What Can Damage A Credit Card?

By Dave Nyam •  Updated: 03/23/24 •  5 min read

Living in a world that believes in financial agility, especially in an economy largely based on plastics, credit cards stand out as pillars of convenience and security. No, they are still not immune to damage. Their integrity can actually be compromised due to physical damage, technological mishaps, and other assorted factors. This paper looks at the vulnerabilities of credit cards, involving the many different ways they can be damaged and how they still go on to be resilient against some, such as heat. In this paper, we are also going to enlighten the readers about the common mistakes made by users that result in the death of a card and suggest ways of recovering a dead, non-responsive card. We are simply taking readers through the best practices of taking care of a credit card so that they are empowered to enjoy good working order and long-lasting use.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

What Can Damage A Credit Card?

Physical factors that would most probably damage a credit card include general wear, exposure to the outside environment, and technological interference. Any scratch or cut on the outer cover, or worse, on the magnet stripe or chip, means the card will become unreadable. Any exposure to liquids may, in turn, soak the chip or stripe or cause damage.

Continuous exposure to the sun or heat makes the plastic warp, while lower temperature makes it more brittle and could begin cracking. Endangering the plastic to such factors is really dangerous and increases the chances of one’s card being damaged. Technological interference can either be in the form of strong magnets or electric fields, which may cause damage to the magnetic stripe of the card or the embedded chip.

Are Credit Cards Heat-Resistant?

Credit card plastics are made to be hardy and tough, able to withhold almost anything that nature or humankind throws at them, and are able to prevent the temperature changes that might be experienced even in the days that go by. However, they are not heat resistant. Once a credit card plastic sees high heat, it might start to warp. This is because the EMV chips embedded in a credit card can be heated to around 350°F. This number is going to be, of course, before the plastic probably melts, but again, it is a technical indication pointed out by the manufacturers. Therefore, it’s best to avoid exposing credit cards to direct sunlight or other sources of heat to prevent damage.

What Demagnetizes A Credit Card?

Credit cards can become demagnetized when exposed to magnets or magnetic fields. This can happen in various ways:

To protect your credit card from demagnetization, it’s advisable to:

What Is One Biggest Mistake An Individual Can Make When Using Credit Cards?

Among the most fundamental errors that one can make in the management of a charge plate is failing to make a single debt payment. This single incidence of the past may result in a negative impact on your history, which will last for about five years since a credit score is, in essence, a very critical measure of your financial health. As 35% of your FICO® Score, lenders may consider such information majorly influencing their lending decisions.

Another serious mistake is the balance that is held from one month to another, which can accumulate interest and, consequently, raise your credit utilization ratio- one of the hallmarks of 30% of your credit score. This may make one think that you are over-mastering credits and hence may impose more interest charges on loans or, in a worst-case scenario, refuse to do so.

Avoid these pitfalls by setting up autopay for at least the minimum, watching the statements on your credit card like a hawk, and trying to pay off balances in the billing cycle if you can. Also, remember your credit limit and try not to use a bulging percentage of your available credit limit, as this will adversely affect your credit score.

How Do You Fix Credit Cards That Won’t Read?

If your plastic plate won’t read, there are several steps you can take to try and rectify the issue:

Remember, those are only temporary solutions. You simply have to take care when handling your card so that you do not scrape off its magnetic stripe. If you constantly encounter the problem of your card not being read, you better consult your card issuer for a permanent replacement.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How Can I Check My Credit Card Account Balance? 

How Can I Check My Credit Card Account Balance? 

This article explains everything you need to know about checking your credit card balance.     

How Does a Monthly Credit Card Payment Work?

How Does a Monthly Credit Card Payment Work?

It is important for people to know the terms of the credit agreement and to act with proper planning

Why A Credit Card Disappeared From Online Banking

Why A Credit Card Disappeared From Online Banking

Why A Credit Card Disappeared From Online Banking. The following article will give insight into probable reasons for such a phenomenon.

How to Avoid Paying Interest On Your Credit Card?

How to Avoid Paying Interest On Your Credit Card?

Today we will look in more detail at some strategies you can use to avoid hefty credit card interest rates and use your credit card smartly.

How To Cancel Credit Cards Without Impacting Credit Scores

How To Cancel Credit Cards Without Impacting Credit Scores

Similarly, if your gold card company is charging high annual fees, it may be prudent to cancel it. These points will be explained in great detail in the article.

What Happens to Unpaid Credit Card Debt After 7 Years?

What Happens to Unpaid Credit Card Debt After 7 Years?

Presently, the percentage of credit card arrears in South Africa is pretty high because of most citizens' ways of living and outlays

How Is Credit Card Interest Calculated in South Africa?

How Is Credit Card Interest Calculated in South Africa?

Today we will look deeper into how credit card interest works, and how to make your credit card a tool that works for you, instead. 

How to Increase Your ABSA Credit Card Limit?

How to Increase Your ABSA Credit Card Limit?

oday we will look at how to increase your ABSA credit card limit, and other key information you should know before deciding that a balance increase is right for you.

How to Increase Your FNB Credit Card Limit

How to Increase Your FNB Credit Card Limit

FNB offers customers a convenient way to apply for a higher loan limit through various channels, such as its Internet banking application.

Top 25+ Credit Cards Compared in South Africa

Top 25+ Credit Cards Compared in South Africa

Credit cards in South Africa mean much more than just providing convenience for one's purchases.

Can I Get A Credit Card If I Am Under Debt Review?

Can I Get A Credit Card If I Am Under Debt Review?

It comprises an in-depth view of the condition of one's financial assessment by a registered counselo

How to Check Credit Card Details On Takealot

How to Check Credit Card Details On Takealot

How to Check Credit Card Details On Takealot. In this blog post, we will take you through some common questions on Takealot.

Credit Card Online Application

Credit Card Online Application

This modern approach opens up a big universe of financial services to humankind. When one is using the online application system

Credit Card Advantages & Disadvantages

Credit Card Advantages & Disadvantages

This paper deliberates on the dual nature of plastic plates by showcasing the benefits/demerits against a piece of advice on using them wisely.

How To Apply For A Credit Card in South Africa

How To Apply For A Credit Card in South Africa

If you have decided that a credit card is the right financial product for you, however, we are here today to guide you through the application process.