Guide to destroying metal credit cards

You got yourself a nice metal credit card, but it got compromised or you no longer want to keep it. Depending on your card issuer, you can mail it back for disposal or take it to a bank branch. If that’s not an option, be ready to remove any relevant data from your card and discard the rest.

How to destroy a metal credit card

If you’ve picked up a metal credit card like the LuxuryCard Gold Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Gold Card, you might have noticed they’re made of tough stuff. As a result, destroying a metal credit card takes more time than simply cutting up a plastic card. Here’s how to do it:

Return the metal card to your provider

Some banks — such as American Express and Chase — provide you with an envelope to return your metal credit card for disposal. The bank may send the envelope either when sending you a replacement card or upon request. Alternatively, you can visit a bank branch and leave your card there.

This is by far the easiest way to scrap your metal credit card. But if you acquired your card from another provider like Lion Credit Card, your only option may be to destroy the card.

Destroy the metal card

Most metal cards are coated with plastic, which holds the account information. Because of that, it’s important you destroy the plastic layer. But before you proceed, check if the card is made of a thin metal layer. If it is, you can simply cut it with tin snips. If not, carefully and safely do the following:

1. Destroy the EMV chip. You can either use scissors to pierce the chip or you can press your thumb on the back of the card behind the chip and push until the chip starts to come off. Use any sharp metal object to help pry it off if it doesn’t come off. Once out, destroy the chip with scissors.
2. Remove your name and card number. Use a lighter to heat up the plastic layer. The more you heat it the easier it is to peel it off with scissors or any sharp metal object.
3. Destroy any carvings on the metal. If any numbers or names remain on the metal, use sandpaper or a sharp metal object to grind them away until they’re unreadable.
4. Demagnetize the strip. If the magstripe is intact, put a refrigerator magnet on it and leave it there for an hour. After that, swipe it several times across the magnetic stripe.
5. Cover the signature area. Use a permanent marker to make the signature area unreadable.

Compare metal credit cards

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Name	Product	Welcome offer	Rewards	Annual fee	Filter values
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card		80,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, a value of up to $1,000 through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Plus up to $50 statement credit towards groceries	5x points on Lyft, 2x points on up to $1,000 on groceries until April 30, 2021, 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases	$95		Earn a signup bonus worth $1,000 plus up to $50 statement credit towards groceries with this popular travel card.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express® Gold Card		60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months	4x at restaurants including delivery and Uber Eats; 4x at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 annually (then 1x points), 3x points on directly-booked flights and 1x points on all other purchases	$250		Rose Gold is back Earn up to 4x points on select purchases, a bevy of travel perks, and a welcome offer worth up to $600 based on our valuation with this upper-mid tier travel card. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Sapphire Reserve®		60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, a value of up to $900 through Chase Ultimate Rewards.	10x points on Lyft rides, 3x points on dining and travel after earning your $300 travel credit and 1x points on all other purchases	$550		Earn a huge signup bonus worth $900 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards with Chase’s premier card.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Bottom line

Owning a metal card can give you the feeling of heft behind every transaction. But if you no longer want to keep your card or if it expired, your bank will either send a return envelope or you’ll have to destroy it yourself. If you go for the second option, make sure the plastic coating is destroyed and any information remaining on the metal is unreadable.

And of course, regular credit cards can receive the same treatment, though you’ll find the process a bit easier.

Frequently asked questions

• What are metal credit cards made of?

  You’ll find metal cards made of brass, copper, stainless steel, gold and palladium. Some cards are made from alloys, but the majority of metal cards have plastic coating, which holds all the relevant account information

• Can I destroy a metal credit card with tin snips?

  Depending on the metal thickness, you can destroy some metal cards with tin snips.

• Can I cut my metal credit card with my paper shredder?

  No. This will likely only damage your shredder.

• Can I still use an expired credit card?

  When your credit card has expired, every charge you try to make with your card will most likely be declined. The same goes for anyone who may get a hold of your expired metal card. Most of the time, it will be useless to them. To keep your information secure, it’s still best practice to fully remove any identifying information.