How to Dispose of Metal Credit Cards Safely (2026)

Metal credit cards — such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the American Express Platinum, and similar premium products — cannot be destroyed by a standard home paper shredder, which lacks the blades to cut through metal. Putting a metal card in the recycling bin is also problematic because the embedded chip and magnetic stripe still contain readable account data, and municipal recycling programs are not equipped to handle metal card material. Identity thieves can potentially retrieve card data from discarded cards using card readers. Proper disposal ensures your financial information is destroyed before the card leaves your hands. If you are canceling the underlying account, first review your rights as a cardholder before closing.

The safest and most convenient method for disposing of a metal credit card is to return it to the issuer, many of whom provide prepaid return envelopes specifically for this purpose. American Express and Chase, for example, typically offer a mail-back envelope option for metal card holders who are closing their account or receiving a replacement card. Contact the customer service number on the back of your card or the issuer's website to request a return envelope or confirm their current disposal program. The issuer will destroy the card securely on their end. If you are closing an American Express credit card, ask about their metal card return policy at the same time.

Issuer-Specific Return Programs

Heavy-duty cross-cut shredders rated for credit cards and CDs can often handle metal credit cards, particularly those made from lighter metals. Check your shredder's specifications before attempting to shred a metal card — forcing a thick stainless steel card through an incompatible shredder can damage the machine. Some office supply stores and banks offer shredding services, including for metal cards. Shredding the card destroys both the chip, the magnetic stripe, and the card number embossing, making data recovery essentially impossible. After disposal, consider whether to apply for an extra debit card as a replacement payment method.

If you cannot return the card to the issuer or access a compatible shredder, a local scrap metal recycler or specialized e-waste recycling facility can typically accept metal credit cards. Before dropping off the card, score or scratch the magnetic stripe repeatedly with a sharp object and destroy the chip as much as possible to render the data unreadable — even at a recycling facility, intact card data could theoretically be retrieved. Some municipalities offer periodic e-waste collection events where metal cards may be accepted. The FTC recommends physically destroying the chip and stripe before disposing of any financial card. After safely disposing of your old card, you may want to review whether a lower-interest replacement card makes sense before applying for a new metal card.

Do not put a metal credit card in your curbside recycling bin — standard municipal recycling programs cannot process them and may reject loads that contain metal cards mixed in with paper or plastics. Do not throw the card in the trash intact — even in a landfill, the card's magnetic stripe can remain readable for months or years. Do not attempt to cut a heavy stainless steel card with regular scissors or a standard shredder, as this can cause injuries or damage equipment. Contact your issuer first — their mail-back program is always the simplest and safest option. Once your card is disposed of and the account is closed, update your payment method everywhere it was saved — including your Amazon payment methods. Check if you had the card on file with any recurring billing by reviewing guides on maintaining a clean credit record after account closure.