Do Cards Still Work After Being Washed?

Accidentally washing a payment or identification card is a common occurrence, often leading to immediate concern about its continued functionality. The combination of water, heat, and detergents in a washing machine can significantly impact a card’s integrity. While some cards may emerge unscathed, others can suffer damage that renders them unusable, making the outcome highly variable.

Understanding Card Components

Most modern cards, including debit and credit cards, are constructed from layers of plastic, typically PVC, forming a durable substrate. Embedded within or on this plastic are several functional components. A magnetic stripe, located on the back, stores account information for swiping. The EMV chip, a small metallic square on the front, processes encrypted transaction data more securely.

Many cards also feature an embedded antenna and microchip for contactless payments, often referred to as RFID technology. This allows for transactions by tapping the card near a compatible terminal. Each of these components contributes to the card’s ability to facilitate transactions and store identification data.

How Washing Affects Cards

Washing machines expose cards to a harsh environment of water, heat, and cleaning agents, each capable of causing damage. Water can penetrate the card’s laminated layers, leading to delamination where the plastic begins to separate or peel. This moisture can also corrode the delicate metallic contacts of the EMV chip and the embedded RFID antenna, disrupting their electrical pathways.

High temperatures from the wash and especially the dryer can warp the card’s plastic, causing it to bend or become brittle. Heat can also demagnetize or scramble data on the magnetic stripe, making it unreadable. Detergents and other chemicals can degrade the plastic, leaving residues that interfere with the EMV chip’s contact points or the magnetic stripe’s readability. These effects can prevent the card from being read by payment terminals.

Steps After a Card Gets Washed

If a card has gone through the wash, immediate action can sometimes mitigate damage. Thoroughly air dry the card for at least 24 to 48 hours, avoiding direct heat sources like hair dryers that can cause further warping. Gently blot the card with a soft cloth to remove surface moisture.

After drying, visually inspect the card for any obvious physical damage such as peeling, severe warping, or a dislodged EMV chip. To test its functionality, attempt a small transaction using both the magnetic stripe by swiping and the EMV chip by inserting it into a payment terminal. If the card has contactless capabilities, try tapping it to check if that feature still works.

When to Seek a Replacement

A card requires replacement if it exhibits significant physical damage, such as noticeable peeling of its layers, severe plastic warping that prevents it from fitting into readers, or a clearly broken or corroded EMV chip. Similarly, if the card consistently fails to work after thorough drying and multiple transaction attempts, it is time to request a new one.

To obtain a replacement, contact your card issuer directly using the customer service number on the back of the card, or by logging into your online account portal. Be prepared to provide your account information and details about the card damage. Most issuers will replace a damaged card without a fee, though expedited shipping may incur a small charge.

Preventing Future Incidents

Preventing cards from accidentally going through the wash requires establishing simple, consistent habits. Always empty all pockets of clothing before placing them into the laundry. This practice helps ensure no small items, including cards, remain hidden.

Consider using a dedicated wallet or a secure card holder to keep track of your cards. Placing your wallet in a consistent spot, like on a dresser or in a designated tray, immediately upon returning home can reduce the chances of it being left in clothing.