The allure of a magnetic closure is undeniable – it adds a touch of elegance to your RE:FORM slim wallet, ensuring your cards and cash stay securely tucked away. However, amidst the magnetic charm, questions arise about potential harm to credit cards with magnetic stripes. Concerns often revolve around the notion that the magnetic closure might interfere with or erase the information stored in the magnetic stripe. In this article, we delve into whether the magnetic mechanism in RE:FORM slim wallets poses any danger to your cards.

Do Magnetic Wallets Erase Card Information?

First of all, there is a possibility that strong magnets interfere with the magnetic stripe in your cards. But the technology used in these cards has evolved. Thanks to these technological advancements, the risk of card information erasure is significantly reduced nowadays.

Especially cards that are swiped often or require higher longevity – like bank or credit cards, access control cards, time and attendance tracking cards, or employee IDs – are usually equipped with so-called high-coercivity mag stripes (HiCo). The stripes of this kind are typically black in color and encoded with a stronger magnetic field, which makes them more durable. Hence, these high-coercivity stripes not only last longer but are also resistant to rewriting or destruction. This resilience is a key factor in mitigating the risks associated with magnetic closures.

Most Cards Feature Additional Data Transfer Methods

Even if, hypothetically, the magnetic stripe were compromised, only the swipe function would be impaired. This does not pose a great risk since contemporary cards are not one-trick ponies. Beyond the magnetic strip, cards are equipped with alternative data transfer methods, such as the embedded chips commonly used for contactless payment. These technologies ensure that your transactions can proceed seamlessly, providing additional layers of security and convenience. These transfer methods are safe against potential magnetic interference.

Evolution in Wallet Design: MagSafe Wallets and Magnetic Wallets Are Trending

The minimal risk posed by magnetic mechanisms in wallets is further emphasized by recent wallet developments. Take, for instance, MagSafe wallets, specifically designed to carry credit cards while magnetically attaching to smartphones. The fact that such designs exist and are widely embraced speaks volumes about the confidence in the resilience of modern cards against magnetic interference.

This is also in line with our own experience: During the development of our minimalist RE:FORM wallets, our extensive testing phase showed absolutely no need for concern. This is further assured by our customers' feedback: From all the wallets we’ve sold worldwide, there has not been a single reported case of cards being demagnetized in RE:FORM wallets.

RE:FORMs Magnetic Closure Keeps Your Cards Safe

In the ever-evolving landscape of wallet and card technology, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential risks while also recognizing the strides made to mitigate them. While there is a theoretical risk of card data erasure when exposed to strong magnets, the reality is that contemporary card technology has reached a level of durability that minimizes these concerns.

At RE:FORM, we understand the importance of balancing style with functionality. Our magnetic closures are crafted with precision, ensuring a secure yet sophisticated user experience. Enjoy the magic of magnets, knowing that your cards are safeguarded by technological progress and extensive testing.