What to Do With Old Debit Cards: Before-You-Trash-’Em Guide

An old (expired) debit card is a card that’s no longer functional after its expiration date: try to use it, and you will fail. Luckily, virtual debit cards like the one from the system called LinkPay are a modern, worry-free designated solution that doesn’t have that problem: they update instantly, keep your money safe, and never expire. However, our topic of today’s discussion will take you in a slightly different direction.

Key takeaways

Got an old debit card lying around? Don’t toss it in the trash — it may be unsafe! You may have canceled or replaced it, but it still contains sensitive, scammer-attracting details. Therefore, you need to trash those cards the safe way for the purpose of protecting yourself from identity theft. We will let you in on how to do it exactly in this mobile-friendly guide. So, if the “What to do with old debit cards?” the question lingers on your mind like rain on the windows, you are guaranteed to find the right answers below.

How to Dispose of Old Debit Cards the Safest Way: 5 Steps

Picture a scammer using your old debit card to create a fake card in your name — not quite something you’d agree to, right? To prevent this from happening and keep your sensitive information under lock and key, you need to know how to dispose of your old debit card in the safest way possible. Just grab some scissors and be ready to snip that card into tiny pieces — but first follow these 5 detailed steps from our experts:

  1. Before you chop, make sure you’re not about to destroy your new card, so check the expiry date in MM/YY format on the front. Your bank should’ve sent you a new card recently — just follow the steps to activate it. When that’s sorted, go ahead and start cutting up the old one.

  2. Start by cutting straight through the middle of those bumpy numbers on your card. These digits link to your personal info, so chopping them up makes sure no one else can use them. Use a strong pair of scissors or a shredder to butter-slice through the plastic.

  3. Then, cut the magnetic strip on the back of the card at an angle. This strip holds secret info that scammers could use to raid your account and steal your funds. Cutting it up will scramble the data so machines can’t read it. For extra safety, slice it up in several places.

  4. Now, attack the 3-digit security code on the back and slice it into tiny fragments. This code is crucial for online buys, so it needs to be completely gone. It’s usually by the signature area — cut it up into loads of pieces and throw them away separately.

  5. Got a security chip on your card? Give it a diagonal cut! If you don’t, it might still work for Tap-and-Go transactions. Cutting it will wreck its chances of being used. If scissors don’t do the trick, just grab a hammer or nail and smash it up!

Upon chopping your card into tiny bits and making sure no one can piece it back together, it’s safe to toss it. Throw the shreds away in different bins to keep them from being recovered. If you’re also getting rid of documents like old bank statements, shred them, cut them up, and recycle them in a separate trash bin from your card scraps. You don’t want anyone to access your private data, so better safe than sorry!

Getting Rid of Old Debit Cards: The Verdict

Knowing how to get rid of old debit cards when they expire is guaranteed to help you avoid banking risks. Shred the card so no one can piece together your info. For extra safety, put the bits in different bins or throw them out a little at a time. This way, your old card is securely gone, and your new one is all set. With these steps, you’re following the terms of your agreement and keeping your customer info safe from non authorized access. Peace of mind has never been so easily reached!

Last but not least. Doubtlessly, debit cards come with some vital perks, but the above mentioned serious risks associated with them can be easily avoided if you opt for a virtual card. Virtual cards from LinkPay, for instance, are another name for user security, convenience, and peace of mind. 

LinkPay is a cross-device service that issues virtual cards with 3% cashback on every purchase and zero commission on deposit payments, transfers, and transaction cancellations. They provide cards for various needs: online advertising and everyday purchases: subscriptions, shopping on Amazon, business expenses like transfer tickets or hotel reservations. The service also includes cards for electronic wallets and features for accepting payment transactions. And the most important virtual card perk in the context of our topic: no more losing your head over what to do with expired debit card!

FAQ

Should I throw away my old debit cards?

Don’t just chuck your old debit card in the trash — who knows who will find it there! Even if it’s expired, it still holds juicy details that scammers can steal. Dispose of it properly to keep your info safe and sound.

How do you dispose of old bank cards properly?

Chop them into tiny pieces using scissors or a shredder — but follow these steps please. Start with the embossed numbers, then cut up the magnetic strip and security code. If your card has a chip, give it a good diagonal cut or smash it. Spread the pieces across different bins to keep them from being reassembled.

What should I do with the pieces of my old chopped-up cards?

Throw the shredded card bits in different bins or spread them out to prevent recovery. For extra caution, also shred or cut up any old documents, like bank statements, and dispose of them separately.

How does a virtual card make things easier?

Go for a virtual card from services like LinkPay to dodge these security issues. You get 3% cashback on your buys and no fees for deposits or transactions. Virtual cards last forever, so no dealing with expired ones. Manage your every bill smoothly with all them handy alerts and enjoy a silky-smooth experience every day, free from national or county complications!