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

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.

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.

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

Final Cut

This cut is optional. It goes through the middle of your name.

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/