If acard (debit card, credit card, prepaid card or any other type of card) expires, or you stop using it, you will need to dispose of it in a safe and secure manner. If you require a new e-money account you can open a Suits Me® account today with no credit checks.
Why destroy a card?
When you have finished using a card and no longer need it, (for example, if you’ve changed account or the card has expired), for your personal safety, you should destroy the card.
Never throw a card away in a bin in its whole form without destroying eachfeature and function of the card first.Doing so would mean you open yourself up to potential fraud if your card finds its way into the wrong hands.
Safely destroying and disposing of your card when you no longer need it helps to greatly reduce the risk of fraud.
How to destroy the card
Get rid of your card in a safe way by using the below steps.
Step 1
Magnetic Strip
The magnetic strip positioned on the back of your card is made up of multiple tracks which stores your personal data. To void the use of the magnetic strip and render its capability useless, run a magnet along the strip a few times.
Tip: any magnet will work – including a fridge magnet.
Step 2
Cut the Card
This is the fun bit.
Take a strong pair of scissors and cut up the card.
Cutting up your card needs to be done in a methodical manner to ensure you have voided each function from working and to make sure the physical features cannot be read by a possible fraudster.
Tip: any magnet will work – including a fridge magnet.
Long Card Number
Cut through the long card number horizontally and then vertically over the letters.
Name
Cut through your name horizontally and then vertically overtheletters.
Account Number and Sort-Code
Cut through your account number and sort-code horizontally and then vertically over the numbers.
Chip
Cut through the chip diagonally and then keep cutting through it into more pieces.
Security Code (CV2)
Cut through thesecurity code (CV2 – last 3 digits on the back of your card)horizontally and then vertically over the numbers.
Tip:Unless you have an industrial shredder, don’t place your card through a standard home-office shredder as the card could potentially break it.
Step3
Check the card pieces
Look at all the card pieces. Make sure that no one piece contains information on it that could mean something to someone.
Step 4
Separate your card remains
Don’t place all of the pieces of your card into one bin as this potentially gives a fraudster the opportunity to try to piece the card together.
To add an extra layer of security, add some parts of your card to each bin collection day so that your whole card in pieces isn’t collected within the same bin collection.
Cutting up your card needs to be done in a methodical manner to ensure you have voided each function from working and to make sure the physical features cannot be read by a possible fraudster.
Tip: any magnet will work – including a fridge magnet.
FAQs
I don’t know what each part of my card is?
Don’t worry, we have created an easy to use guide onDebit card features and functionswhich explains where each feature is and what it is for.
Do I need to do this for all of my old cards?
Yes, if any of your cards are no longer of any use to you. For example, if the card has expired or if you no longer have an account with that payment provider then you need to safely and securely destroy and dispose of the card.
Useful Information
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As an expert in security and financial safety, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of securely disposing of bank cards to protect oneself from potential fraud. The information provided in the article aligns with best practices for card disposal, and I'll break down each concept mentioned:
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Reasons to Destroy a Card:
- When a card expires or is no longer in use, it should be disposed of to ensure personal safety.
- Incorrect disposal, such as throwing it away without destroying its features, can lead to potential fraud.
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How to Destroy the Card:
- Step 1: Magnetic Strip
- The magnetic strip on the back of the card stores personal data. Running a magnet along it renders the strip useless.
- Step 2: Cut the Card
- Using strong scissors, cut the card methodically to void each function and prevent the physical features from being readable.
- Specific instructions include cutting through the long card number, name, account number, sort-code, chip, and security code (CV2).
- Step 3: Check the Card Pieces
- Inspect all card pieces to ensure no single piece contains information that could be useful to someone.
- Step 4: Separate Card Remains
- Do not place all card pieces in one bin to prevent the possibility of a fraudster piecing the card together.
- Consider adding parts of the card to different bin collections for added security.
- Step 1: Magnetic Strip
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FAQs:
- If unsure about each part of the card, refer to the provided guide on debit card features and functions.
- It is necessary to destroy and dispose of all old cards that are no longer in use, especially if they have expired or are associated with an inactive account.
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Useful Information:
- The article offers additional information on PIN security tips and what to do in case of lost, stolen, or damaged cards.
- Encourages readers to open a Suits Me® account for a new e-money account with no credit checks.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide on the secure disposal of bank cards, emphasizing the importance of destroying various components to minimize the risk of fraud. The tips are practical and straightforward, making them accessible to anyone looking to safely dispose of their old cards.
