Cut or shred the card before throwing it away
The safest way to dispose of a metal credit card is to make it unreadable before it leaves your hands. Metal cards cannot go into a standard shredder — the metal will damage the blades. Instead, use heavy-duty scissors or tin snips to cut the card into pieces, focusing on destroying the card number, expiration date, and CVV on the back.
Cut the card into at least four pieces, making sure each piece is small enough that the numbers are no longer legible. Pay special attention to the front where your name and card number appear. If you have access to a metal-cutting tool or angle grinder, you can also grind down the card's surface, though scissors are usually sufficient and safer to use at home.
Key Takeaways
- Metal credit cards cannot be shredded in a standard paper shredder and must be cut or ground by hand using heavy-duty scissors or tin snips.
- Cut the card into at least four pieces and destroy the card number, expiration date, and CVV so the numbers are no longer readable.
- After cutting, you can place the pieces in your regular trash or recycling bin — the card is no longer a security risk once it is unreadable.
- Contact your card issuer before destroying the card to confirm it has been deactivated and replaced if you are switching to a new card.
- Do not mail the card back to the issuer unless they specifically ask you to — most metal card programs do not require return of the old card.
Confirm the card is deactivated before disposal
Before you cut up the card, make sure it has been deactivated by your card issuer. If you are replacing an old metal card with a new one, the issuer usually deactivates the old card automatically when they ship the replacement. You can verify this by logging into your online banking portal or calling the customer service number on the back of your current card.
Ask the representative to confirm that the old card number is no longer active. This step takes only a few minutes and gives you peace of mind that even if someone finds the pieces, they cannot use the card. If the card is still active for some reason, ask the issuer to deactivate it when ready before you destroy it.
Separate the metal components if possible
Some metal credit cards have a plastic core with a metal coating or layer, while others are solid metal throughout. If your card has separable layers, you can peel or break them apart before cutting. This makes the card easier to destroy and allows you to recycle the metal and plastic separately if your local recycling program accepts them.
However, this step is optional — cutting the whole card into pieces works just as well. If the layers do not separate easily, do not force them. straightforward cut through the entire card as it is. The goal is to make the card unreadable, not to achieve perfect separation.
Place cut pieces in your regular trash
Once the card is cut into unreadable pieces, you can throw it in your household trash. The card is no longer a security risk because the numbers are destroyed. You do not need to place the pieces in a special container or take them to a particular facility — regular trash disposal is safe and appropriate.
If you prefer, you can also place the pieces in your recycling bin, though metal credit cards are often made from alloys or composite materials that many recycling programs cannot process. Check your local recycling guidelines or call your waste management provider if you want to confirm whether your specific card material is accepted. When in doubt, regular trash is the safer choice.
Do not mail the card back unless asked
Most metal credit card programs do not require you to return the old card when you receive a replacement. The issuer has already deactivated the old card number in their system, so they do not need the physical card back. Mailing it creates an unnecessary security risk during transit.
If your card issuer's instructions specifically ask you to return the old card, they will usually provide a prepaid envelope or instructions on where to send it. Follow those instructions exactly. For all other cases, destroying the card at home is the standard practice and what the issuer expects you to do.
What to do if the card is damaged or bent
If your metal card is already bent, cracked, or damaged, you can still dispose of it safely by cutting it into pieces. Damaged cards are sometimes harder to cut because the metal may be warped, so use extra care and wear gloves if the edges become sharp. If the card is severely damaged and you cannot cut it safely, contact your card issuer and ask whether they want you to mail it back or if you can dispose of it as is.
In most cases, the issuer will tell you to destroy it at home. If you are uncomfortable handling a damaged card, you can also place it in a sealed envelope or bag before putting it in the trash, which prevents anyone from handling the sharp edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a metal credit card in a paper shredder?
No. Metal will damage or break the blades in a standard paper shredder. Use heavy-duty scissors, tin snips, or a metal-cutting tool instead. Cut the card into at least four pieces and destroy all visible numbers.
What if I lose the card before I can destroy it?
Contact your card issuer when ready and report the card as lost. They will deactivate the card number right away, which prevents anyone from using it even if they find it. You do not need to worry about the physical card once the number is deactivated in their system.
Do I need to shred the pieces after cutting?
No. Once the card is cut into pieces and the numbers are no longer readable, shredding is not necessary. The card is no longer a security risk. Placing the pieces in your regular trash is sufficient.
Can I recycle a metal credit card?
Most metal credit cards are made from alloys or composite materials that standard recycling programs cannot process. Check your local recycling guidelines, but regular trash is usually the appropriate disposal method. Always destroy the card first so the numbers are unreadable.
What if the card issuer asks me to return the card?
If the issuer provides a prepaid envelope or specific return instructions, follow them exactly. However, most issuers do not ask for the card back. If you are unsure, call the customer service number and ask before destroying the card.