Quite often, unpleasant situations arise when various objects get into an automatic washing machine along with our things - key rings, mobile devices, small money, etc. With metal and banknotes everything is simple: iron is not exposed to washing powder, damaged paper money is easy to exchange at the bank. It’s more difficult with phones - you’ll have to buy a new device. What if I washed my bank card in the washing machine - will it be able to function in the future?
A few words about production
To understand what happens if you wash a Sberbank card, we suggest finding out how it is made. The process consists of the following steps:
- printout – the design is applied to the workpiece on both sides using a special printer;
- baking – a magnetized tape is attached, designed to clarify the data. After this, the two parts are joined into one structure using a thermal lamination device. The temperature is set to 120 degrees above zero, and the press presses with a force of 160 bar;
- an additional protective element is applied. Each layer is provided with a special film, which in the previous process is hermetically connected to the plastic surface without distorting the previously applied images.Often it is this film that creates reliable protection for the product if it accidentally ends up in the washing machine;
- personalized cutout – the product is cut out and personalized with a special code.
What happens after washing in the machine?
Each of us repeatedly promised ourselves that before how to send clothes for washing, will empty all his pockets, but always forgets to do this. Experience shows that this is completely in vain, because even a passport with a bank card can unexpectedly end up in the washing mashine.
Polyvinyl chloride is used to make the card. This plastic material resists humidity, temperature changes and even chemical exposure. The necessary information about the product holder and personal account is recorded on a magnetic strip or chip. As a rule, banking products have a ribbon.
So, will the card work? In seven cases out of ten, nothing bad happens to a bank card washed in a machine, and it remains in good working order. But this happens if a low temperature setting was used during the washing process, or if your bank card was in your pocket.
Plastic can be damaged during washing from locks, buttons and other items of clothing that can scratch the magnetized ribbon.
What to do when the card doesn't work?
Let's consider the option when during washing The bank card was damaged and stopped working. In this case, there is only one option left - to replace the banking product.
When visiting the bank, you will need to present your passport and a damaged card (do not rush to throw it away). As a rule, replacement will be carried out in several stages:
- You should contact a bank employee and tell about what happened. You will be provided with an application form;
- On the form you will have to state a request that the product be re-released ahead of schedule. You will have to state in writing the reason for the premature replacement, labeling it as a breakdown or failure. At the bottom of the application is the date of its preparation and your personal signature;
- the completed document is presented to the bank employee;
- after this, you need to block the old card to ensure that any operations on your account are prevented;
- you will be informed about the production time of the banking product, and a date will be set when you should come to the bank to personally receive a new means of payment. Be prepared for the fact that the bank will require a commission for production.
Conclusion
Plastic card in washing machine – a fairly common occurrence. But if a similar situation happens to you, don’t panic. Try to dry the plastic and check its operation, and only then go to the bank.
It should be noted that if your banking product already has mechanical damage, it will increase the likelihood that after the washing process you will have to arrange for its replacement.
