What to do if your bank card is demagnetized

What is the magnetic stripe for?

The magnetic stripe is located on the back of most cards. This wide stripe stores information and contains details and information about the cardholder. Previously, cards were produced with only a magnetic stripe, but fraudsters easily bypassed such systems. They installed special skimmers in ATMs, and then, using the obtained data, manufactured counterfeit plastic cards and used them to steal funds from real cards.

Of course, this system was found to be imperfect, and starting in 2015, payment instruments began to be additionally equipped with chips from which bank terminals and ATMs read information. The chip is a small metal square on the front of the card.

The information contained on the chip is sufficient for making purchases in stores and withdrawing money from the card, but why haven't banks removed the magnetic stripe yet? This is due to the fact that some stores have not yet replaced their equipment, and it continues to accept payments using the outdated information source. Banks are in no hurry to remove this element from the card, because in other countries, plastic cards equipped only with a chip may not work.

Banks left magnetic stripes on cards so as not to limit the opportunities available to the client. This approach helps avoid problems when paying for services and goods. 

Why a card might become demagnetized: 5 main reasons

It is not always possible to withdraw money or pay for goods in a supermarket with a demagnetized card. If the payment terminal does not accept the card, inspect it carefully. In some cases, the problem is solved very easily – just wipe the card to remove dirt and clean the magnetic stripe. If basic measures do not yield results, the card may be demagnetized.

This could happen due to the following reasons:

1. Mechanical damage. The magnetic stripe can be damaged due to contact with foreign objects, so you should not carry the card in the same pocket with keys or coins. The sharp edges of keys will leave small, barely noticeable scratches on the card, making it impossible for a device to read the information.
2. Temperature exposure. You should not expose the bank card to heat, leave it in the sun, or near heating appliances.
3. Electromagnetic radiation. As a result of prolonged exposure to static electricity, reading the card will also become impossible.
4. Technical features. The magnetic layer can wear out with frequent swiping. Such cases are rare, but they do occur.
5. Human factor. The card might be accidentally washed in a washing machine along with clothes, or damaged by children or pets.

A demagnetized card continues to perform its functions, but it can "let down" the owner at the most inopportune moment. That is why, upon detecting signs of demagnetization, you should contact the bank for a replacement. 

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How to use a demagnetized card

Despite the fact that the magnetic stripe has demagnetized, the card can still be used. Modern plastic cards with this flaw allow you to:

1. Buy goods in online stores and pay for services. The magnetic stripe is not required at all for such transactions. To pay, the owner enters the payment details and the confirmation code from an SMS message.
2. Paying for goods in a store. You can continue to use your card via the contactless payment system. If the terminal only accepts chip payments, the card is inserted into the device with the chip, and the damaged magnetic stripe does not contact the device at all.
3. Withdrawing money. Problems may arise only when using older devices. If the terminal supports contactless technology, there will be no issues – to withdraw money, just tap the card against the ATM.

Since the functionality of a card with a damaged magnetic stripe is somewhat limited, it is best to replace it. To do this, you need to visit a bank branch or submit an application online. Unpersonalized cards can be picked up at banks on the same day, while personalized ones take 7-14 days to manufacture.

Common myths

There are many claims about the magnetic stripe that users take as truth. The most common myths:

1. There are claims on the internet that a card can be remagnetized at home or taken to the bank for this procedure. This is completely impossible. The stripe that transmits information is created once and cannot be restored later. If it is damaged, the card must be replaced.
2. A plastic card must not come into contact with water, or it will stop working. Another false claim. A special coating is applied to the plastic to protect it from minor impacts. If the card gets wet and is then wiped dry, it will perform all its functions.
3. If you put a magnet to the card, it will demagnetize. No, short-term contact even with a powerful magnet will not affect the card's operability. Only prolonged contact can affect its functions.

You should not conduct such experiments with a bank card. It is better to store the payment instrument in a safe place where it will not come into contact with hard objects that could cause damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bank card demagnetize due to a mobile phone?

A phone emits a small amount of radiation, which cannot damage the magnetic stripe of a plastic card or disrupt its functions. If such a possibility existed, visits to the bank regarding demagnetization cases would be widespread.

Is it mandatory to reissue a card if it is demagnetized?

No, the payment instrument will continue to perform its main functions. The card can be used to pay for purchases in stores using the chip.

How much does it cost to reissue a card if it is demagnetized?

If the cause of the plastic damage is mechanical wear, the reissue will be paid according to the bank's tariffs. If the specialists find no fault on the client's part, the card may be issued free of charge.

Will NFC work if the card is demagnetized?

Yes, this type of payment is handled by a separate chip embedded in the plastic. The magnetic stripe is not involved in such transactions.

The concept of plastic demagnetization exists, but in most cases, card malfunctions are related to physical damage. Customers accidentally damage their cards due to improper storage; cases of magnetic stripe damage due to frequent card use are exceptional. If such a problem is identified and the card stops working in ATMs and terminals, you should contact a branch and reissue the product. You can also order a new card by leaving an online application or by phone.