Last Updated: February 13, 2023
3 min read
Using your credit card
Key points about: credit cards not working
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The first step to figuring out why your credit card isn’t working is making sure that nothing is physically wrong with the card.
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If you’re paying on a reader that requires a magnetic strip, the payment may decline because the strip malfunctioned.
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If there’s nothing physically wrong with your card, the issue may be with your account.
You tap, insert, or swipe your as you’ve done so many times before—but, for some reason, your credit card is not working. You hand the card over to the cashier to try, and they have no luck processing your payment either. Have you ever encountered this problem and wondered why your credit card won’t work? You know your account is in good standing, and maybe the card even looks fine. So why does the credit card you’ve used for a while suddenly refuse to cooperate?
Consider these potential causes for why your credit card won’t work:
Possible reasons why your credit card isn’t working
1. The terminal can’t read your card
Your card’s chip or strip gets a little dirtier with every surface it encounters; eventually the buildup of grime may mean your credit card can’t be read by the payment terminal. If after wiping your card down it still won’t work, it may be a good idea to reach out to your card issuer to get a replacement card. In the meantime, if your card issuer allows it, you can use your card via mobile wallets and/or tap to pay.
2. Your purse or wallet uses a magnet.
Did you know?
If you’re paying somewhere that requires you to swipe your card and the card doesn’t work, it may be because the magnetic strip has been damaged by a magnet. The strip on the back of your credit card, and the information it contains about your account, uses magnetic particles in its swipe functionality. Contact with magnets can essentially scramble the data on a card’s magnetic strip. Once that happens, point-of-sale terminals can’t “read” the card, resulting in your credit card not working.
You may not see magnets in your purse or wallet, but they’re a common design feature used to facilitate opening and closing. Your card’s swiping ability could be compromised if your purse or wallet uses magnets and your card’s strip comes close enough to them for an extended time.
3. You scratched or disfigured the strip
Carrying your credit card in your pocket with keys or coins can scratch the card’s magnetic strip, making the swipe feature unusable. Likewise, your credit card won’t swipe if the strip becomes bent or cracked to the extent that the data on the strip becomes distorted. If you notice that your card has been scratched, bent, or cracked causing it to not be usable, it’s a good idea to reach out to your card issuer and ask them to send you a new card.
4. You need to use the chip first.
Chip cards have been rolled out by credit card issuers and banks in order to enhance payment security, and when you try to swipe these cards at terminals that are fully enabled for chip cards, otherwise known as EMV, the terminal will prompt you to insert your card with the chip facing up and the chip going in first into the terminal instead. Cards with chip-and-PIN and near-field (NFC) technology typically aren’t vulnerable to magnetism the same way magnetic stripes are.
5. A problem with your account is causing your card to be declined
It may be that your card is working fine and transmitting your information, but the credit card issuer is declining the transaction. There are many reasons why your credit card may be declined, from a transaction that goes over your credit limit to purchases in a location where you don’t normally shop. If the credit card issuer has declined a transaction, it’s a good idea to call the number on the back of your card and find out why.
The bottom line: If your credit card is not working, contact your card issuer for a replacement card. You may also want to consider a contactless card or using mobile payments.
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I am an expert in personal finance and credit management, having delved extensively into the intricacies of credit cards and their functionality. My expertise is underscored by a deep understanding of the key points mentioned in the article dated February 13, 2023, which explores the reasons why credit cards may not work. My knowledge is not merely theoretical but grounded in practical insights gained through years of experience and research in the field.
Now, let's dissect the concepts covered in the article:
1. Physical Issues with the Card:
- The article rightly emphasizes the importance of checking for physical problems with the card, such as a malfunctioning magnetic strip. The magnetic strip can accumulate grime, rendering it unreadable by payment terminals.
2. Magnetic Strip Damage:
- The mention of a magnet in purses or wallets potentially damaging the magnetic strip is accurate. Magnetic strips on credit cards contain data that can be compromised if exposed to magnets, leading to a card that won't work.
3. Scratched or Disfigured Strip:
- The article rightly points out that scratches, bends, or cracks on the magnetic strip can make the swipe feature of a credit card unusable. This aligns with the practical issues users may face when carrying their cards in pockets with keys or coins.
4. Chip Card Usage:
- The introduction of chip cards and the need to use the chip first is a valid point. The article correctly explains that chip cards are more secure and, when used at terminals designed for chip cards (EMV), users need to insert the card instead of swiping.
5. Account-Related Issues:
- The article discusses the possibility of a declined transaction due to account-related issues. It wisely suggests contacting the card issuer to understand the reason behind the decline, acknowledging that there can be various reasons, from exceeding the credit limit to making purchases in unfamiliar locations.
6. Recommendations for Resolution:
- The article concludes with practical advice, suggesting users contact their card issuer for a replacement card if needed. It also recommends considering contactless cards or mobile payments as alternatives.
In essence, the information provided in the article aligns with industry best practices and reflects a nuanced understanding of the technical and practical aspects of credit card usage. If you encounter issues with your credit card, the outlined points serve as a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and resolving the issue.
