Covering the back of the credit card won’t cause any problems as long as the backside of the card is readable. But you have to keep the magnetic stripe uncovered because the stripe can’t be read by a machine if it is covered. Moreover, many cashiers might not accept a plastic sticker-covered credit card because of real or perceived increased fraud risk!
Key Takeaways
- If your credit card is exposed to strong magnets then it won’t work properly
- If the magnetic strip of your credit card is heavily scratched then it won’t work
- Mangling your credit card will damage the card permanently and you won’t be able to use the card
- Extended exposure to water can cause the credit card to stop working properly
Reasons A Credit Card Might Malfunction
Modern-day credit cards are equipped with two mechanisms to complete your transaction: the classic magnetic strips and the more recent computer chips. It means, if one option isn’t working, the second option will rescue you from the problem. However, despite the two payment mechanisms, there are many reasons a credit card might malfunction. Some common reasons are –
1. Credit Card is Exposed to Strong Magnets
2. The Magnetic Strip is Scratched
3. The Credit card is Dirty
4. The card is Damaged
5. The Reader is not Working Properly
1. Credit Card Is Exposed To Strong Magnets
The magnetic stripe of the credit card won’t work properly in front of other magnets. In fact, it requires a fairly strong magnet to actually cause the credit card to stop working. For example, if you bring your credit card into a room where an MRI machine is operating then your card won’t work. Therefore, make sure you limit your credit card’s exposure to magnets and magnetic devices.
2. The Magnetic Strip Is Scratched
This is a very common reason for a credit card to not work properly. If the magnetic strip gets roughed up or scratched heavily then the strip will become unreadable and the card won’t work. Therefore, keep your credit card safe in a wallet or money clip.
3. The Credit Card Is Dirty
If there is too much dirt or debris on your credit card’s strip or chip then the card reader of the ATM won’t be able to read the magnetic strip properly. So, if there is dirt on your card then wipe the card with a clean cloth, or even use adhesive tape to pull off offending particles. While cleaning the credit card make sure you keep the card dry and soap-free.
4. The Card Is Damaged
Bending, cutting, crushing, or mangling your card will damage the card permanently and you won’t be able to use the card. Usually, credit cards can survive years of normal use and small wear and tear but these cards have their limits. Therefore, keep your credit card out of children’s reach and exposure to water. Because extended exposure to water can cause the credit card to stop working.
5. The Reader Is Not Working Properly
Sometimes the credit card malfunction and it is not the card’s fault. On many occasions, the credit card won’t work properly because the reader might not work properly or there is a problem with the system tasked with authorizing and processing the payment. So, if your credit card doesn’t work then try again after a few minutes.
How To Clean A Credit Card?
Due to the COVID – 19 situation it has now become very important to keep our debit cards, credit cards, etc. clean. You will be happy to know that plastic cards can be disinfected using items like an antibacterial wipe or an alcohol-based cleaner, such as rubbing alcohol. Moreover, you can also use a liquid disinfectant to clean your credit card. However, don’t spray the liquid disinfectant directly on the card. Spray it on a cotton ball or paper towel and then clean it. Moreover, if you don’t have an antibacterial wipe or alcohol-based cleaner at home then you can use water to clean your credit card. Each part of a plastic credit card is designed to be water-resistant so you can clean the chip and magnetic strip just like you would the rest of the card. However, submerging the credit card under soapy water will damage the card. So, avoid doing this. After cleaning the card make sure the card’s chip and magnetic strip dry completely before your next use to avoid damaging the card.
FAQs About Will It Causes Problems If I Cover The Back Of My Credit Card with a Transparent Plastic Sticker?
Can I cover the back of my credit card?
Yes, you can cover the back of your card. But the magnetic strip and your signature should remain uncovered if you want the credit card to work properly. What you can do is cover your CVV to protect your credit card from fraudulent activity.
Can I put a sticker on my credit card?
Yes, you can put a sticker on your credit card as long as the magnetic strip and your signature remain readable. However, you should know that cashiers have the right to not accept credit cards with stickers and there is nothing you can do about it. Therefore, think carefully before putting a sticker on your credit card.
Can I peel the plastic off my credit card?
No, you can’t peel the plastic off your credit card. The main purpose of plastic covers is to protect the chip and pin of the credit card. So, if you peel the plastic off from the credit card then your credit card can become damaged.
Should I cover my CVV?
The CVV of a debit or credit card is only required for online transactions and payments. So, when you are making in-store payments with your credit card the CVV is not required. In that case, you can hide your CVV code at the back of your card to reduce the risk of online fraud.
Do credit card skins work?
A credit card skin is a type of thin sticker that people use to personalize their credit cards. Using thin skins on the credit card doesn’t affect how your card works and you can still use it in an ATM!
References: 1 https://www.amazon.com/Credit-Card-ID-Holder-Essential/dp/B01A51NZFA
References: 2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_card
Last Updated on November 10, 2022 by Magalie D.
Magalie D. is a Diploma holder in Public Administration & Management from McGill University of Canada. She shares management tips here in MGTBlog when she has nothing to do and gets some free time after working in a multinational company at Toronto.
