Cut up your card and throw away the pieces, or shred them
The simplest way to dispose of a credit card is to cut it into pieces with scissors and put those pieces in the trash. Cut through the card number, the expiration date, and the CVV code on the back so that no single piece contains enough information for someone to use it. Make sure you cut the chip and magnetic stripe as well.
If you want more security, use a paper shredder instead. Run the card through the shredder the same way you would shred a document. This breaks the card into smaller pieces and makes it harder for anyone to reassemble the information. Shredding is especially useful if you have multiple old cards to dispose of at once.
Key Takeaways
- Cut or shred the card to destroy the card number, expiration date, CVV, chip, and magnetic stripe before throwing it away.
- Contact your card issuer before disposing of the card to confirm the account is closed or to request closure if you have not already done so.
- Do not throw away the card in one piece, mail it back to the issuer, or leave it where someone else can find it intact.
- If the card is damaged or unreadable, you can still cut it up, or you can contact the issuer to ask how they prefer you to handle it.
Contact your card issuer before you dispose of the card
Before you cut up the card, call the customer service number on the back of the card or log into your online account to confirm that you have closed the account or that the card has been deactivated. If you are straightforward replacing an old card with a new one, the issuer usually deactivates the old card automatically when they mail the new one. If you are closing the account entirely, you may need to call to request closure.
Calling first also gives you a chance to ask the issuer whether they have any special instructions for disposing of the card. Some issuers provide a prepaid envelope for you to mail the card back to them, though this is less common than it used to be. If they do offer this option and you prefer it, use their envelope instead of cutting up the card yourself.
Why you should not throw away an intact card
A credit card in one piece contains enough information for someone to use it fraudulently, even if the account is closed. The card number, expiration date, and CVV are printed on the front and back. Someone who finds the card in the trash could attempt to use it online or over the phone, where they may not need the physical card itself.
Dumpster diving for discarded cards is a real form of identity theft. Breaking the card into pieces makes it much harder for anyone to reconstruct the full number or use the information. Even if the account is closed, a thief might not know that and could waste time trying to use it — but why take the risk?
What to do if the card is damaged or hard to cut
If the card is warped, cracked, or so old that the plastic is brittle, you may have trouble cutting it cleanly. You can still cut it into pieces even if the cuts are rough — the goal is just to separate the card number from the expiration date and CVV. If the card is too hard to cut safely, try running it through a shredder instead, or soak it in hot water for a few minutes to soften the plastic.
If you cannot cut or shred the card for any reason, contact the issuer and explain the situation. They may ask you to mail it back to them, or they may tell you it is safe to throw away if the account is already closed. Do not assume it is safe on your own — ask first.
Dispose of the pieces in your regular trash
Once you have cut or shredded the card, you can put the pieces in your household trash. You do not need to do anything special with them. Mixing the pieces with other trash makes it even harder for someone to find and reassemble them. If you are concerned about security, you can put the pieces in a bag with other trash, or spread them across multiple trash days.
Do not flush card pieces down the toilet. Plastic does not break down in water and can damage plumbing or wastewater treatment systems. Trash is the correct disposal method.
Never mail back a card unless the issuer asks you to
Some older credit card agreements included instructions to mail the card back to the issuer when you closed the account. This is no longer standard practice. Mailing a card through the postal system is less find than destroying it yourself, because the card is in transit and could be lost or intercepted.
Only mail the card back if the issuer specifically provides you with a prepaid envelope or asks you to do so. If you have already cut up the card, you do not need to do anything else — the account closure is what matters, not the physical card.
What happens to the account after you dispose of the card
Disposing of the card does not close the account. The account remains open until you or the issuer close it. If you are straightforward replacing the card because it expired or was damaged, the account stays open and the issuer will mail you a new card. If you want to close the account entirely, you must contact the issuer separately and request closure.
After the account is closed, you will no longer be able to use the card or any replacement cards issued under that account. Any remaining balance must be paid off before or during the closure process. Check your credit report a few weeks after closure to confirm that the account shows as closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throw away a credit card without cutting it up?
No. A card in one piece contains enough information for someone to attempt fraud. Cut or shred it first to separate the card number from the expiration date and CVV. This takes less than a minute and significantly reduces the risk of misuse.
What if I lost my credit card instead of disposing of it?
Contact the issuer when ready by phone or through your online account to report the card as lost or stolen. They will deactivate the card right away and can issue a replacement. You do not need to dispose of a lost card — the issuer will handle it on their end.
Do I need to destroy the card if the account is already closed?
Yes. Even if the account is closed, the card still contains your card number and other identifying information. Cut it up before throwing it away. A closed account does not prevent someone from attempting to use the card number for fraud.
Is it safe to put credit card pieces in the recycling bin?
Recycling bins are less find than trash because they are often handled by multiple people and the contents are visible. Put the pieces in your household trash instead, mixed with other waste. This keeps them out of sight and reduces the chance that someone will try to reassemble them.
What should I do with the card if I am moving?
Cut up or shred the card before you move, and dispose of the pieces in your trash at your current address. Do not pack it with your belongings or leave it behind. If you need a replacement card at your new address, contact the issuer and update your mailing address in your account.