Today, I found so many old cards (debit and credit) which are expired. I was in a thought whether to keep them or throw them. Then after having a healthy discussion with my friend from a bank I came to a conclusion.
It is generally recommended to dispose of old credit or debit cards rather than keeping them. Keeping old cards can increase the risk of unauthorized access to your personal and financial information if they were to fall into the wrong hands. Even if the cards are expired or no longer active, they may still contain sensitive data that could be exploited. It is safer to shred or cut the cards into small pieces to ensure that the information cannot be retrieved, thereby safeguarding your privacy and security.
When it comes to disposing of old credit or debit cards, it’s important to ensure that the information on the cards is completely destroyed to protect your personal and financial security. Here are some of the best ways to dispose of old credit or debit cards:
Shredding: The most effective method is to shred the cards using a cross-cut shredder. This ensures that the card is thoroughly destroyed and the information is rendered unreadable.
Cutting: If you don’t have a shredder, you can use a pair of scissors to cut the cards into small pieces. Cut through the chip, magnetic strip, and account numbers to prevent anyone from reconstructing the card.
Secure disposal bins: Some banks and financial institutions provide secure disposal bins specifically for credit and debit cards. Check with your bank to see if they have such a service available for their customers.
Electronic waste recycling: Certain recycling centers or electronic waste disposal facilities accept credit and debit cards as part of their recycling programs. These centers have specialized equipment to handle and destroy the cards securely.
Contact your issuer: Some credit card issuers may have specific instructions for disposing of their cards. Contact the issuer’s customer service and inquire about their recommended disposal methods.
It’s important to note that simply throwing old cards in the trash or recycling bin without destroying them is not secure enough, as someone might be able to retrieve the card and misuse the information. Take the extra steps to ensure the complete destruction of the cards to protect your personal and financial data.