In today’s world, most people have at least one credit card in their wallet. Credit cards are essential for making online purchases, renting a car, booking a hotel room, and more. But what should you do with old or expired credit cards?
It’s important to dispose of your old or expired credit cards in a responsible way. Simply tossing them in the trash can put you at risk of identity theft. Criminals can use the information on your card to steal your identity, open new accounts in your name, and wreak havoc on your credit score.
To avoid this, the first thing you should do with an old or expired credit card is cut it up into tiny pieces. You can use a pair of scissors or a paper shredder to destroy the card. Make sure to cut up the numbers, the expiration date, and the CVV code on the back of the card. This will make it much harder for someone to use the card fraudulently.
Once you’ve cut up the card, you can dispose of it in the trash. However, if you want to take an extra step to protect your identity, you can also recycle the card. Many recycling centers will accept credit cards for recycling, and this can ensure that your personal information is truly destroyed.
If you have a lot of old credit cards lying around, you may want to consider closing some of your accounts. Having too many credit cards can actually hurt your credit score. Consider closing any accounts that you no longer use or need. However, make sure to pay off the balance on each card before closing the account.
In summary, when it comes to old or expired credit cards, it’s important to cut them up into tiny pieces and dispose of them in a responsible way. Consider recycling the cards to ensure that your personal information is destroyed, and close any accounts that you no longer use. By taking these steps, you can protect yourself from identity theft and keep your credit score healthy.