How To Dispose Of Your Expired Or Cancelled Credit Card Chip

Any time you receive a new credit card by post you need to get rid of your old one and here are some tips on how to dispose of your expired or cancelled credit card chip. As soon as you get your new card you will be able to use it before the expiry on your old one. This means that someone else could start using your old card if you do not destroy it completely. You should also realize that just because the card has expired, it still carries all of your account information that could be used by thieves. That is why it is so important to learn how to dispose of your expired or cancelled credit card chip the right way.

How to dispose of your expired or cancelled credit card chip

Here is a step by step guide on how to dispose of your expired or cancelled credit card chip properly.

1. Make sure that you are cutting up the right card. If you destroy your new card you will have to go through the hassle of getting it replaced.

2. Get a pair of strong scissors so that you can cut the card easily. Plastic scissors are not going to work and a knife will take too long.

3. Cut through the numbers that are embossed on the card at the front so that each number is divided in half.

4. Make a diagonal cut right through the magnetic strip.

5. Take the top half of the credit card and count 2 to 4 digits and cut through them. Follow the same instructions for the bottom half of the card.

5. Look for your three digit security code that is located on the back of the card and cut it into small pieces. Make sure that it cannot be pieced back together again or read by anybody.

6. Cut the security chip up diagonally.

7. Take a look at all the pieces that you have cut up to make sure that there is nothing on them that could be of importance.

8. Only throw a few pieces into the garbage at a time. Wait until the garbage has been picked up before putting a few more in the next time. You may also choose to take them out with you if you go out and deposit the pieces into separate waste bins in different locations.

This is how to dispose of your expired or canceled credit card so that thieves can never find out any of your personal information. It is the proper way to do it. Some people try using shredding machines to cut up their card and have ended up destroying the machine in the process. Avoid using a shredder unless it is industrial strength and capable of cutting plastic.

If you have been wondering how to dispose of your expired or cancelled credit card chip correctly, this is the way. If you don’t do it properly, there is always the chance that a thief can get your private information and use it for criminal purposes.