What Happens If I Wash My Credit Card?
Worried about a washed credit card? Understand its resilience, how to handle damage, and ensure your account remains secure and functional.
Accidentally sending a credit card through the washing machine is a common mishap. While credit cards are designed to be durable, exposure to water, heat, and detergents during a wash cycle can affect their functionality. Understanding the possible outcomes and steps to take is helpful for maintaining access to your funds and protecting your financial information.
Physical Integrity of the Card
Modern credit cards are primarily constructed from various plastics, encasing electronic components. These typically include a magnetic stripe on the back, an EMV chip on the front, and sometimes an embedded antenna for contactless payments. While the plastic is generally water-resistant, the combination of water, detergents, and agitation from a washing machine can pose risks.
Water can compromise the integrity of the card’s layers, especially if there are existing scratches or damage. The magnetic stripe, though durable, might experience demagnetization if exposed to strong magnetic fields or excessive heat, which can occur in a dryer. The EMV chip, sealed within epoxy resin, is relatively robust against water exposure. However, prolonged submersion or the corrosive action of detergents could affect its contacts or the embedded antenna, leading to a malfunction.
Actions for a Damaged Card
If your credit card has gone through the wash, assess its condition. Visually inspect the card for any signs of physical damage, such as warping, cracks, peeling layers, or faded numbers and security codes. If the card appears intact, you might cautiously attempt a transaction using both the chip and the magnetic stripe readers to check for functionality. However, if there is any visible damage or suspicion of internal compromise, refrain from inserting it into machines that might retain the card, like ATMs.
Contacting your credit card issuer is the next action if the card is damaged or fails to work. You can typically find the customer service number on your monthly statement or the issuer’s website. Be prepared to provide your personal information for verification, such as your name and address, along with details about the incident. Reporting a damaged card promptly helps ensure continuity of service and protects your account.
Requesting a New Card
If a replacement card is necessary, the process of obtaining one is straightforward. Most credit card issuers offer multiple convenient methods for requesting a new card, including calling their customer service line, using their online banking portal, or through their mobile application. When contacting the issuer, you will need to verify your identity with personal details.
The time frame for receiving a replacement card typically ranges from 5 to 10 business days. Some issuers may offer expedited shipping options for an additional fee, potentially delivering the card within 1 to 3 business days. Upon receiving your new card, you will need to activate it, which can usually be done online or by calling. This activation step confirms receipt and prepares the card for use.
Account Security and Usage
Even if your physical credit card is damaged, the underlying account number and associated funds remain secure. The physical card is merely a tool to access your credit line; the financial account itself is separate and protected by the issuer’s security measures. It is important to regularly monitor your account statements for any unauthorized transactions after a card incident.
The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) provides consumer protections, limiting your liability for unauthorized credit card charges to a maximum of $50, provided you report the fraud in a timely manner. Many credit card issuers offer “zero liability” policies that waive this $50 limit entirely, meaning you are not responsible for any fraudulent charges. While replacement fees for damaged cards are uncommon, some issuers might charge a small fee, typically around $5 to $10, or up to $25 for expedited delivery, though many provide this service free of charge. For a damaged card, the account number often remains the same, but the card verification value (CVV) and expiration date will change, necessitating updates for any recurring payments.