Metal credit cards have become popular due to their durability, premium feel, and design. While we find they can also be handy for opening boxes, when it’s time to replace or dispose of a metal credit card, you might need help with how to do so responsibly.

Credit cards are a persistent recycling challenge and a source of too much waste. Traditional PVC credit and gift cards must be cut up and thrown in the trash because PVC is not widely recycled. Metal cards are a composite of materials that support tap-to-pay capabilities, which makes them unrecyclable in the curbside bin. Because your personal information is accessible to someone who finds a card you toss in the trash, it is essential to take steps to return it to the issuer.

However, metal credit cards contain valuable materials that can be reclaimed and reused — some cards are even made of gold that recycling processes cannot separate from the electronics simply by melting them down. Even though the typical card weighs less than 20 grams, with 65% of consumers interested in using them, recycling these status symbols can help reduce the need for mining new materials.

As with any form of recycling, proper disposal of metal credit cards supports the broader effort to minimize waste and promote sustainability.

Mail-In Programs for Metal Credit Card Recycling

Several financial institutions and card-issuing banks that support, for example, airline-branded metal cards have takeback programs that promise to recycle old cards in an environmentally responsible manner. These programs accept only the cards issued by the company. If you send other cards, the bank will likely trash, not recycle the off-brand cards.

American Express provides a mail-in recycling program for their metal credit cards. The company provides a prepaid mail-in envelope when it sends a replacement card. You can also request a prepaid envelope from their customer service, which you can use to mail your old card back for recycling. For more details, visit the American Express replacement card page and select your card type to receive a mail-in envelope.

American Express provides a mail-back envelope with its metal replacement cards. Source: Earth911

Chase also offers a takeback program for their metal credit cards and drop-off options at its local branch offices. Customers can contact Chase customer service to request a return kit. Once you receive the kit, return your old card for recycling.

Citibank encourages customers to mail in their old metal credit cards for recycling. They provide detailed instructions on how to send your card back safely. For more information, visit Citibank’s customer service page.

Capital One: Capital One allows customers to return their metal credit cards directly to a local bank branch for recycling. You can also contact customer service to get a return envelope. For further details, visit the Capital One credit card support center.

Wells Fargo offers a takeback program for the metal credit cards it issues. Customers can drop off their old cards at any Wells Fargo branch or request a return envelope from customer service. Find out more at the Wells Fargo credit card help page.

General Tips for Recycling Metal Credit Cards

Always contact your card issuer to see if they have a recycling program.

When mailing in your card, use the provided envelope or a secure package to prevent the card from being lost or damaged.

Using these card recycling options, you can responsibly dispose of your metal credit cards and contribute to a more sustainable economy. Every small step to recycle and reduce waste adds to the effort to protect our planet.







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