Credit playing cards, gift playing cards, ID badges, and membership cards are all examples of plastic gambling playing cards that we use every day. However, incorrect storage may result in damaged magnetic strips, cracked surfaces, or fading print, rendering your cards useless and inconvenient. Knowing the satisfactory strategies to maintain your plastic playing cards is critical for retaining them functioning and presentable for longer durations. In this article, we’ll take a look at safe and practical garage techniques for plastic playing cards to help them survive longer.
Why Proper Card Storage Matters
Plastic cards appear to be robust; however, they’re prone to damage from quite a few assets, which include warmth, stress, and abrasion. A bent card may lose its magnetic traits; a damaged chip may also cease to be characteristic; and an exposed card can fade with time, leaving it worthless. Proper preservation preserves the card’s integrity, keeping it functional and visually beautiful.
Whether you manage a personal collection of vital cards or a company that issues hundreds of membership cards, knowing how to keep them may save you time, money, and irritation.
For additional general card maintenance instructions, see this useful resource on dealing with wear and tear on plastic cards.
1. Store Cards in Protective Sleeves or Wallets
One of the perfect and most effective techniques to stabilize your plastic cards is to apply card-unique protecting sleeves, cardholders, or wallets. These sleeves are composed of smooth fabrics, which protect the cards from scratches, dirt, and bending. Many wallets include built-in card slots to keep your cards organized and protect them from rubbing against other things, such as coins or keys, which can cause harm.
Consider RFID-blocking wallets or cardholders for further safety. This not only keeps your cards physically protected but also prevents illegal scanning.
2. Avoid Storing Cards Near Magnets or Electronics
Magnetic fields from cellphones, speakers, and even some bag clasps can demagnetize the strip on your plastic cards. This is especially true for cards with magnetic stripes, such as credit cards or hotel key cards. If the magnetic strip becomes demagnetized, computers may fail to identify the card, rendering it unusable.
Be aware of where you put your wallet or cardholder. For example, avoid placing cards immediately next to your phone, which produces a magnetic field, or near magnets in your bag or backpack.
For additional information on carefully keeping magnetic stripe cards, see this extensive tutorial.
3. Keep Cards Away from Direct Sunlight and Heat
Heat may warp plastic cards, causing them to flex and rendering them illegible in ATMs, card readers, or other devices. Cards containing printed graphics or logos might fade after being exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period. It is critical to avoid leaving cards in hot places, such as inside a car on a bright day, or near heat sources such as radiators or cooking equipment.
Store your cards in a cool, dry location away from severe temperatures and direct sunlight. This will assist in keeping the card material and printed design intact.
4. Organize Your Cards to Prevent Damage
If you’ve got a couple of plastic playing cards, it’s essential to prepare them properly to keep away from them scratching or destroying one another. Overstuffing wallets or stacking cards haphazardly can lead to strain marks, scratches, or even bent cards.
Consider using a dedicated card organizer or wallet with individual slots for each card. This ensures that the cards don’t rub against each other or any other hard surfaces. A well-organized card system also makes it easier to find the card you need, reducing wear from frequent handling.
5. Use Digital Wallets for Backup
A digital wallet is one of the most effective ways to keep your card information. Many mobile devices allow you to enter credit and membership card information into a secure app, which eliminates the need to carry several physical cards. While this does not eliminate the necessity to carry some cards (such as your driver’s license), it does decrease wear and tear on other cards that you use frequently.
Digital wallets allow you to access your cards without physically taking them out, perhaps extending their life. If a card is destroyed or lost, you can still make purchases with its digital form.
6. Regularly Check Your Cards for Wear and Tear
Even with appropriate storage, plastic cards can wear out over time. Examine your cards for signs of damage, such as scratches, fading, or bending. If the card shows substantial wear, consider replacing it before it becomes entirely useless.
Businesses may improve the customer experience by verifying the quality of cards supplied to clients regularly. Damaged membership or loyalty cards should be replaced immediately to guarantee that clients may continue to enjoy your services without interruption.
If you maintain a big collection of plastic cards for an event or organization, look into emerging tech in event branding to see how you may use new technology to streamline card administration.
7. Establish a Card Replacement Plan
Some cards may inevitably need to be changed as a result of wear and tear. A card replacement strategy guarantees that you are prepared if a card becomes unplayable. Businesses should express a clear policy about card replacements, whether they provide free replacements or charge a nominal price to reissue new cards. Individuals who understand when to get a replacement card might avoid the headache of dealing with a defective one in an emergency circumstance.
If you’re unsure of how to establish a card replacement system for your business, this replacement guide provides helpful insights on managing damaged cards and implementing a replacement policy.
Conclusion
Storing your plastic cards appropriately is critical for extending their life and ensuring they continue to perform properly. Whether you keep them in protective sleeves, avoid magnets, or use digital wallets as backups, these smart storage recommendations can spare you from the hassle of broken or malfunctioning cards.
For more information on card storage options or to look into custom plastic card designs, visit Custom Best Plastic Cards or contact 800.835.7919 for expert help.
