How to destroy a metal credit card

Metal credit cards are a popular class of credit cards, and the Centurion Card from American Express (also called the "Black Card") popularized this trend.

Several issuers now provide metal cards for their premium travel cards, including Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Whether a card expires or an account for a metal card is closed, destroying a metal credit card isn't as simple as cutting it up with scissors or bending and snapping it (hello, "Legally Blonde").

Following the correct method to dispose of metal credit cards is important because issuers might have their own set of requirements. Plus, it'll help protect your personal information. Here's how to do it safely.

The information for the Centurion Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: The best metal credit cards

Mail it back to the issuer

The simplest and safest way to dispose of a metal credit card is to return it to the issuer. If your metal credit card is up for renewal, the issuer will probably send a prepaid envelope for the old card when mailing out the new card. If you do not receive a prepaid envelope or close your account, call or send a secure message to your issuer to request a prepaid envelope to dispose of the card safely.

A few years back, my Sapphire Reserve was approaching its expiration. Two months before my card expiration, Chase mailed me a new card, along with a prepaid envelope, which I could use to dispose of my expiring card.

Drop it off at a branch

For credit card issuers with physical locations, such as Chase or U.S. Bank, you can walk into any branch and hand your card to an employee. Simply ask them to dispose of the card because it has expired or you have closed the account. Dropping off a metal credit card at the issuer's branch will ensure your name and card information are secure and handled appropriately.

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Destroy the credit card yourself

If you would rather destroy the metal credit card yourself, there are some things to remember.

Firstly, metal cards cannot be shredded with your typical at-home paper shredder; attempting to do so can damage the device.

Additionally, Chase metal credit cards explicitly state "Do not shred" on the back. You cannot cut metal credit cards with regular scissors, so you may want to get a pair of tin scissors to do the job.

We wouldn't recommend trying to bend the card until it snaps, as you may injure yourself with flying shards or sharp cuts.

If you choose to destroy it yourself, get creative, but be safe. You don't want to get hurt while attempting to destroy the card.

Bottom line

Metal credit cards are a neat touch to anyone's wallet, and they can impress people who have never seen one. However, if you no longer need your card, you need to dispose of it correctly.

You can always contact the issuer for help destroying your card. And although it may not be as easy as destroying a plastic credit card, you can try to safely destroy a metal card on your own; just know it may require tools like tin scissors or other creative methods.

Related: A side-by-side comparison of the best premium credit cards