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If you've run your card through the dryer a few times this article is for you!
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Gather your supplies; paper bag, iron, very flat surface. Try using a cutting board as your flat surface.
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Warm the iron on a low and dry setting. About a level 2 heat setting is appropriate. [2] X Research source
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Place the debit/credit card just inside the paper bag. Lay both flat on the very flat surface.
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Aim for the magnetic swipe strip. That's the only part of the card that absolutely needs flattening. Don't flatten the numbers!
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Get your aim dead on, press and continuously move the iron back and forth for 30 seconds or less. [3] X Research source
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Check your results. Is your card flat? If not, repeat steps until the swipe section is flat.
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Find a hair dryer. Place your card on a flat surface that can handle being heated up. [4] X Research source
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Heat up the card with the hair dryer. When warmed up, bend the card in the direction it needs to go to flatten again. [5] X Research source
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Place the card between the flat surface and a heavy object, such as a large book or other flat object. Use the heavy item to hold it down.
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Leave for a short time to flatten the card. Remove the card and it should be flat again.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionCan I get my card to work if the magnetic strip is too worn too scan?Community AnswerIt's likely that your card won't function again. Contact your bank for a new card. Until then, try putting a plastic grocery bag over the strip when you scan it through a payment machine.
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QuestionI flattened the numbers on my card not knowing that it isn't okay to do. Is that bad?DonaganTop AnswererMost cards no longer rely on raised numbers. All that matters is the magnetic strip on the back or the embedded chip. The only problem that may arise is if you need to type your number in at some point and can't read it. Just call the company and request a replacement card.
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QuestionMy debit car is bent. How can I fix it?DonaganTop AnswererCarefully bend it back flat, then place it under a heavy weight for a while. You may want to apply for a replacement card.
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Tips
- Use a low iron settingThanks
- Be sure of the area to be flattenedThanks
- Check the card frequentlyThanks
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Warnings
- Do not let the iron become directly in contact with the card.Thanks
- Do not use a high heat setting.Thanks
- Do not leave iron unattended.Thanks
- Do not flatten the raised numbers.Thanks
- Do not leave iron plugged in.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Iron
- Paper bag
- Flat, melt-resistant surface
References
- ↑ https://www.quora.com/I-bent-my-debit-card-where-it-says-my-name-will-it-still-work
- ↑ https://lifehacks.stackexchange.com/questions/7566/flatten-plastic-playing-cards
- ↑ https://lifehacks.stackexchange.com/questions/7566/flatten-plastic-playing-cards
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/7xogq9/one_way_to_uncurl_your_foils/
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/7xogq9/one_way_to_uncurl_your_foils/
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 195,164 times.
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