How do I fix a worn magnetic strip on a credit card?
Credit Card
drviolin asked:
The magnetic strip on my most often used credit card wears out quickly. I am in Europe right now, and getting a replacement card from the US takes time. Is there a quick and simple way to fix the magnetic strip? I have seen cashiers wrap thin plastic around the card and swipe it that way, which has led me to believe that applying a strip of Scotch tape should do the same thing. Or is there a better solution, short of getting a new card?
Charles
The magnetic strip on my most often used credit card wears out quickly. I am in Europe right now, and getting a replacement card from the US takes time. Is there a quick and simple way to fix the magnetic strip? I have seen cashiers wrap thin plastic around the card and swipe it that way, which has led me to believe that applying a strip of Scotch tape should do the same thing. Or is there a better solution, short of getting a new card?
Charles
May 18th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Jonathan
it can be recharged with one of those flimsy fridge magnets
May 21st, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Arthur
you can actually ask the cashier for a plastic bag, this works perfectly until you get a new one. My card was not working at a store and the lady pulled out the bag and it worked fine good luck.
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Edwin
Thats a good question. I would have for you to put tape on the back of it then ppl might think that it is altered. Or it wont work for you. Maybe just wrap some plastic over it while it is in your wallet and that way you have it when or if its needed
May 25th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Jim
scotch tape will do fine.
May 28th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Jackie
Scotch-tape works really well. If the reader can’t read it, the cashier can always hand authorize (that’s why there is the cute pin pad!…just remind them that it’s there).
Also, depending on who your cc is with, you can get them to overnight you a card free of charge. Visa did that for me, but I also have a decent size credit limit. They were happy to get me to spend more for eating the s&h fee
May 30th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Karl
Scotch tape, plastic bag, window envelope film all work, sometimes if the strip is really damaged none of these will work though.
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Nathan
You only have one choice and that is to contact your credit card company and have them send you a new one, I’m sorry but that is the only way.
June 4th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Steve
Give the tape a try. cellophane tape is also made with double faced glue. That may make a neater looking job. good luck
June 7th, 2009 at 5:09 am
Allan
A magnet, as previously suggested, might deactivate the card, not recharge it. Scotch tape would probably work, but it might lead cashiers to assume the card has been altered and they might not accept it, in fact, they might even have to confiscate it. Your best bet is to call your credit card company and have them send you a new card overnight or to your home address. Use the plastic bag trick or have them key the number in by hand in the meantime. Good luck!
June 10th, 2009 at 1:56 am
Lillian
I worked as a cashier for about 8 years. We weren’t allowed to accept strange looking credit cards. Putting tape on it would not have been accepted by our store. The plastic bag works when it wants to. Pretty much you have to call the company of the card. But. You should get a small envelope for credit cards. They usually lose their ability to work cause they rub against other cards or things in your wallet. Putting it in a small envelope that is made for them is the best bet. It’s only regular paper. You could make one yourself. Sometimes the banks have them but you have to ask for them.