How to Repair a Warped Debit or Credit Card

If you've run your card through the dryer a few times this article is for you!

Steps

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    1
    Don't fret. The card can be repaired or replaced.[1] Try one or more of these methods first, then call the bank if the fix doesn't work.
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Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Ironing the card

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    Gather your supplies; paper bag, iron, very flat surface. Try using a cutting board as your flat surface.
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    2
    Warm the iron on a low and dry setting. About a level 2 heat setting is appropriate.[2]
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    3
    Place the debit/credit card just inside the paper bag. Lay both flat on the very flat surface.
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    4
    Aim for the magnetic swipe strip. That's the only part of the card that absolutely needs flattening. Don't flatten the numbers!
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    5
    Get your aim dead on, press and continuously move the iron back and forth for 30 seconds or less.[3]
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    6
    Check your results. Is your card flat? If not, repeat steps until the swipe section is flat.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a hair dryer to flatten the card

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    Find a hair dryer. Place your card on a flat surface that can handle being heated up.[4]
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    2
    Heat up the card with the hair dryer. When warmed up, bend the card in the direction it needs to go to flatten again.[5]
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    3
    Place the card between the flat surface and a heavy object, such as a large book or other flat object. Use the heavy item to hold it down.
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    Leave for a short time to flatten the card. Remove the card and it should be flat again.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Can I get my card to work if the magnetic strip is too worn too scan?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It's likely that your card won't function again. Contact your bank for a new card. Until then, try putting a plastic grocery bag over the strip when you scan it through a payment machine.
  • Question
    I flattened the numbers on my card not knowing that it isn't okay to do. Is that bad?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Most cards no longer rely on raised numbers. All that matters is the magnetic strip on the back or the embedded chip. The only problem that may arise is if you need to type your number in at some point and can't read it. Just call the company and request a replacement card.
  • Question
    My debit car is bent. How can I fix it?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Carefully bend it back flat, then place it under a heavy weight for a while. You may want to apply for a replacement card.
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Warnings

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Things You'll Need

  • Iron
  • Paper bag
  • Flat, melt-resistant surface

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.quora.com/I-bent-my-debit-card-where-it-says-my-name-will-it-still-work
  2. ↑ https://lifehacks.stackexchange.com/questions/7566/flatten-plastic-playing-cards
  3. ↑ https://lifehacks.stackexchange.com/questions/7566/flatten-plastic-playing-cards
  4. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/7xogq9/one_way_to_uncurl_your_foils/
  5. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/7xogq9/one_way_to_uncurl_your_foils/

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 161,860 times.
145 votes - 80%
Co-authors: 9
Updated: May 7, 2022
Views: 161,860
Categories: Payment Cards
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