Summary
Whether your card just has a magnetic stripe, or a chip as well, there is a correct way to get rid of your card and destroy its information.
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Whether your card just has a magnetic stripe, or a chip as well, there is a correct way to get rid of your card and destroy its information.
Cut with scissors
You want to destroy all sensitive information when cutting a card with scissors. Draw vertical and horizontal lines on your card through the account number, name, security code, chip, and stripe. Then, cut along the lines and throw in the trash.
Shredder
A shredder works as a quick way to destroy a mag stripe only card. Only shred a chip card if the shredder can also shred CD’s. Otherwise it could break the shredder. In both cases, use a shredder ONLY if the card is plastic.
Mail back to issuer
If the card is metal or has a chip and you don’t want to cut it up, request a prepaid envelope from the issuer to send it back.Don’t throw it in the trash.
Destroying a card correctly keeps your information safe.
See related: Video: How closing your card affects your credit score, EMV chip card torture test, Video: How EMV chips are made
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