Yes, MagSafe can ruin credit cards because the magnetic force of the MagSafe can demagnetize the credit card’s magnetic strip, rendering it unusable
MagSafe is a type of magnetic power connector used by Apple for its phones. It features a strong magnet that firmly and securely attaches the power cable to the phone while charging. It also has the ability to detach easily if the cable is accidentally pulled or tripped over.
This helps prevent damage to the phone and the power cable.
Magnets & credit cards， What do you have to know？
A magnet is a material that produces a magnetic field. This magnetic field leads to electromagnetic force in contact with electricity.
A credit card has a magnetic stripe. This makes it possible for the magnetic stripe reader to read the holder’s information on the credit cards.
The magnetic stripe is usually located on the back of the card and contains its owner’s account details and other security details.
By inserting or swiping your credit card into a card reader, the reader receives information stored on it like credit limit. If you tamper with the magnetic strip, it will lead to the demagnetization of the credit card.
It will malfunction, and the card reader won’t be able to access the information it requires before it approves the transaction.
There are cases where accidentally placing a card between the plate and the magnet of the metal plate in the wallet leads to the erasure of the stripes.
Causes of Demagnetization
- Scratches on the magnetic stripe: when you put credit cards in the same place with hard material like a key, it will lead to the wearing of the stripe.
- Constant exposure to magnets can also ruin a card’s magnetic strip.
MagSafe charger and credit card.
MagSafe uses a strong magnetic connection to keep the phone charger securely attached to the device for proper charging. This strong magnet can potentially ruin a credit card if you placed it near the MagSafe connector while it is in use.
It is important to keep credit cards and other magnetic-strip cards away from the MagSafe connector. And this prevents potential damage.
Furthermore, magnets are present inside the wallet. It is also there in your MagSafe case in small quantities. The arrangement is circularly located in the back of your iPhone.
This circle acts as a different anchor to keep the wireless charging pod attached and centered. Though, it is still easy to remove.
In this scenario, magnets and credit cards will not work well in such proximity because of physics. The laws of physics will surely come into play.
In a support document, Apple cautions customers not to place credit cards, keys, hotel swipe cards, passports, or wallet accessories between their iPhone and MagSafe charger.
Because this might damage the radio frequency identification (RFID) chips or magnetic strips on those items.
Since the wireless charging pad uses an electromagnetic field, it is possible for this to damage any bank cards or any other magnetic cards that are within the electromagnetic field.
Thus, it’s important to avoid putting sensitive items between your phone and its new magnetic charger, especially while charging. If you place a key card next to your iPhone, the magnetic strip on the card will be erased (magnets will destroy the information on the magnetic stripe of the card).
Precautions
- You should keep your cards in a wallet that provides some protection against demagnetization. It’s also good practice to turn the face of your credit card with magnetic strips away from any magnets close by.
- In order to avoid contact with the magnet on the MagSafe case, make sure your credit cards are not inside the case next to your iPhone.
MagSafe chargers use magnets to align and hold the charging cable in place, but the magnetic field they generate is not strong enough to damage a credit card, despite claims that they are unlikely to damage a card. But, it’s always a good idea to keep your credit card away from strong magnets, just to be safe.
What to do if your credit card becomes ruined by MagSafe?
If your credit card becomes ruined as a result of frequent exposure to MagSafe, you have to contact your card issuer timely to resolve the issue. Your issuer may be able to troubleshoot the problem. Though this depends on the severity of the damage.
If this problem can be solved immediately, then your card will start working again. If that isn’t possible, the issuer can ask you to request a replacement card. You should note that the arrival of the new card can take about three to seven business days to arrive.
