How do you use a damaged debit card?
Daniel Santos
Updated on February 09, 2026
Damage to Card To use a debit card at a store or an ATM, the card needs to be scanned or swiped. Harm to the card itself may prevent this, however. Things such as creases or breaks can make the card unusable. In general, plastic cards are resilient and might still work even after getting wet and being dried off .
Can I use my old debit card at ATM?
Old debit cards can still be used for ATM withdrawals.
How do scratched debit cards work?
Slip the card into a plastic bag, hold the bag taut around the card so there are no wrinkles and slide it through the card reader. You could also cover the card with paper, like a receipt, or masking tape. Next, you or the checker has to slide the card quickly through the card reader or ATM.
What to do if ATM card is not working?
If you have questions about why your debit card was declined, the best thing to do is call your institution directly. In most situations, a customer service representative can help you reset your PIN, unfreeze your account, verify a purchase, increase your withdrawal limits and more.
Can I use a damaged debit card?
A debit card even if it is broken will work just fine if you are using it for online transactions like paying bills, booking tickets and even shopping online. The only things you need to remember are the card number, expiry date, cvv number and sometimes the ATM card’s PIN.
Can you withdraw cash from an expired debit card?
No, your debit card won’t work past the last day of the month printed on the front of the card. You won’t be able to transact with the card anywhere. For example, an expired debit card will prevent you from withdrawing or depositing money at an ATM and making purchases online and in-store.
Can you take money off an expired debit card?
Once a debit card has expired it is invalid and cannot be used for any purpose . You don’t have to transfer money from the old card to the new, because the bank account both cards are connect with has the money. Destroy the old card and start using the signed new card like you did the old one.
Can I keep my debit card near my phone?
The answer is yes, but it isn’t strong enough demagnetize your credit cards. Even if you were to carry your credit cards right up against your phone in your pocket, it wouldn’t cause any issues.
Can I magnetize my debit card?
You can repair the magnetic strip on your bank card. Though most banks and credit cards work with computer chips and contactless payment, they still have those traditional magnetic strips, which can get damaged.
What should I do if my ATM keeps my money?
Get your cash in your wallet quickly (so others can’t see how much you have). If the ATM kept your card during the transaction, you’ll want to grab it as soon as the machine spits it out. If you’re too slow, the machine could suck the card back in.
Do you need to call your bank to use your ATM card?
You may need to call or visit your bank to do this, or there may be instructions on the paperwork that came with your card. Typically, you can activate your new card by using it in an ATM and entering the PIN. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call the number on the card and activate it over the phone before you can use it in an ATM. Thanks!
What to look for when inserting a credit card into an ATM?
Look for the black magnetic stripe for guidance, or possibly an image showing how your name and card number should be lined up. In some cases, you’ll insert the card completely into the ATM, and the machine will hold onto it until your transaction is complete.
How do you get a code for an ATM?
This method requires downloading the banks app to your smartphone and requesting a use-only-once 8-digit code from the app that you can then input using the ATM keypad. Other banks have a 2D barcode on their app that you can scan at the ATM terminal.