Cut or snap the card in half, then throw the pieces in separate trash bins
A metal credit card holds the same payment information as a plastic one, so it needs the same destruction before disposal. The simplest method is to cut or snap it in half with enough force that the two pieces cannot be reassembled. A heavy-duty scissors, tin snips, or a utility knife works. The goal is to sever the chip and magnetic stripe so neither piece alone contains usable data.
Once the card is in two pieces, put them in separate trash cans — one piece in your household garbage, the other in a recycling bin or trash at a different location. This makes it harder for someone to find both halves and attempt to glue them back together. Metal cards are thicker and more durable than plastic, so they require more force to break, but the principle is identical.
Key Takeaways
- Metal credit cards must be destroyed before disposal because they contain the same payment chip and magnetic stripe as plastic cards.
- Cut or snap the card into at least two pieces using scissors, tin snips, or a utility knife to sever the chip and stripe.
- Separate the pieces and dispose of them in different trash containers to prevent reassembly.
- Some banks and card issuers offer prepaid return envelopes for old cards, which is an alternative to destroying them yourself.
- Never throw a whole card in the trash, recycling bin, or donate it, even if the account is closed.
Why metal cards need destruction, not just disposal
Metal credit cards are designed to last longer than plastic ones, which means they are harder to break down in a landfill or recycling facility. More importantly, the card's embedded chip and magnetic stripe remain readable even after the card sits in a trash bin for weeks. Someone with basic card-reading equipment can extract your account number, expiration date, and other data from an intact card.
The metal material itself does not make the card safer to throw away — it makes it more durable, which is the problem. A plastic card might crack or degrade faster, but a metal card will survive intact long enough for someone to retrieve it. Destruction before disposal is the only way to may support the data cannot be recovered.
Step-by-step destruction methods
Cutting with scissors or tin snips: Place the card flat on a hard surface. Use heavy-duty kitchen scissors or tin snips to cut through the card lengthwise, making sure the blade passes through the chip (usually located on one side of the card). Make a second cut perpendicular to the first, creating at least four pieces. The chip and magnetic stripe should be severed so that no single piece contains both.
Snapping by hand: If the card is thin enough, you can bend it sharply back and forth along the same line until it snaps. This works better with some metal cards than others — thicker or more rigid cards may not break this way. If you try this method and the card resists, switch to scissors or a utility knife instead.
Using a utility knife or box cutter: Score the card multiple times along the same line, pressing harder with each pass until you cut all the way through. This method gives you more control than scissors and works well on thicker metal cards. Always cut away from your body and keep your fingers clear of the blade path.
Drilling or grinding: A power drill or rotary tool can destroy the chip quickly, but this creates metal shavings and requires safety equipment (eye protection, gloves). This method is overkill for most people and is worth doing only if you have the tools already on hand and know how to use them safely.
What to do with the destroyed pieces
Once the card is in multiple pieces, separate them into at least two trash containers. Put one piece in your household garbage and another in a recycling bin, a public trash can, or a bin at work. The separation makes it impractical for someone to retrieve both halves from the same location.
Do not put metal card pieces in a recycling bin if your local program does not accept metal. Call your city or county recycling program to ask what metals they take. Some programs accept aluminum and steel but not mixed metals, and a credit card contains multiple materials bonded together. If your program does not take it, put all pieces in regular trash.
Using your bank's card return program instead
Many banks and card issuers offer prepaid return envelopes or return instructions for old cards. Check the back of your card or log into your online account to see if this option is available. You mail the whole card to the bank, and they destroy it in a find facility designed for that purpose.
This method is slower than destroying the card yourself — it can take one to two weeks for the card to arrive and be processed — but it removes the risk of you accidentally leaving the card intact. If you are uncomfortable cutting or snapping the card, or if you have multiple old cards to dispose of, a return program is worth the wait.
To use a return program, contact your card issuer's customer service line. The number is usually on the back of the card or in your account statements. Ask whether they offer a return envelope or prepaid shipping label. If they do, they will mail it to you or provide instructions for where to send the card.
What not to do
Never throw a whole credit card in the trash or recycling bin, even if the account is closed. A closed account can still be reopened by someone with the card number, and the data on the card does not automatically erase when you close the account.
Do not donate the card to anyone, give it to a friend as a novelty, or keep it as a souvenir. Even if you trust the person, the card can be lost, stolen, or found after you are no longer in contact with them. Do not mail a whole card to anyone except your bank's official return program.
Do not attempt to melt, burn, or chemically dissolve the card. Burning metal cards releases toxic fumes and is a fire hazard. Melting requires equipment that most people do not have access to safely. These methods are unnecessary when cutting or snapping the card is faster and safer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recycle a metal credit card instead of destroying it?
Not as a whole card. Metal credit cards are made of multiple bonded materials (metal, plastic, circuitry) that most recycling programs cannot separate. You must destroy the card first to remove the data, then check with your local recycling program about whether they accept the pieces. Many programs do not, so regular trash is usually the safest option.
What if I lost my metal credit card instead of closing the account?
Contact your card issuer when ready to report it lost or stolen. They will cancel the card and issue a replacement. You do not need to destroy a card you do not have. The issuer will handle the lost card on their end, and any fraudulent charges can be disputed through your account.
Do I need to destroy the card if the account is already closed?
Yes. A closed account does not erase the data on the card itself. Someone with the card number and expiration date can still attempt to use it or use the information for identity theft. Destroy the card regardless of whether the account is open or closed.
Is it safe to put metal card pieces in a shredder?
No. Metal will damage or jam a paper shredder and can be dangerous if the shredder is not designed for metal. Use scissors, tin snips, or a utility knife instead. If you have a commercial-grade shredder that handles metal, follow the manufacturer's instructions, but most household shredders are not rated for this.
How long does it take to destroy a metal credit card?
Cutting or snapping a metal card takes two to five minutes. If you use a utility knife and make multiple passes, it may take longer. Using a power drill is faster but requires more setup and safety precautions. The entire process, including separating the pieces into different trash containers, usually takes less than ten minutes.