Keeping our belongings in safe places are usually very important. Especially when it is something that has to do with our finances. For example, your debit card, is very important, and if badly kept, can damage the card's chip.
Without the chip on the debit card, the card won't be able to read again, and you won't have a quick way to withdraw cash anymore. It can also be damaged, that is some things come out on the chip, and the machine can't read the card.
In such cases, what do you think you will do? Contact the bank's support? Look for a quick solution yourself? The answer will depend on you. But I guess if you are here, then you are looking the solution yourself.
And do not bother, since in this guide today, we will be showing you how to fix your damaged chip on your Debit Card with the easy methods.
How To Clean/Fix Damaged Chip on Bank Card
The first thing you should know is that, that your card you are moving around with has no use if the chip is no longer there, or if it is bad. That is why it is crucial for you to keep it in order and well neat.
Is My Debit Card Chip Really Damaged?
Another thing is to be sure if your card's chip is really damaged. Well, some people might find this question as not having it's place here, but it is, and you will notice while going below.
Some people might go to withdraw cash from the ATM, and when they insert their card, they do not get any response. And once they notice some scratches on the card, they just jump to complusions that the card is damaged.
Are you sur the card is still valid? Has the card expired? You should first of all check this before checking the chip if the chip is bad.
Well, I hope this first step has already cleard the first set of people and brought a solution for them. Now we go on to the next step.
What Should I do If My Card is Damaged?
Now that you have confirmed that your card's chip is really damaged, it is then time to look for a solution. There are several things that could be the cause of your card's chip being damaged. And these are some of the solutions we have gathered.
1. Cleaning the Card
There is a way to clean a debit card's chip. And this is the first thing to do if you notice your card's chip is damaged. At times just dirt can make your card is unable to be read by the machine.
And so, to clean it, get a soft cloth, and it should be a cotton cloth. Once you have this cloth, use it to clean the surface of the chip.
And if while cleaning it the dirt insists, then do not use water or anything wet. Look for alcohol (usually the transparent alcohol used to clean wounds). Drop a little on the cloth and use it to clean the surface of the chip.
Using this alcohol will clean away any strong dirt that insisted on the card. Once you have done that, go and try using the card again to see if it works.
2. Induce the Card's Chip
Have you ever had a problem with your memory card? Or with your sim card? One way of fixing it is to induce the chip, that is, scratch the chip on your dry hair.
It helps to recharge and warm your card or chip. This can also help to revive your card back so that you can be able to use it again.
3. Give it a little scratch (Not Recommended)
Scratching the card's chip can damage the card actually. But giving it a little scratch can also be a solution to the card's malfunctioning.
If you are using this method, be assured that you do not destrop the chip instead of fixing it. At times I prefer telling my students to meet someone who has done this already and knows how to handle such a situation.
And as I said above, just give it a little scratch, just to clean the bad surface off and keep a fresh one below. However, if you do not want to do this, and or have tried and it has not worked, there is another solution for you.
4. Go to your Bank (Recommended)
May be the idea of trying to fix it yourself might be a bad one. Going to your bank, can also be another way of fixing the card.
Because now that you have tried cleaning it, and even trying to scratch the chip a little just to take off the dirt, the best solution will only lie in the hnds of your bank.
Contact them to get a rendeavour, or go there yourself and drop your problem to them. Once there, they will check the card themselves and either clean the card properly, or provide a new card to you.
Either ways, you will be able to use your card again, and withdraw and or deposit funds into your card.
Note That: This is just the first and second ways are just temporary solutions so that you can quickly withdraw cash if you where about to withdraw cash. But after you have done that, you have to immediately take on the 3rd way by going to the bank so that they give you a new card.
What are the Causes of a Damaged Chip on a Debit Card
I started this guide saying that keeping our stuffs in order is very important, especially when it comes to financial stuffs. Do you know that there are things that can damage your card's chip? There are ways to keep your card clean and safe? Well, here are some of the things that can cause your card to be damaged.
A damaged chip can be caused by a physical wear or tear, such as scratches or cracks, or by an external /environmental factor like heat, moisture, or exposure to strong magnetic fields.
Debit card chips are not supposed to be exposed to any form of magnet. Since magnets are one of the major causes of debit card chips being damaged.
Also try keeping your card in a safe place in your room, away from children, and away from the exposure of strong light like sun.
If you do these things, I assure you your card will stay till only the day you will have to renew your card's validity date.
How To Withdraw Money From a Card With Damaged Chip
Did you know there might actually be a way to withdraw money asap even if your card's chip is damaged? Well, yes, there is.
Do you know what is called cardless ATMs? If you have never heard it, then you got it from me the first lols. Yes there are cardless ATMs and are very functional.
As the name says, "cardless" meaning you do not need a physical card to get your card at this ATM. Even though most cardless ATMs have the option to use your card. They are normal ATMs, with an added function for those who forget their card, or that are blocked like the chip being damaged.
You can find a cardless ATM near you, and once you find one, you can easily proceed to your withdrawal or deposit process without your card chip working.
Final Remarks on How to Use a Debit Card with a Damaged Chip
A damaged chip? So sad, but not for long. In this guide, we exposed the tricks on how to fix a damaged chip on your debit card. We said you can clean it with a soft cotton cloth, or apply alcohol on the cloth before cleaning it.
At times, scratching the card can be a good solution, but only to be done by an expert because the scratches could completely damage the card.
However, these methods are jsut temporary. Make sure that after this, you immediatly take the card to your bank's office or branch, and take care of the card, and change the card complete;y.
Also, taking card of your card is the best thing to do. "Avoiding the damage is better than finding the solution to it." Try your best not to be in a situation as such by mastering all the causes and avoiding them.