How to Dispose of a Credit Card
Intro: How to Dispose of a Credit Card
When your credit card expires, you COULD just toss it in the bin, but with identity theft on the rise, that isn't really the best idea. You should cut it up first. Problem is that it's not difficult to reconstruct the details from pieces of the card unless you are careful about how you go about it. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I use this method to ensure that the details can never be reclaimed.
So let's begin
So let's begin
STEP 1: First Cut
The first cut goes straight across the middle, cutting the card number in half. This cut also runs through the middle of the expiry date.
STEP 2: Second Cut
The second cut goes right across the card through the middle of the card number. The card number has now been cut into 4 pieces.
STEP 3: Third Cut
These days, credit cards have chips in them. YOU MUST DESTROY THE CHIP! The chip contains all your credit account details, and can be read by a determined person with the right equipment.
The third cut goes right across the middle of the chip
The third cut goes right across the middle of the chip
STEP 4: Final Cut
This cut is optional. It goes through the middle of your name.
STEP 5: Dispose of the Pieces
OK, your card is cut into pieces.
DON'T PUT THE PIECES IN THE BIN!
Someone who wanted to could just tape them all back together again. Even though they couldn't use the card at a shop, the information on the card can be used online.
Group the pieces into two or three groups such that none of the numbers can be recreated from the pieces in any group. Now put one group into the bin and keep the other until next week.
Alternatively you can make something useful, like a guitar pick, from some of the pieces: https://www.instructables.com/id/Credit-Card-Guitar-Picks/
DON'T PUT THE PIECES IN THE BIN!
Someone who wanted to could just tape them all back together again. Even though they couldn't use the card at a shop, the information on the card can be used online.
Group the pieces into two or three groups such that none of the numbers can be recreated from the pieces in any group. Now put one group into the bin and keep the other until next week.
Alternatively you can make something useful, like a guitar pick, from some of the pieces: https://www.instructables.com/id/Credit-Card-Guitar-Picks/
7 Comments
Lotsa Bad Luck 11 years ago
If you are not satisfied with just cutting, follow up with one of my best friends: FIRE!
ahoier 7 years ago
I was gonna advise this....but was afraid the environmentalists would get at me lol....I know burning plastic lets off emissions of some sort ;) But then again, do these people USE plastic? :P
Graeme_P 8 years ago
ahoier 7 years ago
Goood advice, but only really helps if it's a cross-cut shredder...which typically cost a bit more than a standard shredder
Jonathan GeraldiJ 7 years ago
A good idea is to burn off the security number. Then, throw it away in separate places like at home, office, etc.
RobertK106 8 years ago
Very helpful, although I'd add to look at the pieces on the back to ensure any signature is also cut up.
mrwolfe 8 years ago
information on the card.