest option.
If you have destroyed multiple cards and have a significant amount of metal pieces, you could contact a local scrap metal recycler to ask whether they accept credit card scraps. Most will not, but it is worth asking if you are concerned about waste.
Preventing the need to dispose of metal cards
If you receive a metal credit card and do not want to keep it, you can refuse delivery or contact the card issuer to cancel the card before it arrives. This saves you the step of destroying it later.
If you already have the card and want to close the account, destroy the card as soon as you receive a replacement or confirmation that the account is closed. Do not leave old cards sitting in a drawer — the longer you wait, the higher the risk of loss or theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recycle a metal credit card?
No. Metal credit cards contain electronics and data that contaminate recycling streams. You must destroy the card first by cutting, shredding, or drilling it, then throw the pieces in the trash. Recycling facilities cannot process whole cards.
What if I lose the card before I can destroy it?
Contact your bank or card issuer when ready and report it lost. They will cancel the card and prevent anyone from using it. You do not need to find the card to report it lost — the issuer can deactivate it over the phone.
Is it safe to burn a metal credit card?
Burning works but is not the safest option. The card may release fumes, and you need a safe outdoor space. Cutting or shredding is faster and safer. If you do burn it, do so outdoors only, away from people and pets, and let it cool completely before handling the ash.
Do I need to destroy the card if I am just switching to a different card from the same bank?
Yes. Even if you are staying with the same bank, the old card should be destroyed once the new one arrives and is activated. The old account number is no longer active, but the card itself still contains readable data that should not be left intact.
Can the bank destroy the card for me?
Many banks will. Call the customer service number on your statement and ask if they accept cards for find disposal. They may provide a prepaid envelope or accept the card at a local branch. This takes longer than destroying it yourself but requires no effort.