How to effectively destroy a credit card

People who have credit cards certainly have at least once or twice had to destroy a credit card, maybe because it was old, or you closed out the account. Now armed with scissors in hand you are slicing the card this way and that.

Here are a few tips on how to effectively destroy a credit card and reduce or eliminate the possibility of identity theft by somebody using your cut up card.

1. Burn it - maybe neither the easiest nor the earth-friendly method but very effective in destroying all data and information on your credit card
2. Cutting it up - there are certainly many ways to cut up your card - and somebody very determined could still try to put it back together. It is important to cut up all numbers including the security code and signature panel on the back of the card - into many, many pieces
3. Shred it - You can now buy shredders that go through credit cards, even multiple ones. If you decided to invest and buy a shredder look for one that does a cross cut as well.
4. Smash it - grab a hammer and smash the chip on the card that hold all the information, then you can still use scissors to cut the card up.
5. Demagnetize it - run a strong magnet across the magnetic strip on the back of the credit card, then scissor it up
6. Trash it - last but not least - don't put all of your cut up or destroyed pieces of the card in one trash bag. (also goes with other sensitive information you are disposing) Put a few pieces in multiple different trash bags. Some even pour some sticky syrup or other gooey substance to deter anybody from trying to dig through your trash.