Apple’s new MagSafe charging case for the iPhone 12 has sparked concerns over potential damage to credit cards. The strong magnets that allow the case to snap onto the back of the iPhone could erase data from cards with magnetic strips.
While convenient, this magnetic strength worries some users about the effects of magnetic stripe cards. This article will hopefully clear up the confusion among iPhone users.
TL;DR Most modern credit cards are immune to magnetic fields. Older cards may be affected if the case or wallet is not shielded.
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Are Credit Cards at Risk?
When MagSafe was announced, concerns emerged about whether the magnets could wipe credit cards. The short answer is modern credit cards are likely safe, but older magnetic stripe-only cards could be damaged.
Most credit cards now rely on embedded chips, which are immune to magnetic fields. The EMV standard for chip cards was adopted in the US starting in 2015, so most cards issued in the last 5-7 years contain chips. As long as the card has a chip, it should be secure from MagSafe magnets.
Older cards without chips may be affected. Hotel room keys and public transit cards often still rely on magnetic stripes alone, with no chips. These types of cards should not be stored anywhere near the MagSafe charger or case. The magnets could quickly erase the data, rendering the cards useless. Anyone still holding older credit cards without chips should also keep them far from MagSafe.
Apple’s Precautions
Apple states they’ve taken precautions with their MagSafe wallet to prevent damage to cards. Their leather card wallet contains shielding to protect cards placed inside.
Independent tests from users seem to confirm cards are safe inside the wallet. The shielding material keeps the magnetic field low enough to prevent damage to strips. Of course, this only applies to cards properly inserted in the wallet.
Most Credit Cards Use High-Coercivity Stripes
Most modern credit cards have a stripe made with barium ferrite or cobalt alloys. These materials have a high magnetic coercivity that provides resistance to external magnetic fields.
Cards using high-coercivity stripes require exposure to fields of 4000 Oe or higher to become demagnetized. By comparison, refrigerator magnets produce fields of just 50-100 Oe.
As a result, a typical credit card is unlikely to become corrupted or demagnetized from brief contact with MagSafe. The magnetic field would need prolonged, direct exposure to affect a high-coercivity stripe.
Potential Impact on Hotel Keys and Transit Cards
The biggest risk from MagSafe magnets is to cards using low-coercivity stripes encoded with sensitive data. This includes hotel room keys, public transit and access cards, ID badges, and gift cards.
Having a MagSafe charger near these types of cards could partially or fully erase data on the stripes. This is because the external magnetic field can alter the orientation of the ferrite particles that store data.
Users should keep hotel keys and transit cards shielded in a wallet or pocket separate from MagSafe chargers. If a card becomes demagnetized, it may need to be replaced by the issuing organization.
Recommendations to Protect Cards
While MagSafe should not harm modern credit cards, those with magnetic stripe only cards should take some simple precautions:
- Avoid storing hotel keys and transit cards in your iPhone case or wallet. The magnets can quickly erase these cards even through leather.
- Do not place MagSafe charger or case directly on top of cards. The magnetic field is strongest near the surface, so direct contact can damage strips.
- Keep older credit cards without chips separate. Store in a different pocket or bag away from your iPhone.
- Use Apple’s shielded MagSafe wallet. This will protect cards inserted inside, allowing safe storage with your iPhone.
- Check your cards for a chip. This is the most reliable indicator of immunity to magnets. As long as there is a chip, MagSafe should not damage the card.
Weighing Pros and Cons of MagSafe
For most iPhone 12 owners, MagSafe offers significant convenience without much risk to their credit cards. The benefits of easy wireless charging and accessory attachments will outweigh the small chance of a damaged hotel key.
Carefully storing MagSafe accessories and older magnetic stripe cards separately provides protection. And using Apple’s shielded wallet provides additional peace of mind against damage.
The small subset of users still holding credit cards without embedded chips do need to exercise caution. But this group should already be avoiding placing their cards near magnets of any kind.
In most cases, MagSafe enables a much smoother charging and attachment experience. With proper precautions for more vulnerable cards, owners can confidently use MagSafe without worrying about damaged cards. The magnetic innovation poses little threat to the average user’s modern credit card collection.
