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How to sanitize credit/debit cards: Step-by-Step

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 16, 2025

Easily sanitize credit or debit cards with E-Cloth—no harsh chemicals, just effective, simple cleaning for everyday peace of mind.

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How to sanitize credit/debit cards: Step-by-Step

Tools:

E-Cloth
70% isopropyl alcohol
Soap
Water
Paper towels or a clean towel

Sanitize Your Hands First

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them. This prevents transferring extra germs to your card.

Wipe Down the Card

Dampen a clean, soft microfiber cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Ensure it’s moist but not dripping.
Gently wipe all surfaces of the card—including the chip and magnetic stripe areas—without applying too much pressure.
Avoid soaking any card components; a light swipe is usually sufficient.

Let It Dry

Allow the card to air dry completely for a few minutes before using or storing it. This prevents moisture from affecting the chip or magnetic stripe.

Precautions:

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Don't use chlorine bleach, ammonia, or other corrosive cleaners that could damage the card's surface or strip.

Use Lint-Free, Soft Cloths Only

Opt for microfiber or similarly soft, non-abrasive materials to prevent scratches or surface wear.

Never Submerge the Card in Liquids

Avoid soaking the card or using excess liquid, which can seep into the chip or magnetic strip and cause malfunctions.

Check Manufacturer Guidelines

Refer to the card issuer's recommendations to ensure you're not voiding any warranties or damaging embedded components.

Allow Complete Drying Post-Sanitization

Ensure the card is fully dry before use to prevent moisture-related issues with circuitry and magnetic functionalities.

Avoid Excessive Force When Cleaning

Handle the card gently during cleaning to prevent bending, cracking, or compromising the integrity of the surface details.

Use Isopropyl Alcohol-Based Sanitizers Only

Stick to sanitizers with at least 70% isopropyl alcohol and free of additives that might harm the card's materials.

How to Correctly Sanitize The Credit/debit cards: Extra Tips

Mild Soap and Water

Mix a small amount of dishwasher-safe mild soap with lukewarm water.
Dampen a soft microfiber cloth in the solution and wring it out well to avoid excess water.
Gently wipe the card's surface, focusing on areas that might have dirt or germs.

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Use Isopropyl Alcohol

Prepare a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution for disinfection.
Dampen a clean, soft lint-free cloth or cotton pad with the alcohol.
Wipe both sides of the card thoroughly, taking care not to let the fluid seep into any chip or magnetic strip areas.

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Wipe with a Lint-Free Cloth

After cleaning with soap solution or alcohol, use a separate dry, lint-free cloth.
Carefully remove any remaining moisture to prevent water spots and potential residue buildup.
Ensure the card is completely dry before the next use to avoid damage.

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Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Soaking

Avoid bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, or any abrasive substances that could damage the card’s surface.
Never submerge cards fully in any liquid to prevent water and chemical damage to sensitive areas.
Handle the card gently throughout the cleaning process to minimize wear and tear.

Common Mistakes When Sanitizing Credit/debit cards

Using Harsh Chemicals

Strong chemicals like bleach or alcohol can damage the magnetic strip and the chip, leading to malfunctions.
They may also strip away protective coatings, making the card more vulnerable to wear and tear.

Excessive Moisture Exposure

Soaking or over-wetting your card can cause water to seep into the chip, potentially causing long-term damage.
Even small amounts of moisture left on the card can lead to residue buildup or short-circuiting in electronic components.

Using Abrasive Materials

Scrubbing with rough cloths or abrasive pads can scratch and wear down the card’s surface.
Such scratches may interfere with the scanning process at payment terminals, making transactions problematic.

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How Often to Sanitize Credit/debit cards

How Often to Sanitize Credit/Debit Cards

Sanitize your cards at least once a week. Daily handling combined with exposure to various surfaces (ATM machines, store payment terminals, etc.) can allow germs to accumulate over time.
If you’re using your card in high-traffic or public areas—like public transit, restaurants, or crowded events—it’s smart to clean it right after those uses. This extra care can help prevent the transfer of microbes.
For those who frequently handle their cards or share them in a work environment, consider an additional cleaning every few days to keep potential contaminants at bay.
The recommended frequency helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination, ensuring that your card isn’t a hotspot for germs you might later transfer to your hands or other personal items.

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