Credit Card Preservation

I’ve had the opportunity to examine numerous old time (15 years or older) credit card collections. One thing noticeably missing is the lack of quality material. It appears that most pioneer collectors thought, “I’ll just put these expired cards away.” They just didn’t realize the day would come when others would be seriously interested in those credit cards.

Early collectors seldom took precautions to protect the condition of the cards that were kept. Some collections were displayed by being glued into photo albums. It was also common to bundle credit cards with rubber bands or just stack them together loosely. This allowed the credit cards to rub together thus creating numerous unsightly hairline scratches. The few pristine cards that were put aside were often mishandled. Upon first glance you can easily mistake the cards for used. Closer examination reveals that the cards have been handled and stacked together so many times that they have become worn looking. Please don’t misunderstand the point I’m making. I’m not criticizing early collectors. I’m just pointing out that there’s an opportunity today for any collector who takes the time to learn and practice proper handling and storage procedures. The opportunity is to own one of the few collections of top condition credit cards. The type of condition that future credit card collectors will be looking for to fill their collections with. It’s up to us to make sure that the specimens we set aside will be preserved in the finest condition possible.

The starting point, for keeping credit cards in top condition, is proper handling. Always hold credit cards by their edges with your finger tips. Never touch a card’s front or back surface. This will help keep fingerprints and scratches off the magnetic tape which is easily damaged. It will also help keep the signature space clean since it’s inclined to attract dirt. Anytime you handle a credit card use this procedure. To store your credit cards use individual protective envelopes. I use Worchester glassine envelopes #2. It’s the envelope that’s attached. They measure 2-5/16″ X 3-5/8″. The envelopes are available at stamp hobby shops. All credit cards fit comfortably into these envelopes. These few simple steps will help preserve your credit card collection in top condition!

Copyright 1986 by Greg Tunks

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Frequently asked questions

You can find out the value of old credit cards by checking how much similar cards sell for. There are several ways to do this.

The simplest way to determine the value of old credit cards is to ask an experienced collector. If you submit an inquiry via our contact form, we can connect you with an expert who can assist you and point out if there is anything rare or unusual in your collection.

Alternatively, you can become a member of the American Credit Card Collectors Society. Membership in our credit card collecting club provides access to resources and knowledgeable members who can help. Benefits of membership include access to a gallery containing thousands of cards with historical pricing information, and access to our entire collection of newsletters, from 1994 through the present day.

You can look at recent sales on auction sites, however, there are some considerations to keep in mind when doing this. Firstly, it’s important to look at selling prices, rather than asking prices. Selling prices are the prices people actually paid, while asking prices can be very different. Secondly, historical sales on some sites are only saved for 3 months, so you may not find something that exactly matches what you have. Thirdly, it is sometimes possible to see rare or unusual cards sell for lower prices than they should have because people do not understand their worth, the ads don't do justice to the card, they're listed in the wrong category, or any combination thereof.

There are always people in our club who are actively buying cards. Collectors tend to focus on a niche, like gas cards or retail cards, or they might focus on a slightly broader area, like bank cards or travel and entertainment cards. Many of the rarest or most unusual cards will exchange hands in private sales. Please contact us if you are thinking of selling your collection.

You can also sell your old credit cards on online marketplaces. You will get the highest price if you sell each of your cards individually, although this approach requires the most effort. At the opposite end of the effort scale would be selling all cards as a job lot, an approach which typically results in the lowest price on a per-card basis. Halfway between these two approaches would be to group cards into different categories and to sell these individual groups, e.g., BankAmericard, Master Charge, oil and gas, retail, and so on.

To join the club, visit the membership section and complete the registration form. You can pay by check or PayPal. We offer annual or lifetime memberships. If you have any questions please contact us via the form on our website.

Credit cards are more worthwhile collecting if they are rare, in good condition, have historical significance, or are associated with famous personalities or events. Valuable modern cards might include those that are difficult to obtain, such as American Express Centurion (a.k.a. ‘black’) cards, while older credit cards might include early independent bank cards, American Express, Diners Club, or BankAmericard (Visa) cards from the 50s/early 60s, or Master Charge (MasterCard) cards from the late 60s. Rare or unusual cards can also be sought after, such as those issued in small numbers, like small independent department stores or gas stations, or cards with appealing aesthetics.

Consulting with other collectors or experts in the club can provide valuable insights. Contact us for more information via the form on our website.

We do not offer an appraisal service in a traditional sense (such services are normally a paid service) but we can connect you with an expert who should be able to assist for free and point out anything rare or unusual in your collection. The simplest way to do this is to submit an inquiry via our contact form.

The American Credit Card Collectors Society accepts donations and is most grateful for any we receive. When donations happen, we strive to find good homes for cards where they will be looked after, matching cards with collectors who will appreciate them. The club may charge members a nominal fee for donated cards, and the proceeds are offset against the running costs of our club. We are a non-profit organization. Running costs include expenses like our convention and website hosting. Donations are most popular for people getting out of the hobby, or when someone has inherited a collection and doesn’t know what to do with it.

If you wish to donate your collection, please contact us via the contact form above.

American Credit Card Collectors Society