If you have old or expired cards, what’s the best way to destroy them? Whether it’s a personal or business expense card, the card holds valuable information that can lead to identity theft and financial collapse if it falls into the wrong hands.
Many businesses and households have paper shredders. Find out if your paper shredder can safely shred credit cards by learning about the safety features and capacities of advanced paper destroyers.
Check the Shredder’s Manual
Not all shredders, especially traditional, small paper shredders, can handle the tough material of credit cards. Before running your cards through the blades, review your shredder’s manual to see if it includes credit card shredding as a feature.
Look for Dedicated Card-Specific Features
While traditionally used for paper documents, modern shredders commonly include credit card shredding as an additional feature. The models typically have stronger blades and may include a separate slot specifically designed for tough materials like plastic cards and CDs. Check if your machine has these features before you shred materials other than paper.
Consider the Type of Cut
With multiple functions and settings, many paper shredders can safely shred credit cards without damaging the system. However, shredders come in a variety of cutting styles, including strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut.
For shredding credit cards securely, cross-cut and micro-cut shredders are the ideal options. They break the card into tiny pieces, making it nearly impossible to reconstruct.
Be Aware of Overheating Risks
Shredding a credit card requires your shredder to use more power, which can cause the motor to overheat if overused. If you plan to shred multiple cards or large quantities of documents, use a heavy-duty shredder designed for extended use. This will prevent the components from undergoing high temperatures and deteriorating from the heat.
Empty the Shredder Bin Regularly
Is your paper shredder not working? Plastic from shredded credit cards can accumulate in your shredder’s wastebasket and potentially clog up the machine if left unchecked. Regularly empty the bin and clean the shredder to maintain optimal performance.
If you need to upgrade your office shredder, browse our collection of machines at Capital Shredder! Our team provides heavy-duty shredders for office use that will handle documents, credit cards, CDs, and more. Learn more about their features and capabilities by getting in touch with our team today.
