Debit cards unable to swipe

definitivefreak

Over the last couple of months, I have been visiting my two banks to deposit and withdraw coins. During that time I have had to replace both cards 3 times. I believe that it's because the keyboard that banks use to swipe the cards damages the magnetic strip - the banks themselves have said the strip is damaged, but don't believe it's the keyboard. They believe it's whatever way I store the card or how I put it into the ATM. Well, how come I've got a damaged card that hasn't been used in an ATM, and all cards are stored in a bank-supplied card holder? It's getting ridiculous, I've had to change the details for my automatic card payments several times, and I can't take money out of bank machines. I'm having to request a 4th replacement of one of the cards, but I'm loathed to do it because of all the rigmarole. Is there any way to prevent this from happening again, other than stopping going in to banks?

EarthBoy

definitivefreak wrote: »

During that time I have had to replace both cards 3 times. I believe that it's because the keyboard that banks use to swipe the cards damages the magnetic strip - the banks themselves have said the strip is damaged, but don't believe it's the keyboard.

I don't believe it's the keyboard either. Nationwide swipe your card and I've paid coins or cheques in using the same debit card for over 4 years and it's never been damaged.

DCFC79

Pay money in using cheque at the post office, I use my cards to pay money in and not had an issue.

meer53

I've never had a damaged strip on a card either. For you to have so many issues with so many cards, it has to be something you're doing. I keep all my cards together in my purse, i always make sure none of the magnetic strips are in direct contact with another strip. Try store yours somewhere else ?

Don80

definitivefreak wrote: »

Over the last couple of months, I have been visiting my two banks to deposit and withdraw coins. During that time I have had to replace both cards 3 times. I believe that it's because the keyboard that banks use to swipe the cards damages the magnetic strip - the banks themselves have said the strip is damaged, but don't believe it's the keyboard. They believe it's whatever way I store the card or how I put it into the ATM. Well, how come I've got a damaged card that hasn't been used in an ATM, and all cards are stored in a bank-supplied card holder? It's getting ridiculous, I've had to change the details for my automatic card payments several times, and I can't take money out of bank machines. I'm having to request a 4th replacement of one of the cards, but I'm loathed to do it because of all the rigmarole. Is there any way to prevent this from happening again, other than stopping going in to banks?

It's very unlikely to be the bank's readers, otherwise all their customers using branches regularly would have the same issue. Maybe try a new wallet, make sure you only store one card in each slot, and keep them away from anything like magnets, phones etc. I have accounts with Bank of Scotland and TSB and both use chip and pin terminals, much like the supermarkets so there's no swiping of cards. I had an account with RBS and they were the same.

teddysmum

In the swiping days, when you had to sign slips at the time of purchase (ie pre- chip and PIN) it was common to have your card damaged by supermarket machines ,with obvious scratches showing, but the only chip and PIN card problems have been if the chip needed cleaning with a tissue.

Westie983

which bank still swipes your bank card?

It must be a rare unknown one as I have an account at most banks on the high street?

Most banks use CnP machines now and ask you to enter pin for authorisations and then confirm amount being paid in either on the CnP machine or by signing a slip.

Could it be being scratched by other cards? if you dont use them in ATM's.

Westie983

EarthBoy

Westie983 wrote: »

which bank still swipes your bank card?

It must be a rare unknown one as I have an account at most banks on the high street?

Nationwide swipes your card, as I mentioned above; they're hardly rare or unknown. Before anyone replies saying they're a building society not a bank, I know that, but they provide banking services, so they are a bank in all but name.

TheGardener

DD had a similar problem but she was keeping her card in a pocket in her mobile phone cover which also had a magnetic clasp so was doubly bad for her card.

I would agree with others that this is something you may inadvertently be doing yourself - tricky bit is working out what...
Chips are easily damaged if you have a habit of keeping them in a back pocket and bend them each time you sit down - magnets, mobiles, car keys (in same pocket) damp...

Have you tried another branch - is it the same keyboard that is used each time you use the service?