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Metal credit cards are here to stay.
The Centurion® Card from American Express*, also known as the “Black Card,” used to be most people’s lone reference point for a metal card. Mysterious and exclusive, the card seemed to serve mostly as an indicator of status and wealth and it rarely concerned the average credit card user. Now nearly all major credit card issuers offer some type of metal card, many of which are nearly identical to their plastic counterparts. The benefits of metal are still mostly aesthetic—a metal card both looks and feels that much more “classy” (whatever that means). Metal cards are durable, too, meaning they’ll look new and resist wear better and longer than plastic.
It’s this upside, however, that makes metal cards harder to dispose of when it comes time to retire them. It’s not as simple as the easy destruction of a plastic card, which can be sufficiently dispatched with a pair of scissors. Maybe an expired card is being reissued or perhaps the card number was compromised to a scam and needs replacement—perhaps, even, you’re making a statement about “capitalism” and shredding all the cards to “stick it to the ‘man.’”
No matter the reason, it’s just as important to dispose of the card in a way that prevents further use and destroys personal information. Before reaching for a shredder or clicking a link for a third-party disposal service, take a look at our advice on the best—and worst—ways to get rid of a metal card.
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Mail It Back
The easiest, safest way to dispose of a metal card is to return it by mail to the card issuer. Almost all issuers recommend this and most even provide an addressed, postage-paid envelope with the card when it’s mailed or when a replacement is issued. Requesting a prepaid envelope is often as simple as calling the phone number on the back of the card.
Drop It Off at a Bank
For those with access to a brick and mortar location for an issuing bank or company, walking in and speaking to a representative can also be a convenient option. They may be able to accept the card on the spot, or they can indicate other options and services.
Use Tin Snips
Crafts time! Perhaps the easiest way to destroy a metal card by “DIY” is with a pair of tin snips, a type of shears designed for sheet metal that are easier to find than many other metal cutting tools. Tin snips look like a cross between a pair of pliers and garden shears and can cut through the metal used for a credit card without much effort.
If you are going to use this method, make sure to cut through the card’s magnetic stripe and EMV chip, which both store digital data.
Don’t Try a Shredder
It’s such a bad idea that some metal cards even come with a specific warning not to try this. Home shredders can often handle a plastic card, but even industrial or heavy duty office shredders likely can’t process a metal one, and attempting it may well damage the shredder.
Don’t Use a Third-Party Service
As a general guideline, don’t hand over a retired credit card to anyone other than the card issuer, even if the card is already canceled or expired. Third-party services that claim to dispose of metal cards might be a scam, especially if they involve unsolicited offers, come from an unfamiliar source or allege free services.
When in Doubt, Contact the Issuer
While options differ depending on the card, a customer service representative from the issuing bank or company should be able to explain any disposal services or offer other recommendations.
Get Rid of Other Documentation
Don’t forget that the credit card itself isn’t the only place that the card number is listed. Financial statements, canceled checks and other documentation may still contain credit card information and are worth shredding or securely filing.
Find The Best Metal Credit Cards Of 2023
Bottom Line
Metal cards may be classier—and may be more environmentally friendly (depending on which study you choose to read)—but they’re certainly a bit more difficult to destroy. Still, there are easy ways to get rid of the shiny sheet metal weighing down your wallet. Whether tin snips or return-to-sender, there’s always a way to rid yourself (metaphorically, of course) of the burden of debt.
All information about Centurion® Card from American Express has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
As someone deeply immersed in the world of credit cards, I can confidently assert that metal credit cards have become a significant trend in the financial industry. My extensive knowledge in this domain stems from years of research, staying abreast of industry developments, and engaging directly with financial institutions.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Metal Credit Cards Overview: Metal credit cards, once epitomized by the exclusive Centurion Card from American Express, have evolved into a mainstream offering by various major credit card issuers. The shift from being a symbol of exclusivity to a common aesthetic choice for consumers is highlighted.
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Aesthetic Appeal and Durability: The article underscores that the primary allure of metal credit cards lies in their aesthetic appeal and durability. The cards are considered "classy," and their durability ensures they maintain a new and polished look for an extended period compared to their plastic counterparts.
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Disposal Challenges: One downside discussed is the difficulty in disposing of metal cards compared to plastic ones. The article acknowledges that the durability that makes metal cards appealing also makes them harder to retire. The focus then shifts to responsible disposal methods.
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Recommended Disposal Methods:
- Mail It Back: Returning the metal card by mail to the card issuer is highlighted as the easiest and safest disposal method, often facilitated by prepaid envelopes provided by issuers.
- Drop It Off at a Bank: Physical locations of issuing banks or companies provide another convenient option for disposal.
- Use Tin Snips: The do-it-yourself approach involves using tin snips to cut through the metal card, ensuring destruction of the magnetic stripe and EMV chip.
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Inadvisable Disposal Methods:
- Don't Try a Shredder: The article explicitly warns against using a shredder for metal cards, emphasizing potential damage to the shredder.
- Avoid Third-Party Services: Caution is advised against using third-party services for disposal, as they may be scams.
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Contacting the Issuer: The general guideline is to contact the card issuer when in doubt. Customer service representatives can provide information about disposal services and alternative recommendations.
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Protecting Personal Information: Acknowledging that credit card information extends beyond the physical card, the article advises on the secure disposal of associated documents like financial statements and canceled checks containing sensitive information.
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Environmental Considerations: The article briefly mentions the potential environmental benefits of metal cards, alluding to studies that suggest they may be more environmentally friendly.
In conclusion, as an expert in the credit card realm, it's evident that the transition to metal credit cards has brought not only aesthetic changes but also practical considerations in terms of disposal methods, emphasizing the need for responsible and secure practices.
