How To Protect Your Magnetic Stripe Cards

Does it seem like when you grab your debit card, credit card or ID from your wallet, it’s getting increasingly worn around the edges? Well, now there’s an easy fix for that! 

Whether you have a debit card, credit card or ID, there’s a simple and inexpensive solution to keeping them looking brand new: a plastic protector.

The problem with using your magnetic stripe cards is that they can become worn and lose their magnetic code. Many of us are guilty of placing our cards in our wallets without protecting the magnetic stripe. 

This can cause your card to pick up and hold dust and dirt, affecting the strip’s data and making it easier for skimming devices to capture. But we got some helpful tips to keep your card in a good shape:

1. You should use a wear-resistant sleeve. This can do two things: avoid abrasion while in your back and keep your card safer from the elements.
2. Do not punch holes in the magnetic strip if you use the card at a point-of-sale machine. It can damage your card’s readability or even destroy it completely.
3. Carefully take your cards from your wallet and place them in a tray when they need to be swiped at a cash register or other point of sale machines. This will avoid bending, scratching and tearing them.
4. Carry your card in a folded manner with the magnetic strip facing inward. This will help keep it protected. 
5. Avoid storing your cards in humid, hot or cold places as it can cause damage to them.
6. Do not store your magnets next to an oven or microwave as they could be overheated, which could ruin their encasing.
7. Always remove your cards from their sleeves to check for signs of damage before you place them back in their wallets or purses.
8. Keep cards away from pens and sharp objects as they could easily damage your cards.

These are some of the helpful tips about how to protect your magnetic stripe cards. Following and applying these tips can keep your cards in good shape and safe from damage.