Accidentally washing and drying a credit card can cause damage to both the card and the appliances involved. Here's what might happen:
Physical damage to the card: The washing and drying process can subject the credit card to agitation and high temperatures. This may lead to warping, bending, cracking, or even complete destruction of the card, rendering it unusable.
Magnetic stripe damage: Credit cards have a magnetic stripe on the back, which contains important account information. The washing and drying process can damage this stripe, making it unreadable by card readers, ATMs, or point-of-sale machines.
Chip damage (for chip-enabled cards): If the credit card has an EMV chip (chip-and-PIN or chip-and-signature), the exposure to water and heat may cause the chip to malfunction, leading to difficulties using the card for chip-based transactions.
Contactless functionality impairment: Some credit cards come with contactless payment features. Water and heat exposure might interfere with the card's ability to use contactless payment methods.
Potential damage to the appliances: If the credit card breaks apart during the washing or drying process, it could damage the washing machine's drum, dryer's tumbler, or other components. This may necessitate repairs or replacement of the appliances.
If you accidentally wash and dry your credit card, here's what you should do:
Retrieve the card: Stop the washing and drying cycle as soon as you realize the card is in there. Retrieve the credit card from the machine.
Assess the damage: Examine the card for any visible physical damage or signs of water exposure.
Contact your credit card issuer: If the card is damaged, contact your credit card issuer immediately to report it. They will guide you on the next steps, which may include canceling the damaged card and issuing a replacement.
Update your payment methods: While waiting for the replacement card, update any automatic payment arrangements or online accounts that were linked to the damaged card with the new card details once you receive it.
Remember, to avoid damaging your credit card, always double-check your pockets and clothes before doing laundry, and keep your cards in a secure place when not in use.