Can Magnetic Phone Cases Cause Damage to Credit Cards?
Phone cases with magnetic features offer more than just phone protection. They can also serve as a convenient storage option for credit cards, eliminating the need to carry separate cases for both items. However, it is important to note that some credit cards may be negatively impacted by the magnetic fields produced by the phone case. This is due to the presence of magnetic strips on certain cards that are susceptible to damage from magnetism.
As per The Best Wallet For You, losing important information from credit cards can be a major issue when they get damaged. This means that your name and account number may no longer be retrievable, rendering the credit card useless. To prevent damage to your credit cards, it is best not to store them together for extended periods. However, if you must store them together, make sure it is only for a short period of time. Here are some other tips to keep your credit cards safe and prevent damage.
Your Credit Card Will Remain Unaffected If You Use a Credit Card With an EMV (Europay, MasterCard and Visa) Chip
Nowadays, banks have shifted towards credit cards with EMV chips instead of magnetic strips. This is due to the fact that EMV chips are not affected by magnetism. Based on data from EMVCO, a whopping 91.94% of transactions involve credit cards with EMV chips. As a result, the likelihood of possessing a credit card with magnetic strips is considerably low.
It’s important to make sure that the credit card you’re considering purchasing has an EMV chip. Though these chips are not affected by magnetism, they can still be damaged by scratches caused by coins or keys. These scratches can make it difficult for card readers to retrieve information from the card, so it’s best to avoid storing your card with these items. In addition to being resistant to magnets, EMV chips are also more secure than magnetic strips due to their superior encryption.
EMV chips differ from magnetic strips in that they store a dynamic digital code that changes after each transaction, whereas magnetic strips retain static information. Additionally, EMV chips utilize a unique digital signature that cannot be easily replicated.
You Can Use Phone Cases That Aren’t Magnetic
It can be difficult for some to let go of magnetic phone cases because of their sleek design. However, if your priority is to keep your credit card secure, it’s better to opt for a non-magnetic phone case. Some options to consider are hard plastic, silicone, and polycarbonate cases. Not only are non-magnetic phone cases more secure, but they are also usually more affordable than their magnetic counterparts.
By using a cheap phone case, you can ensure the safety of your credit card. Magnetic phone cases can make it difficult to remove the card due to the lack of a cutout design. This often requires shaking the case to release the card, which can be inconvenient.
Avoid Wirelessly Charging Your Phone With Your Magnetic-Stripe Card Still Attached
It’s not often that we take out our credit cards from our phone cases unless we need to use them. This means that it’s quite common for us to charge our phones with the credit card still inside. However, before you wirelessly charge your phone, it’s important to remember to remove your credit card from the case. Once you’ve done that, be sure to place your card in a location where you won’t forget about it.
Charging your phone wirelessly can increase its magnetism, which may have an impact on your credit card. The magnetism arises due to the interaction between the transmitter coil in the charger and the receiver coil in the phone. However, there’s no need to remove your credit card if you’re charging your phone using a cable charger.
You Could Also Keep Your Credit Card in a Wallet
Carrying a bulky wallet can be an inconvenience for some individuals. Although these wallets may provide non-magnetic protection for your credit cards, their size can be burdensome to carry around. Fortunately, you don’t need to own a big wallet. A small wallet may be a better option, especially if you don’t carry much cash with you.
Some individuals dislike wallets due to their unattractive appearance. This is a reasonable viewpoint, given that many wallets come in a single color scheme. However, it’s worth noting that wallets are available in a variety of colors, which may appeal to those who prioritize aesthetics.
What Should You Do If Your Credit Card is Damaged Due to Magnetism?
Credit cards have become a common means of payment for daily transactions such as grocery shopping. However, owning a faulty credit card can be quite frustrating. The moment you swipe your card and receive a message that it has been declined, can be quite unsettling. In such a situation, it is important not to panic. Instead, try swiping the card a few more times or at a different location. If the card continues to be declined, it may be time to consider taking further action.
If your credit card has been damaged, there’s an alternative to consider instead of continuing to use it in a compromised state. You can choose to replace the credit card by contacting your credit card company through a phone call. During the call, you can explain to the agents the circumstances of how your credit card got damaged, and they will proceed to hotlist the damaged card. After that, you can request for a new credit card to replace the old one. With the popularity of credit cards with EMV chips, it’s highly likely that the replacement credit card will have an EMV chip as well.
It’s important not to assume that the bank will automatically issue you a credit card equipped with an EMV chip. To be on the safe side, it’s best to insist on one. Keep in mind that if your credit card becomes damaged, replacing it can be costly. You’ll need to ensure that there are sufficient funds in your account to cover the replacement costs, which typically range from $5 to $15 depending on the institution. Some financial institutions may provide the replacement card free of charge as a courtesy, but it’s best to confirm their policy beforehand.
Conclusion
If your credit card has an EMV chip, you can keep it in the magnetic phone case without any worries. However, if it has a magnetic strip, it’s best to store it somewhere else to prevent any damage. A damaged credit card can cause inconvenience, especially when you visit stores that only accept credit card payments. Unfortunately, as these stores are privately owned, you cannot force them to accept cash.
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