Cut or snap the card into pieces before throwing it away
The fastest way to destroy a metal credit card is to cut it into at least four pieces using heavy-duty scissors, tin snips, or a rotary tool with a cutting disc. Metal cards are harder to cut than plastic ones, so standard scissors often will not work — you need shears designed for metal or a power tool. Cut through the chip and magnetic stripe on both sides to make sure the card cannot be read by any device.
If you do not have cutting tools, you can snap a metal card by hand if it is thin enough, though this takes significant force. Bend the card back and forth along the same line until the metal fatigues and breaks. This method is slower and harder on your hands but works if you have no other option. Aim to break it into at least three or four pieces so no single piece contains both the card number and the chip.
After cutting or snapping, throw the pieces into separate trash bags or bins if possible. This makes it harder for someone to reassemble the card or recover the data. Do not put all pieces in the same location where they could be collected together.
Key Takeaways
- Metal credit cards require tin snips, heavy-duty scissors, or a rotary tool to cut — standard scissors will not work.
- Cut the card into at least four pieces and make sure you cut through the chip and magnetic stripe on both sides.
- If cutting is not possible, bend the card repeatedly along the same line until it snaps into multiple pieces.
- Separate the pieces into different trash bags to prevent reassembly or data recovery.
- Contact your card issuer before destroying the card to confirm it is closed or to request a replacement.
Contact your issuer before destroying the card
Call the customer service number on the back of your card or log into your online account to report that you are destroying the card. Tell them whether you want the account closed or whether you want a replacement card sent to you. The issuer needs to know the card is no longer in use so they can flag it in their system and prevent fraud if pieces are found.
If you are destroying the card because it is damaged, lost, or stolen, report that to the issuer before you destroy it. They will cancel the card immediately and can issue a replacement. If you are closing the account entirely, make sure you have paid any remaining balance first — destroying the card does not close the account or erase what you owe.
Keep a record of the date and time you called, the name of the representative you spoke with, and what they told you. This protects you if there is a dispute later about when the card was deactivated.
Why metal cards are harder to destroy than plastic ones
Metal credit cards are made from stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum alloy, which are much harder than the PVC plastic used in standard cards. This means they resist cutting, bending, and breaking with hand tools. A standard card shredder will not work on metal cards — most shredders are designed only for paper and plastic and will jam or break if you try to feed metal through them.
The chip and magnetic stripe on a metal card are embedded in the same way as on plastic cards, but the metal backing makes them harder to access and destroy. You need to cut deep enough to damage the chip itself, not just the surface. A shallow cut that only removes the top layer will leave the chip intact and potentially readable.
Use a shredder designed for metal or a rotary tool
Some commercial-grade shredders are built to handle metal cards, but these are expensive and not common in home offices. If you have access to one at work or at a document destruction service, that is the most thorough option. The shredder will cut the card into small strips or confetti-sized pieces in seconds.
A rotary tool like a Dremel with a cutting wheel is the most practical power tool for home use. Wear safety glasses and work gloves, and secure the card in a vise or clamp so your hands stay clear of the spinning wheel. Cut across the card multiple times to create several pieces, making sure you cut through the chip area. The process takes a few minutes but is much faster and easier than cutting by hand.
If you use a rotary tool, work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors because metal dust will be created. Wash your hands after you finish to remove any metal particles.
Do not put a metal card in a standard paper shredder
Paper shredders are designed to cut paper and thin plastic only. Feeding a metal card into one will damage the shredder's blades, jam the machine, or cause it to overheat. The blades may break or bend, and you could injure your hands if the card gets stuck and you try to remove it.
If you have already put a metal card into a shredder and it jammed, turn off the machine immediately and unplug it. Do not try to force the card out or reach into the shredder while it is plugged in. Let it cool for several minutes, then carefully remove the card by hand or with pliers. If the card is stuck tight, leave it and contact the shredder manufacturer or a repair service.
Dispose of the pieces safely
After you have cut or snapped the card into pieces, throw them away in your regular household trash. Metal is not recyclable in most curbside recycling programs, and card issuers do not want the pieces back. Putting metal pieces in a recycling bin can damage sorting equipment at the facility, so trash is the correct disposal method.
If you are concerned about privacy, you can separate the pieces and throw them into different trash bags or bins over several days. This makes it nearly impossible for someone to reassemble the card or recover any data. You can also burn the pieces if you have a safe place to do so and local fire codes allow it, though this is not necessary — cutting the card into multiple pieces is sufficient.
Do not bury the card or throw it into water. Metal does not decompose, and it can harm aquatic life or contaminate soil over time.
What to do if you need the card number for your records
Before you destroy the card, write down the last four digits and the expiration date if you need them for your records. You can also take a photo of the front and back of the card before destroying it, though this means storing an image of your card number. If you do take a photo, store it in a secure location and delete it once you no longer need it.
Your card issuer keeps a complete record of your account and card number in their system, so you can always contact them if you need to look up old transactions or card details. You do not need to keep the physical card or a photo of it for reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recycle a metal credit card?
No. Metal credit cards should go in the trash, not in curbside recycling. The metal alloy used in credit cards is not accepted by most recycling facilities, and putting metal pieces in a recycling bin can damage the sorting equipment. Contact your card issuer if you want to know whether they have a take-back program for old cards.
What if the card is bent but not broken?
A bent card is still usable if the chip and magnetic stripe are not damaged. If you want to destroy it, you will need to cut or snap it into pieces. Bending alone does not disable the card or make it unreadable. Contact your issuer first to report that you are destroying it so they can deactivate the account.
Is it safe to cut a metal credit card with regular scissors?
Regular scissors will not cut through a metal credit card — the metal is too hard and you risk breaking the scissors or injuring your hands. Use tin snips, heavy-duty metal shears, or a rotary tool instead. These tools are designed to cut metal and will make the job faster and safer.
Do I need to destroy the card if I am just closing the account?
No, but it is a good idea. Closing the account deactivates the card in the issuer's system, so it cannot be used to make purchases. However, destroying the card prevents someone from finding it and attempting to use it, and it removes the temptation to reopen the account later. If you are keeping the account open, do not destroy the card.
What should I do with the card if it is still under warranty?
Check your card's terms to see whether there is a warranty or protection plan. If the card is damaged and still under warranty, contact the issuer first — they may replace it for free rather than having you destroy it. Only destroy the card after you have confirmed with the issuer that you do not want a replacement.