How to Clean Credit Cards and Keep Them Germ-Free

Cleaning credit cards regularly is a must to prevent the buildup of germs and bacteria. This is especially true for people who use their credit cards frequently, as they can harbor a significant amount of bacteria.

You can clean your credit cards with a soft cloth and mild soap. This is a gentle way to remove dirt and grime without damaging the card's surface.

Cleaning your credit cards regularly is a simple and effective way to keep them in good condition. You can use common household products to do so.

For example, antibacterial wipes or sprays, isopropyl alcohol, hand soap, or dish soap can be used to clean your credit cards. These products are likely already available in your home.

To clean your credit cards, spray your preferred cleaning solution onto a clean rag or cotton ball, and then gently wipe the entire front and back of the card for about 10 to 20 seconds. Avoid scrubbing the cards abrasively, as this can cause damage to the magnetic stripe.

Here are some common cleaning supplies you can use to clean your credit cards:

You likely have the right cleaning supplies at home to give your credit and debit cards a good cleaning.

Antibacterial wipes or sprays, isopropyl alcohol, hand soap, and dish soap are all common cleaning products that can be used to clean your cards.

To clean your cards, spray your preferred cleaning solution onto a clean rag or cotton ball. Gently wipe the rag or cotton ball over the entire front and back of your cards for about 10 to 20 seconds.

Don't scrub your cards too hard, as this can cause damage to the magnetic stripe.

Here's a quick rundown of the cleaning products you can use:

Let your cards air dry completely before returning them to your wallet.

Your credit card and debit card are dirtier than you think, with an average germ score of 285, compared to 10 or less for sanitary surfaces. This is a lot of invisible grime.

You might not eat with your credit or debit card, but you do use it to pay for lunch, and then touch it again after handling food. This means you're passing germs on to almost everything you touch.

Credit cards are dirtier than public train station bathrooms and subway poles, according to a recent study. That's a lot of germs to carry around in your pocket.

You can learn how to clean your credit cards to keep them from being carriers for Coronavirus or bacteria.

Regularly cleaning your credit cards is a simple yet effective way to avoid spreading germs at home or in stores. This is especially important if you use your card frequently, as it can be handled by multiple people during a single transaction.

Even touching the card to the swiping machine can spread germs, so it's best to wash your hands before and after handling your card. A single credit card can be run through a strip or chip machine or handled by a cashier, server, or bartender as often as a few or more times per day.

Cleaning your credit cards regularly can help minimize the spread of germs, but it's also essential to wash your hands before shopping and after the transaction.

It's best to wash a credit card after each use, especially for those in high-risk categories. This is because a single credit card can run through a strip or chip machine or be taken by a cashier, server, or bartender as often as a few or more times per day.

You can also consider washing a credit card once a day to once a week, depending on the method, frequency, and location of use. This will help prevent the spread of germs at home or in stores.

Being the only person touching a credit card remains safest, but even touching the card to the swiping machine can spread germs.

Broaden your view: Chase Bank Credit Card Credit Score

Limiting contact between your credit card and surfaces is crucial to keeping your card clean. Using contactless cards and mobile wallets can help minimize the number of surfaces that come into contact with your card.

Shopping online can also alleviate concerns about contamination. This is a great option if you're worried about touching card readers or other surfaces in stores or restaurants.

Most modern cards offer contactless pay, which means you can tap or hold your card over the machine without touching it. Look for the contactless symbol on your card, which resembles a Wi-Fi symbol.

Some retailers accept mobile pay, which links your card number to your phone and allows touchless payment. You can request an updated card design with contactless pay from your issuer by contacting the number on the back of your card.

Related reading: Credit Union Personal Loan to Pay off Credit Cards

Each in-person transaction with your debit card can require several people to touch it, spreading germs. Consider cleaning your debit card regularly.

You can disinfect your debit card using antibacterial wipes or alcohol-based cleaners, like rubbing alcohol. Spray it on a cotton ball or paper towel instead of directly on the card.

Using a touch of hand or dish soap with warm water is another option, similar to washing your hands. Run the card under the sink with soap or add soap to the card and wipe both sides with a damp towel.

Washing your hands before shopping and after the transaction is still recommended, even with contactless payments through your bank's Mobile Wallet.

You might like: Are Credit Cards Safer than Debit Cards