Destroy the card before throwing it away

Do not toss a credit card in the trash or recycling bin intact. A card with a visible account number, expiration date, and cardholder name is a theft risk even after you stop using it. The safest method is to cut or shred the card into pieces small enough that the account number cannot be reconstructed.

Use scissors or a shredder to cut the card lengthwise through the magnetic stripe and chip, then cut it again widthwise. Some people cut the card into at least six pieces. If you have a document shredder at home, run the card through it — this is faster and more thorough than hand-cutting. After shredding, you can throw the pieces in the regular trash.

Do not mail the card back to the issuer unless they specifically ask you to. Most card companies do not require the physical card to be returned, and mailing it creates an unnecessary security risk during transit.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut or shred the card through the magnetic stripe and chip before discarding it, so the account number cannot be read.
  • Contact the card issuer to close the account if you have not already — destroying the card does not close the account.
  • Request that the issuer remove your card from their records and confirm the account is closed in writing.
  • If the card is lost or stolen, call the issuer when ready to report it and ask them to cancel it before you dispose of anything.

Close the account with the card issuer

Destroying the physical card is separate from closing the account. The account remains open at the bank or credit card company until you tell them to close it. An open account can still be used if someone has your account number, and it will continue to appear on your credit report.

Call the customer service number on your statement or the issuer's website. Tell them you want to close the account. Ask them to confirm that the account is closed and that no new charges can be made. Request written confirmation by mail or email — this creates a record if there are problems later.

Before closing, check that you have paid off any remaining balance. Some issuers will not close an account with an outstanding balance, and closing an account with a balance can affect your credit score. If you have autopay set up, cancel it before closing so you do not miss a final payment.

Handle rewards points and cash back before closing

If your card earns rewards, points, or cash back, redeem them before you close the account. Once the account is closed, you may lose access to any unredeemed rewards. Some issuers allow a grace period after closing, but this varies — do not assume you can redeem later.

Log into your online account and check your rewards balance. Redeem the points for a statement credit, cash back, or a product or travel booking, depending on what the program offers. If you are unsure how to redeem, call customer service and ask them to walk you through the process or to redeem the rewards on your behalf.

Write down the redemption confirmation number or take a screenshot. This protects you if the issuer later claims the points were not redeemed.

Report the card as lost or stolen if it goes missing

If you cannot find the card or believe it has been stolen, call the issuer when ready. Do not wait to see if charges appear. The sooner you report it, the sooner the issuer can cancel it and the sooner your liability for fraudulent charges is limited.

Most issuers have a dedicated fraud line with a phone number on the back of your statement or on their website. Tell them the card is missing and ask them to cancel it right away. They will issue a new card or close the account, depending on what you request. Ask them to note in your account that the card was lost or stolen — this creates a record for your protection.

After you hang up, follow up in writing. Send an email or letter to the address on your statement confirming the date and time you called, the name of the representative you spoke with, and what you reported. Keep a copy for your records.

Monitor your account after closing

After you close the account, continue to check your credit report for several months. Closed accounts remain on your credit report for years, but they should show a status of "closed" or "closed by consumer." If the account shows as open or if you see charges after closing, contact the issuer when ready.

You can check your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus. Look for the account name and number to confirm it shows as closed. If there are errors, dispute them with the bureau in writing.

Keep your bank and credit card statements for at least one year after closing. If fraudulent charges appear, you will need the statements to prove you reported the card as closed.

Dispose of old statements and documents safely

Old credit card statements, bills, and receipts contain sensitive information and should be shredded or burned, not thrown away whole. A statement shows your account number, name, address, and sometimes the last four digits of your bank account if you set up autopay.

Shred statements before recycling or discarding them. If you do not have a shredder, tear them into small pieces by hand or burn them in a fireplace or fire pit if you have one. Do not leave statements in a recycling bin where someone can retrieve them.

If you receive statements by mail, consider switching to paperless statements through your online account. This reduces the amount of sensitive mail you receive and the number of documents you have to destroy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just cut up the card and throw it away without calling the issuer?

Cutting up the card protects you from someone finding it and using the number, but it does not close the account. You must call the issuer to close the account. If you do not, the account stays open and appears on your credit report, and the issuer may charge an annual fee.

What if I have multiple cards from the same issuer?

Each card is a separate account. You must close each one individually by calling the issuer and specifying which account you want to close. Ask the representative to confirm which card you are closing so there is no confusion.

Will closing a credit card hurt my credit score?

Closing an account can affect your credit score because it reduces your total available credit and may increase your credit utilization ratio. The impact is usually temporary. If you are concerned, you can keep the account open and straightforward stop using the card instead of closing it.

What should I do if I find an old credit card I forgot about?

Call the issuer to check if the account is still active. If it is, ask about the balance and any annual fees that may have been charged. Pay off the balance if there is one, then close the account. Shred the card after closing.

Can I throw away a debit card the same way as a credit card?

Yes, the process is the same. Shred or cut the debit card, then contact your bank to deactivate it. Ask the bank to confirm the card is deactivated and that no transactions can be made with it. Keep written confirmation.