Credit cards are not waterproof, but most will survive a wash or brief water exposure
A credit card soaked in water or run through the washing machine will usually still work. The card itself is made of plastic that resists water damage, and the magnetic stripe or chip inside is sealed well enough to handle moisture. However, water can damage the card over time, especially if it sits wet for days or if the card is exposed to salt water, chlorine, or other chemicals.
The real risk is not the single incident — it is what happens after. A card that gets wet and then dries may develop internal corrosion on the magnetic stripe or chip contacts. You might not notice the damage until you try to use the card weeks later and it stops working at a checkout counter or ATM.
If your card gets wet, the best move is to dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth, store it in a dry place, and test it at an ATM or online before you rely on it for a purchase. Most banks will replace a damaged card for free within a few business days.
Key Takeaways
- Credit cards can survive brief water exposure because the plastic shell and internal components are designed to resist moisture.
- Salt water, chlorine, and other chemicals cause faster damage than fresh water, so rinse the card with fresh water if it gets wet in the ocean or pool.
- Damage from water often appears weeks later when the magnetic stripe or chip corrodes, so test your card at an ATM after it dries.
- Your bank will replace a water-damaged card at no cost, and the replacement usually arrives within three to five business days.
How water damages the magnetic stripe and chip
The magnetic stripe on the back of your card stores your account information in a thin layer of magnetic material. When water seeps into the stripe, it can cause the magnetic particles to corrode or shift, making the information unreadable to card readers. This damage is usually invisible — the stripe looks fine, but the machine cannot read it.
Chip cards (the small metal square on the front) are more water-resistant than magnetic stripes because the chip is sealed inside the plastic and the contacts are gold-plated to resist corrosion. However, water can still reach the contacts if the card is submerged for a long time or if the plastic casing cracks.
The damage accelerates if the card dries unevenly. If you leave a wet card in a warm place or in direct sunlight, the water evaporates faster on the outside than the inside, which can trap moisture against the stripe or chip and speed up corrosion.
What to do when ready after your card gets wet
Dry the card with a soft, lint-free cloth as soon as possible. Do not use heat — no hair dryer, no oven, no radiator. Heat can warp the plastic and damage the internal components faster than water alone.
If your card was in salt water or chlorinated water, rinse it gently under fresh running water first, then dry it. Salt and chlorine are corrosive and will damage the stripe and chip faster than fresh water.
Store the dried card in a cool, dry place — a desk drawer or wallet is fine. Do not seal it in a plastic bag or container, because trapped moisture will continue to corrode the stripe and chip. Let it air-dry completely before you use it.
Testing your card after water exposure
Wait at least 24 hours after the card dries before you use it. This gives any remaining internal moisture time to evaporate. Then test it at an ATM or by making a small online purchase before you rely on it for a larger transaction.
If the card does not work at the ATM, try it again at a different machine — sometimes a single reader is faulty. If it fails at two or more ATMs or at a checkout counter, the card is likely damaged and needs to be replaced.
Do not assume the card is fine just because it worked once. Water damage can be intermittent — the card might work at one machine and fail at another, or it might work today and fail next week as corrosion spreads. If you notice any inconsistency, contact your bank and request a replacement.
How to order a replacement card
Call the customer service number on the back of your card or log into your online banking account and look for a "Replace Card" or "Order a New Card" option. Most banks let you request a replacement through their website or mobile app without calling.
Tell your bank the card was damaged by water. You do not need to provide proof — banks replace water-damaged cards routinely and do not charge a fee. The replacement card usually arrives within three to five business days, though some banks offer expedited shipping for an extra charge.
Your old card will stop working once the new one is activated. The new card will have a different card number, so you will need to update any recurring payments (subscriptions, automatic bill pay, etc.) with the new number.
Preventing water damage to your credit cards
Keep your card in a wallet or cardholder that protects it from moisture. A straightforward plastic card sleeve costs a few dollars and keeps your card dry in rain or if you accidentally spill a drink.
If you spend time near water — swimming, boating, or working outdoors — consider leaving your credit card at home and carrying only the cash you need. This eliminates the risk entirely and also reduces the damage if your wallet is lost or stolen.
Do not store your card in a bathroom or kitchen where humidity is high. Moisture in the air can slowly corrode the stripe and chip over months, even if the card never gets visibly wet. A cool, dry drawer or safe is the best storage location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my credit card right after it gets wet?
You can try, but it is better to wait 24 hours. If the card is still wet inside, using it when ready might push water deeper into the card or cause a short circuit in the chip. Drying it first reduces the risk of permanent damage.
Will my bank replace a water-damaged card for free?
Yes. Banks replace water-damaged cards at no cost because water damage is not considered cardholder misuse. You may be charged for expedited shipping if you want the card in one or two days instead of the standard three to five.
Is a card damaged by salt water worse than fresh water?
Yes. Salt water corrodes the magnetic stripe and chip contacts much faster than fresh water. If your card gets wet in the ocean, rinse it with fresh water when ready and dry it thoroughly. The faster you remove the salt, the better your chances of the card still working.
What if my card fell in the toilet or a puddle?
Rinse it with fresh water, dry it completely, and wait 24 hours before testing it. Toilet water and puddle water contain bacteria and chemicals, but the card itself is sealed well enough that these do not usually cause damage. The main risk is the same as any water exposure — corrosion of the stripe or chip.
Do I need to cancel my card if it gets wet?
No. Water damage does not put your account at risk because the card number and security information are stored in your bank's system, not just on the card. You only need to cancel the card if it is lost or stolen, not if it is damaged by water.