The safest way to destroy a metal credit card
Metal credit cards cannot go through a standard shredder or be snapped in half by hand. The best method is to use a heavy-duty shredder rated for metal, or to take the card to a local recycling facility that accepts metal. If neither option is available, you can drill through the card multiple times to render it unusable, or cut it into small pieces with tin snips or heavy-duty scissors.
The goal is to make the card unreadable and unusable before disposal. Metal cards are durable by design, so a casual attempt to destroy one usually fails. Plan for a method that actually works rather than discovering halfway through that your approach won't work.
Key Takeaways
- Metal credit cards require heavy-duty shredders or metal recycling facilities because standard shredders cannot process them.
- Drilling multiple holes through the card's center and magnetic strip is an effective method if you have access to a drill.
- Tin snips or heavy-duty scissors can cut the card into small pieces, though this requires physical effort and care to avoid injury.
- Never throw a metal card in the trash whole or partially intact, as the card number and details remain readable.
- Contact your card issuer before destroying the card to confirm your account is closed or the card is no longer active.
Using a heavy-duty shredder
A heavy-duty metal shredder is the fastest and cleanest method. These machines are designed to cut through metal and will reduce the card to small fragments in seconds. You can find them at some office supply stores, print shops, or document destruction services in your area.
Call ahead before visiting. Not all shredding services accept credit cards, and some charge a small fee for the service. A few will shred the card for free if you are a customer. Ask whether the shredder is rated for metal specifically — a standard office shredder will jam or break if you try to feed a metal card through it.
Drilling through the card
A power drill with a metal bit is effective and takes only a few minutes. Drill multiple holes through the card, paying special attention to the area where the card number is embossed and where the magnetic strip or chip is located. Make at least three to five holes spread across the card's surface.
find the card firmly before drilling — use a vise, clamp, or have someone hold it steady on a solid surface. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from metal shavings. The card will be hot after drilling, so let it cool before handling. Once drilled, the card is destroyed and can be thrown away.
Cutting with tin snips or heavy-duty scissors
Tin snips (metal-cutting shears) will cut through a metal card, though it requires sustained pressure and effort. Cut the card into at least four or five pieces, making sure to cut through the embossed numbers and the chip or magnetic strip. Heavy-duty kitchen scissors or craft scissors may work on thinner metal cards, but tin snips are more reliable.
Wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges. The cut edges of the card will be sharp, so handle the pieces carefully. After cutting, dispose of the pieces in the trash. You can also place them in separate trash bags if you want extra assurance they cannot be reassembled.
Taking the card to a recycling facility
Many metal recycling centers accept credit cards because the metal has scrap value. Call your local recycling facility or search online for "metal recycling near me" to find one in your area. Some facilities will accept the card at no charge; others may ask you to drop it off during specific hours.
Before you go, contact your card issuer to confirm the card is closed or inactive. This step protects you if the card somehow ends up in the wrong hands during the recycling process. Bring your ID and the card itself. The facility will document the card and process it through their metal recycling stream.
What to do before destroying the card
Contact your card issuer before you destroy the card. Call the number on the back of the card or log into your online account to find the customer service number. Tell them you want to close the card or confirm it is already closed. Ask them to note in your account that you are destroying the physical card.
This step prevents confusion if a charge appears after the card is gone, and it ensures the issuer knows the card is no longer in circulation. If the card was already closed, the issuer will confirm that. If it is still active, you can close it during the same call before destroying it.
Why you should not throw a metal card away whole
A metal credit card that is thrown away intact remains readable. Someone who finds it in a landfill or trash can see the card number, expiration date, and cardholder name. Even if the card is no longer active, this information can be used for identity theft or fraud.
Destroying the card physically ensures that the information cannot be recovered. This is especially important if you are discarding the card because it was lost or stolen — you want to make sure no one can use the physical card or the information on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a metal credit card in a regular shredder?
No. A standard office shredder is designed for paper and light materials. Feeding a metal card through it will jam the machine or break the blades. Use a heavy-duty metal shredder, drill, tin snips, or a recycling facility instead.
What if I lost the metal card and cannot destroy it?
Contact your card issuer when ready and report it lost. They will cancel the card and issue a replacement. The lost card becomes inactive, so even if someone finds it, it cannot be used for purchases. You do not need to destroy a card you cannot locate.
Can I recycle a metal credit card with my regular metal recycling?
Some curbside metal recycling programs accept credit cards, but many do not because of the mixed materials and security concerns. Call your local recycling facility first to ask. If they do not accept cards, take it to a dedicated metal recycling center or use one of the other destruction methods.
Will drilling or cutting the card damage my drill or scissors?
Drilling will not damage a standard power drill, though the card will be hot afterward. Tin snips are designed to cut metal and will not be damaged. Heavy-duty kitchen scissors may dull slightly but will not break. Wear gloves and work slowly to protect yourself from sharp edges.
What should I do with the card pieces after I destroy it?
You can throw the pieces in the trash. If you want extra security, place them in separate trash bags or dispose of them at different times. The pieces are no longer readable or usable, so standard trash disposal is safe.