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How To Properly Destroy a Credit Card

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Uploaded by on Jan 26, 2010

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Follow these steps when destroying a credit card to protect your identity -- and your credit.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A magnet
Scissors
A hammer
Several trash cans
A cross-cutting shredder (optional)

Step 1: Demagnetize the magnetic strip

Run a magnet along the card's magnetic strip to demagnetize it and remove the information it holds.

Step 2: Cut up the numbers

Slice each four-digit set of numbers into at least two pieces.

Step 3: Finish the cutting job

Ensure that the signature, magnetic strip, and CVV number -- the three-digit code on the back -- have all been cut into small pieces.

Tip: Feed your credit card through a shredder with a cross-cutting function.

Step 4: Destroy the chip

Destroy the credit card chip by cutting it up or smashing it with a hammer.

Tip: Don't burn the card. Credit cards made of plastic often contain inks, holograms, and metals that create toxic fumes.

Step 5: Spread out the pieces

Deposit the pieces of your credit card in different trash cans around your house so that they end up in different garbage bags.

Thanks for watching How To Properly Destroy a Credit Card! If you enjoyed this video subscribe to the Howcast YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=howcast

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Top Comments

  • Will it blend? :Credit card.

  • Stupid video...

    Step 1: Put it in a blender.

    Did you know: We're running out of ideas.

see all

All Comments (41)

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  • 1:05 through 1:14 scared me for some reason :O

  • cut the end and it's destroyed and unusable DUH

  • Burn it. That's all. Who gives a fuck about toxins etc. It's just a small credit card.

  • Aaaaa .... fcking burn it and don't stay next to it!?

    DONE!

  • Step 1: Run a magnet on the back

    Step 2: If that doesn't work, cut it with scizzors a bunch of times

    Step 3: If THAT doesn't work, do whatever crap you want to do to it. MAKE IT TORTURE!!!!! XD

  • the magnet trick only works with big ass neodymium magnets

    as big a an adult hand

    you should watch mythbusters more

  • @HollowedAizen ROFLcopter!

  • Its only illegal if you get caught! ;)

  • And maybe jail time? HAHAHA

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