How to Destroy Old Credit Cards & Bank Cards
There are about 2.8 billion credit cards in use globally and as everyone knows, credit card hold a great deal of information despite its small size. It is exactly for this reason that individuals and businesses alike need to take great care to protect the security of their credit cards, both before and after they have expired.
Once your old credit card or bank card has expired, there are a few different methods that you could choose to destroy this small but valuable piece of plastic; some are more secure than others so it’s essential to choose a secure method to avoid fraud and having your information stolen.
Your confidential information can also be at a higher risk of a data breach during certain times of the year such as the holiday period.
Different Shredding Methods
It can be difficult to know which methods of credit card destruction are best for the integrity and security of the information it holds. Here are a few ways to destroy old credit cards:
- Cut it into pieces: this method is quick and easy on the surface but if you are thinking of cutting up your old credit cards, there are some security measures to follow. Firstly, each set of four numbers on the front of your card needs to be cut into six pieces, this makes it incredibly unlikely that someone can piece together your card. Additionally, you must also make sure you cut through your signature and demagnetise the card’s chip.
- Burn it: burning your old credit cards may help eliminate the need to cut the card into small pieces and demagnetise the chip but it is less environmentally friendly and can add to the growing CO2 emissions being emitted globally.
- Shred it at home: if your business uses a company shredder, it may be possible to use it as a credit card shredder too. However, a typical office shredder is not designed to shred durable plastics and the method can leave your business open to a data breach. Recycling the shredded card also means that those looking to steal your confidential data may be able to retrieve it if security protocols are not in place.
- Use a professional shred service: the most secure option is to engage a professional credit card destruction service provider to destroy your credit card effectively, safely, and in an environmentally friendly manner. Using a professional service will also help make sure that your old credit card is securely destroyed making your information unretrievable.
Although the credit card destruction options listed above might save time or money, a professional credit card shredder like Shred-it can offer many benefits in the long run including improved security and sustainability.
Shred-it’s Secure Credit Card Destruction
Your data could be at risk of falling into the wrong hands if you are not destroying your credit card securely. Utilising a professional credit card destruction service can help you out.
Shred-it implements best-in-class industry standards which starts with our secure chain of custody protocols. These security protocols include:
- A barcode scan at every touchpoint
- Locked trucks and secure totes keep information safe in transit
- GPS-tracked fleets
- Secure, monitored facilities protect your information before it's destroyed
The security and integrity of your old credit cards and the information held on them are guaranteed to be destroyed effectively and securely with our Credit Card Destruction Service.
We utilise suitable industrial credit card shredders that help make sure your confidential data is unretrievable, unreadable, and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
We only work with trusted partners that will ensure to fully recycle your old credit cards, so you can be safe in the knowledge that our credit card shredder and card destruction service will not contribute to any ongoing waste issues.
No one wants to experience a data breach from improper credit card destruction. When criminals are looking to steal your data using more advanced methods and technology, it is now essential for you and your business to protect your confidential data. This includes data found on credit cards.
Shred-it helps business to improve their overall data security and can help you decrease the risk of a data breach occurring.
Find out more about our Product Destruction Services by getting in touch today to see how we can protect your business, employees, and customers.
