How to Repair a Warped Debit or Credit Card

Download Article

Co-authored by Andrew Lokenauth

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Approved

Download Article

Ironing the card

|

Using a hair dryer to flatten the card

|

Video

|

Q&A

|

Tips

|

Warnings

|

Things You'll Need

If you've run your card through the dryer a few times this article is for you!

Steps

Download Article

The card can be repaired or replaced.^{[1]
X
Research source} Try one or more of these methods first, then call the bank if the fix doesn't work.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Ironing the card

Download Article

Try using a cutting board as your flat surface.
About a level 2 heat setting is appropriate.^{[2]
X
Research source}
Lay both flat on the very flat surface.
That's the only part of the card that absolutely needs flattening. Don't flatten the numbers!
^{[3]
X
Research source}
Is your card flat? If not, repeat steps until the swipe section is flat.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a hair dryer to flatten the card

Download Article

Place your card on a flat surface that can handle being heated up.^{[4]
X
Research source}
When warmed up, bend the card in the direction it needs to go to flatten again.^{[5]
X
Research source}
Use the heavy item to hold it down.
Remove the card and it should be flat again.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Can I get my card to work if the magnetic strip is too worn too scan?

Community Answer

It's likely that your card won't function again. Contact your bank for a new card. Until then, try putting a plastic grocery bag over the strip when you scan it through a payment machine.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 18
Question

I flattened the numbers on my card not knowing that it isn't okay to do. Is that bad?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Most cards no longer rely on raised numbers. All that matters is the magnetic strip on the back or the embedded chip. The only problem that may arise is if you need to type your number in at some point and can't read it. Just call the company and request a replacement card.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 10
Question

My debit car is bent. How can I fix it?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Carefully bend it back flat, then place it under a heavy weight for a while. You may want to apply for a replacement card.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 10

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Use a low iron setting

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
Be sure of the area to be flattened

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Check the card frequently

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 4

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Do not let the iron become directly in contact with the card.

Thanks
Helpful 20 Not Helpful 4
Do not use a high heat setting.

Thanks
Helpful 21 Not Helpful 7
Do not leave iron unattended.

Thanks
Helpful 17 Not Helpful 5
Do not flatten the raised numbers.

Thanks
Helpful 22 Not Helpful 14
Do not leave iron plugged in.

Thanks
Helpful 13 Not Helpful 7