My HSBC VISA debit chip keeps breaking

JuicyJesus

I've now had the same card for over a year. Works nifty-fine.

Mind you I keep it in my wallet, never out in my pocket. Funnily enough it still works

agrinnall

I seem to remember a few years ago there was a spate of problems when smaller chips were introduced. Is it possible that HSBC have switched to using those? I've just looked at a couple of my cards and I see that the Yorkshire BS one is larger than the Nationwide one, so there are obviously at least two sizes in current use.

I should point out that I carry 5 cards with me, in my wallet, and have never had a problem with any of them.

wavemachine

I have had the same problem, I had a card that worked no problem at all for over 2 years and then HSBC suddenly canceled it as they were concerned about a securiy issue. Since then every card has failed after about 3 months, my last card the bank inspected and said it was due to scoring on the chip caused either by an ATM or a chip and pin device.

My card failed today and it has the same scoring marks on the chip, I have a credit card which is kept in the same wallet which works fine and there is no scoring on the chip having said that I rarely use it.

I would say the chips on the HSBC card are not as resiliant, yes I keep my wallet in my back pocket but I have never had an issue until now!

reclusive46

Just to add one to one of the above posts. Pretty sure magnets don't affect the chip, only the magstripe.

Also, if you can, ask for a contactless card. I've noticed all my contactless cards have a big chip. Maybe it'll be better than the small one?

wavemachine

Also, if you can, ask for a contactless card. I've noticed all my contactless cards have a big chip. Maybe it'll be better than the small one?

I thought that but nope my current card is contactless with the big chip and that has just failed:(

balmk

I had a problem similar to this when I went through four replacement cards within 8 weeks. Turns out it was the clasp on my wallet was denting the chip as the chip sat behind it when the card was the right way up. Now I have to store the card upside-down in my wallet to ensure it doesn't happen again!

xylophone

Might have to wrap it up cotton wool..

...

More comfortable to sit on.....;)

wavemachine

balmk wrote: »

I had a problem similar to this when I went through four replacement cards within 8 weeks. Turns out it was the clasp on my wallet was denting the chip as the chip sat behind it when the card was the right way up. Now I have to store the card upside-down in my wallet to ensure it doesn't happen again!

Checked that and definately not the clasp or anything else which could damage it.

Ssscrudddy

I'm with Nationwide. Just recently I have been having the same problem. This is the 3rd card that has now broken. I keep it in my wallet. I do nothing different to any other card I have ever had. their cards are just rubbish. This time they want to charge me £10 to get a card that is inferior & will break as soon as you look at it.

EarthBoy

Nationwide cards aren't rubbish at all. I've had the same card for four years and it's just expired and been replaced. I have never had a faulty or poor quality card and I've been with Nationwide for over 20 years.