(2022) Credit Card Chip Not Working [Reasons & Solutions]

Is your debit card or credit card chip not working?

If you are not able to use your credit via chip, you have landed on the right page.

This post explains all you need to know why your card chip may not work and what you can do to fix it.

So, let’s get started.

Note: In this post, we have only discussed the reasons and solutions for the card chip not working. If you are sure your card limit isn’t reached, card is not expired, you have sufficient balance left, then continue reading the post.


Why is my Credit card Chip Not Working

Your debit card or credit card chip isn’t working than either it is dirty, or it has been completely damaged, or the card reader is itself damaged. Now, the chip can be damaged due to wear and tear, extreme heat or pressure, might have been demagnetized, etc.

In the case, the card should work with the magnetic stripe, contactless feature of the card should work, and the card will also work online.

Below, we have explained all the reasons why the card chip is not working or how it can get damaged.

1. Wear and tear

We all use our debit and credit card very roughly, we just pull out the card of our wallet, use it and put it back again, causing the risk of scratching the card.

The starches may damage the chip of the card if not in the short term but definitely in the long run.

So, you need to protect the chip of the card from scratching. The scratches to the plastic or metal part of the card are not a problem.

2. Extreme heat or water damage

Most of the people keep their card in their wallet and often leave the wallet in the car.

When your car is parked in the direct sunlight, the inside temperature of the car can become extreme hot, especially in the summers.

3. Just a bit dirty

Moving forward, the chip of the card isn’t working because it might be just a bit dirty, which is in fact the most common reason.

Below, in the post we have provided some ways to clean the chip of the card, so just clean it and then try using it.

4. Card reader is damaged

Lastly, the card chip might also not work if the card reader is itself damaged.

In this case, note if the card is not working only with your card or other also having similar issues.

Confirm with the retailer that the card reader isn’t damaged or having issues.

Sometimes the card may simply get declined, but you can try swiping the card for three times.

Well, there can be several other reasons of the card not working, read our post  for detailed information: 13 Reasons your card is not working


How to fix a damaged chip on a debit card or credit card

Try to clean it

To fix the debit or credit card chip not working is to simply clean the chip of the card.

  • You can use a damp cloth to clean the chip of the card.
  • Use a rubber band and rub it gently to remove the dirt.
  • Instead of using a damp cloth, you can also clean the card with an antibacterial cloth or baby wipe.
  • You can also use an alcohol based hand sanitizer to clean the card.

What to do when debit card or credit chip won’t work at all

If the chip of your credit card or debit card isn’t working at all, you can use the contactless feature of the card, use it magnetic stripe, use the card with Apple Pay or Google Pay. Also, the card will still work online. You can also use any peer-to-peer app for payment. Lastly, place an order for a replacement card with your card issuer.

1. Use Card Contactless.

If your card’s chip isn’t working, you can use the contactless feature on the card to complete the payment.

Most of the new card these days come with contactless payment feature.

If your card have the below Wi-Fi type symbol printed on it, this means you can make payments without having to swipe your credit card or enter the security PIN.

You just need to tap or wave your contactless credit card at a close range, about two cm close to a contactless-enabled credit card POS machine or terminal.

Card Contactless Not Working but Chip and Pin is

2. Use the magnetic stripe on the back of the card

If the chip on the card is not working after clean the card, it might be the chip has been damaged permanently.

However, you can still use the magnetic stripe on the  back of the card at most retailers.

Well, this isn’t a permanent solution as most of the retailers are shifting to the only chip based card readers.

As you may know, chip based card are more secure than the magnetic stripe card.

So, if using the magnetic stripe of the card you can complete the payment in the emergency, but you will have to request your card issuer for a replacement card.


3. Use Card with Apple Pay or Google Pay

You can use the credit card by linking it to the Google Pay or Apple Pay, if the card chip is not working.

Most of the retailer and merchants accept GPay or Apple Pay as a payment options.

How to add a card for Apple Pay on your iPhone

  • In the Wallet app, tap the Add button.
  • Tap Debit or Credit Card.
  • Tap Continue.
  • Follow the steps on the screen to add a new card.
  • Verify your information with your bank or card issuer.
  • If you have a paired Apple Watch, you have the option to also add the card to your watch.

Step to add a card to Google Pay:

  1. On your mobile device, open Google Pay.
  2. Tap on your Profile Picture Bank Accounts and Cards. …
  3. Enter the card number, expiry date, CVV, and the cardholder’s name and billing address.
  4. Tap Save. …
  5. Next to your new card’s payment method listing, tap Activate.
  6. Enter your one-time password.

4. Card will still work online

If the credit card chip isn’t working, it won’t work anywhere.

You can still you the credit card for online payments as you only need the card details for that, not the physical card itself.


5. Use P2P apps

Next, if the card isn’t working at all, you can make the payment using P2P apps.

If you are with your friends or family members request them to pay with their card, and you can pay them via any p2p app you both use.

Some retailer might directly accept the payment via some P2P apps.

There are a number of peer-to-peer money transferring apps in the market, but some renowned owns are Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, etc.


6. Order replacement card

Lastly, if your credit card chip isn’t working at all, you will have to order a replacement card.

Do not worry, most of the card providers will issue a new card without any additional cost or fee.

Once you have ordered the card, it will be delivered to your door step within a few days.

To order a new card, you can simply call your credit card provider or order it via online banking.

Make sure to cancel or destroy the old card properly before using the new card.


Conclusion

So, that’s all for guys. I hope after reading this post, you were able to figure out why your debit card or credit card chip was not working

For more post, follow a few related posts below, or visit our debit card or credit card pages.


Further Reading

(10 Reasons) Card Contactless Not Working but Chip and Pin is

(11 Reasons) CIBC debit card not working

Methods to Fix: Amex Safekey not working

8 Ways to Fix: The Perfect Gift Visa not working

7 Ways to Fix HSBC Business Banking app Not Working