You've decided it's time to part ways with an old American Express card. Perhaps it's expired, you've upgraded to a new one, or you're simply decluttering your wallet. Whatever the reason, properly disposing of your old Amex card is crucial to protect your personal information and prevent potential fraud. Unlike flimsy plastic cards, many American Express cards are made of metal, which presents a unique challenge.
Ready to get rid of that old Amex card safely and responsibly? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Assess Your Card – Is It Plastic or Metal?
Before you even think about cutting, shredding, or mailing, you need to identify the material of your American Express card. This is a critical first step as the disposal methods vary significantly.
Sub-heading: The Common Plastic Cards
These are typically lighter and more flexible. You can usually tell by bending them slightly (don't bend too much if you still need it!). If it feels like a standard credit card you've always had, it's likely plastic. Disposal for these is generally straightforward.
Sub-heading: The Sturdy Metal Cards
Many premium American Express cards, like the Platinum Card® or Centurion® Card, are made of metal. These are noticeably heavier, rigid, and cannot be easily cut with regular scissors. Attempting to do so will likely damage your scissors and could even injure you. Look for a small warning on the back of the card that might say "Do Not Shred" or similar. This is a strong indicator of a metal card.
Step 2: Consider Account Status – Active or Closed?
Are you simply replacing an expired card, or are you closing the account entirely? This distinction is important for subsequent actions.
Sub-heading: Expired or Replaced Card (Account Remains Active)
If your account is still active and you're just getting rid of an old, expired, or replaced physical card, your primary goal is to destroy the card itself to prevent unauthorized use of the physical card. The account number and information are still live and tied to your new card or digital access.
Sub-heading: Closing an American Express Account (Final Disposal)
If you intend to close your American Express account, the physical card disposal is just one part of the process. You'll need to contact American Express directly to initiate the account closure. Be sure to redeem any rewards points or cash back before closing your account, as they are often forfeited upon closure! Also, remember that closing an old credit card account can potentially impact your credit score by reducing your overall available credit and shortening your credit history. Weigh these factors carefully.
Step 3: Securely Destroying Your Card (The Physical Act)
This is where the rubber meets the road, or rather, where the card meets its end. The method you choose depends on whether your card is plastic or metal.
Sub-heading: For Plastic American Express Cards
Cutting is your best friend here. Grab a sturdy pair of scissors.
Cut through the EMV chip: This is the small metallic square on the front of the card. This chip holds crucial data.
Cut through the magnetic stripe: This is the black or silver strip on the back. It also stores your information.
Cut through the account number: Ensure every digit of your card number is cut into multiple pieces.
Cut through your name and signature: Make sure these identifying details are unintelligible.
Shredding (with caution): Some heavy-duty cross-cut paper shredders can handle plastic cards. Ensure your shredder is specifically designed for credit cards to avoid damaging it. Feed the card in slowly and ensure it's completely shredded into tiny, unreadable pieces.
Sub-heading: For Metal American Express Cards
Disposing of metal Amex cards requires a more robust approach. Regular scissors will not work!
Mail it Back to American Express (Recommended!): This is often the safest and easiest method. American Express often provides a pre-paid, addressed envelope with your new card specifically for returning your old metal card for secure destruction. If you don't have one, call the customer service number on the back of your card and request a return envelope. They have specialized equipment to destroy these cards properly.
Return it to a Bank Branch (if applicable): If you have access to a physical American Express branch or a bank that partners with Amex for this service, you may be able to drop off your card in person. Always call ahead to confirm their policy.
DIY with Tin Snips: If you're handy and want to destroy it yourself, a pair of tin snips (shears designed for cutting sheet metal) can do the trick.
Carefully cut through the EMV chip and the magnetic stripe.
Cut the card into multiple, small, irregular pieces to ensure no identifiable information remains.
Exercise extreme caution when using tin snips, as metal shards can be sharp. Wear protective gloves and eyewear.
Avoid these methods for metal cards:
Do NOT use a standard paper shredder. It will damage your shredder.
Do NOT attempt to bend or snap it forcefully. This can cause sharp edges and potential injury.
Do NOT try to melt or burn it. This can release toxic fumes and is generally unsafe for home disposal.
Step 4: After Destruction – Double-Check and Disperse
Once you've physically destroyed the card, a few final steps will enhance your security.
Sub-heading: Verify Destruction
Visually inspect the pieces. Ensure that no full numbers, names, or other sensitive details are visible on any single piece. If you're unsure, cut them smaller!
Sub-heading: Disperse the Pieces
Don't just put all the pieces into one trash bag. Divide the destroyed card pieces and place them in separate trash bags or dispose of them on different days. This makes it significantly harder for anyone to reconstruct the card.
Step 5: Follow Up with American Express (If Account is Closed)
If you initiated an account closure, ensure it's finalized.
Sub-heading: Confirm Account Closure
After a few business days or weeks, call American Express customer service again to confirm that your account has been officially closed and has a zero balance.
Request a written confirmation of the account closure for your records.
Sub-heading: Monitor Your Credit Report
Regularly check your credit report (you can get a free one annually from each of the three major credit bureaus) to ensure the account is reported as "closed" and that no fraudulent activity appears after the closure. It might take a few billing cycles for the closure to reflect on your report.
Step 6: Don't Forget Related Documents!
Your old American Express card isn't the only place your financial information resides.
Sub-heading: Securely Dispose of Statements and Other Mail
Any old statements, pre-approved offers, or other mail containing your American Express account number or personal details should be shredded using a cross-cut shredder. If you don't have a shredder, tear them into confetti-sized pieces.
Sub-heading: Update Online Accounts
If your old Amex card was linked to any online subscriptions, bill payments, or shopping websites, update your payment information with your new card or an alternative payment method.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to properly destroy a plastic credit card at home?
Cut through the EMV chip, magnetic stripe, account number, name, and signature into multiple, small pieces. A cross-cut shredder designed for cards can also be used.
How to safely dispose of a metal American Express card?
The safest method is to mail it back to American Express using a prepaid envelope they provide or request. Alternatively, use tin snips to cut it into small pieces, focusing on the chip and magnetic stripe.
How to ensure my information is truly unretrievable after cutting a card?
Cut the card into as many small, irregular pieces as possible, ensuring no single piece contains complete digits or identifying information. Disperse the pieces in different trash bags.
How to cancel recurring payments associated with my old American Express card?
Log into each service or merchant website/app and update your payment information with a new card or alternative method before disposing of the old card or closing the account.
How to redeem my American Express Membership Rewards points before closing an account?
Log into your American Express account online or call customer service to explore your redemption options (e.g., statement credit, gift cards, travel, merchandise) and redeem them before initiating the account closure.
How to confirm that my American Express account has been successfully closed?
Call American Express customer service a few days or weeks after requesting closure and ask for verbal confirmation. Request a written confirmation for your records, and monitor your credit report.
How to know if my American Express card is plastic or metal?
Metal cards are noticeably heavier and rigid, difficult to bend, and often have a warning on the back like "Do Not Shred." Plastic cards are lighter and flexible.
How to get a prepaid envelope from American Express to return my old card?
When you receive a new metal card, it often comes with a prepaid return envelope. If not, call the customer service number on the back of your card and request one.
How to prevent identity theft when disposing of old credit cards?
Always destroy the physical card by cutting or shredding all sensitive information (chip, magnetic stripe, numbers, name). Also, securely shred any paper documents containing card details.
How to avoid damaging my home shredder when disposing of credit cards?
Only use a shredder that is explicitly advertised as being able to shred credit cards (typically cross-cut models). Do NOT attempt to shred metal cards with any home shredder.