[AlaninCarlisle]

A constant problem once the debit card has been in my wallet for a couple of years. It just doesn't register on any of our local ATMs and I have to use the Post Office where a rub on my coat sleeve usually does the trick. It's obviously getting coated with muck in the wallet, but how to prevent it? Anyone else found this a problem?

[Lardman]

Is the chip coated in muck or is the card slightly bent?

[AlaninCarlisle]

Yes, it looks slightly grubby but not bent in any way. Reluctant to use any sort of cleaning agent other than soap and water. This seems to do the trick for Post Office readers but outside ATMs must be much more sensitive

[mumofstig]

I'd just ring up and get a new one, after doing your Christmas shopping, of course 

[JayG]

Ask Santa for a new wallet?   

[AlaninCarlisle]

I'd just ring up and get a new one, after doing your Christmas shopping, of course 

Already done that. Question is, how do I prevent it happening again? Should I use something more aggressive than soap and water to clean them? Can you buy some sort of cover to provide additional protection in my back-pocket wallet?

[Goosegirl]

Buy a little card holder for it and any other cards, vouchers or small things you don't want to lose.

[madcat]

Is it the mag stripe that is failing, or the chip set in the card?  Neither will like it if you keep it close to your phone - I used to regularly wreck my Visa card by slipping it into my jacket pocket next to my phone.  When I did it to a train ticket (mag stripe on that!) it was the final embarrassing straw, I really had to change my ways.

[AlaninCarlisle]

I've no idea whether it's the chip or the magnetic strip that fails. Can't be caused by my phone as that lives firmly in the car. Credit and Debit cards live in my wallet in my back pocket but it's only my Debit card that gives me this problem
All I can tell you is that the ATM spits it out but the card-reader in the Post Office, which is where I'm now obliged to get cash, accepts it if I vigorously wipe it on my sleeve. Should have a new one this week but I'm intrigued as to why all this happens. More to the point, how to avoid it in future?

[Christine]

I wouldn't dare to crack back pocket jokes but would suggest that another pocket might be better. Especially if the container holding the cards gets a bit bent or shoved around. 

[MarkC]

Sometimes react with other cards in your wallet unless they are separated. I used to have problems with hotel key cards if I shoved them in my wallet with my debit/credit cards.