If you forgot your bank card in the washing machine without going through your pockets, the first question you ask yourself is will it work now? It all depends on the type of card, the duration and intensity of washing, the speed of response to the problem.
Let’s figure out what to do if you washed the card in an automatic machine.
What happens to the card after washing in CMA
Sometimes we carefully check the pockets of clothes, but sometimes we completely forget about it. In some cases, change and debris that fall out of pockets clog the filter, drain system, or fail the tank. And it happens that a thing is so valuable that you only care about one question – how to use it now and what to do to correct the situation.
Speaking of a bank card, it is worth considering its composition. The global banking industry uses polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a basis. Plastic perfectly withstands temperature effects, chemicals and is not afraid of moisture. And information about the payment data of the owner is recorded on a magnetic tape or chip. Basically, all cards today are equipped with a magnetic tape, and only a part of them are chipped.
Important! If you washed a credit card with a regular magnetic tape, then you can be calm – in 7 out of 10 cases, they withstand washing and continue to function.
The card will not work if it falls out of your pocket and is damaged by sharp objects from other things that can scratch the tape (such as lightning). If you select the high temperature mode, plastic melting is not ruled out (especially when boiling).
Attention! The chip, as a rule, does not tolerate washing, even fast and not intensive.
What to do? If you accidentally forgot your plastic card in the drum, this is not a reason to panic. Try to revive it:
- wipe with a dry cloth;
- let dry;
- later inspect it for damage and scratches;
- check if the numbers and letters on both sides are intact;
- if visually everything is in order, go to the nearest ATM to check the performance;
- do some operations. If you notice failures: there will be errors, cancellations of operations, and so on, then there is a problem.
On a note. If a Troika card was found in the CMA drum to pay for travel in Moscow transport, then, judging by the practice of users, nothing terrible will happen. Although, the washing mode and temperature still play a role here.
Important! If you remember the card or notice your mistake early in the cycle, stop the program to retrieve the item.
What to do if you washed the card
What should I do if the card does not work after washing? The way out of the situation is more than logical: go to the bank branch to get a new one. Be careful: magnetic tape cards are not restored, but new ones are issued.
Consider what happens if you wet the card. Actually, it’s okay if it remains in working order.
If performance is not confirmed, proceed as follows:
- Take the necessary documents and go to the bank branch.
- There, write an application for early re-release.
- State the reason for the change in the request.
- Submit the application to the operator or other competent bank officer.
- Block accounts on the old card.
- Come back at the appointed time for a new one.
Important! In order for the new card to have other details (number and account), indicate this when drawing up the application, otherwise you will be given a complete analogue, excluding the PIN code.
Different banks have a similar scheme. The duration of the procedure and the amount of the bank commission for the reissue service may differ.
Always keep in mind that recovery fees can cost money, so be sure to double-check your pockets to make sure they are empty. It’s easier to get a card than to worry after washing whether it will work and whether you will have to bother about issuing a new one.