Magnetic tank bags and credit cards etc

**timorang** · 10th September 2007, 21:03

I commute every day and my wallet lives in a small magnetic tank bag. This works well, quick and easy, only a few minor scratches on the tank.

My question:
Do the magnets in the tank bag affect the magnetic stips on credit and eftpos card?

Lately I have noticed that it is becoming increasingly difficult to swipe my cards - swiping in the plastic bag trick is now beginning to not work!

What do you think - could this be a problem for cards exposed to the magnets for long periods?

**janno** · 10th September 2007, 21:11

I've met others who have had the strong magnets on their tank bags bugger up credit and eftpos cards, and knacker their digital cameras. I've also met people that have not had a problem.

I've decided to err on the side of caution and not use mine. I use a pillion bag instead, held on with straps.

**canarlee** · 10th September 2007, 21:17

i keep my wallet the inside pocket of my jacket, phones and camera generally fit in too. anything else i keep in a tankbag and have never had a problem.

i dont wear leathers though, i wear cordura. hence big ish pockets and being able to fit quite a bit in.

**Disco Dan** · 10th September 2007, 21:25

Dont have any swipe cards so not a problem.

..but yeah... depends on the bag and where the magnets are etc. Some have flaps with the magnets in, others have the magnets directly under the bag.

**sunhuntin** · 10th September 2007, 21:34

can you put your wallet inside your jacket? i usually have mine in my jeans pocket, but if im wearing work pants, it just gets chucked inside my jacket. also means i dont forget to take it with me, lol.

**boomer** · 10th September 2007, 22:39

Originally Posted by timorang

I commute every day and my wallet lives in a small magnetic tank bag. This works well, quick and easy, only a few minor scratches on the tank.

My question:
Do the magnets in the tank bag affect the magnetic stips on credit and eftpos card?

Lately I have noticed that it is becoming increasingly difficult to swipe my cards - swiping in the plastic bag trick is now beginning to not work!

What do you think - could this be a problem for cards exposed to the magnets for long periods?

How about this.....?

12 threads and 19 hits not enough reference for ya?

**yungatart** · 11th September 2007, 08:21

I carry my cards in a silver hard case business card/credit card holder. It takes about six of the buggers and fits easily in to any of the pockets in my jacket. Don't need my wallet at all.

**skelstar** · 11th September 2007, 08:36

Originally Posted by yungatart

I carry my cards in a silver hard case business card/credit card holder. It takes about six of the buggers and fits easily in to any of the pockets in my jacket. Don't need my wallet at all.

Hmm...I've wondered what it would be like to crash with a piece of folded metal in my pocket

**Grub** · 11th September 2007, 08:44

Originally Posted by skelstar

Hmm...I've wondered what it would be like to crash with a piece of folded metal in my pocket

Not bad at all .... but watch out for the little square sharp-edged plastic container some ear plugs come in. They rip holes in your gear (outside and inside) and give you a nasty bruise!

**Lteejay** · 11th September 2007, 14:44

[QUOTE=Disco Dan;1201000]Dont have any swipe cards so not a problem./QUOTE]

No swipecards - what do you use for money. Your looks....

**Steam** · 11th September 2007, 15:01

My cellphone works only sluggishly after being in the tank bag, and sometimes turns itself off. Very strange! I don't keep it in there any more.

**bull** · 11th September 2007, 15:14

My tankbag has a pouch part in it that i put cellphone and cards in etc - this keeps them off the bottom of bag so not in direct contact with any magnets.

**yungatart** · 11th September 2007, 15:55

Originally Posted by skelstar

Hmm...I've wondered what it would be like to crash with a piece of folded metal in my pocket

It was easy!

**What?** · 11th September 2007, 19:33

Originally Posted by timorang

...My question:
Do the magnets in the tank bag affect the magnetic stips on credit and eftpos card?

The Mythbusters crew did this one - their conclusion was that to affect your cards, the magnets need to be absolutley ferkin ginormous. Little wee magnets like those that are found in tank bags just ain't going to do it.