What is the best way to destroy expired, unwanted, or unrequested credit cards?

The best way to destroy unwanted credit cards or any type of financial card is to:

1) Use a shredder. Remember that the card number is written on the front and the back of most cards (in the signature box). Warning: If your shredder was bought for super cheap at Walmart or some place like that, a credit card might jam it. Try it once, and if it jams (good luck removing the pieces, just remember to unplug it before you put your finger in there!), use the second method...

2) Get a sturdy pair of scissors or hand shears, and cut it up. Since cutting isn't as efficient as shredding, you want to make sure you first disfigure the card number (perhaps with a knife) and your name, then cut it up. Be sure to cut the numbers (front and back) and the magnetic strip (remember, all your information is stored on there as well ).

Cutting up cards and other junk mail can be a bit time-consuming. So here's what I do: I personally have a "to shred" mail basket hidden behind my couch. In it, I put my confidential mail like credit card offers and old financial statements that I no longer need to store. Once every two or so weeks, while I'm watching TV, I pull out my shredder, the basket, and just go to town. This way the shredding doesn't pile up into a three hour long activity, but rather a 10 minute activity every couple of weeks.

A word about shredders:

Shredders are an extremely worthwhile investment to get rid of all your confidential paper work. Identity theft becomes much more difficult if you are shredding your documents. Confetti and "cross cut" shredders are better than ribbon/strip shredders because the pieces are more difficult to reconstruct.

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