I recieved my first Debit card today. And idiotically I signed it in the incorrect place, on the metal strip. Go easy, I had never done it before, and my Dad didn't exaclty help, "I'm not sure", despite having numerous ones himself.

I was wondering, is there anything i can do to erase the writing? Who should I consult about it?

Thanks. :)

Just phone the bank or whoever issued it and say "I accidentally signed the magnetic strip, is my card OK?"

Or just go down to the nearest cash machine and stick it in and see if it accepts it. Assuming you know your PIN, that is.

my Dad didn't exaclty help, "I'm not sure", despite having numerous ones himself.

Well he'd probably never signed the magnetic strip on any of his :p

True yeah. But he didn't point out where to sign anyway.

And thanks Thomas, I'm going to the bank tomorrow to sort it.

I've had a look at my card and I admit it is a bit vague where they want you to sign - it says "Authorised signature" between the metal strip and the signature strip - and its not helped by there being a load of numbers on the signature strip!

For goodness' sake, just rub it out with a damp cloth! Then just sign in the place you're supposed to sign. It's not hard. I get cards like that occasionally, or at least I did until they brought Pip and Chin back a few months ago.

For goodness' sake, just rub it out with a damp cloth! Then just sign in the place you're supposed to sign. It's not hard. I get cards like that occasionally, or at least I did until they brought Pip and Chin back a few months ago.Tried it mate. Didn't work.

I serously doubt you did anything to the magnetic strip by signing it. I believe Mythbusters did an episode in which they tried to erase the magnetic strip with a frikin' magnet. And they only succeeded with one of the biggest neodymium magnets I've ever seen. I think it's nigh invincible.

True, I watched that.

What the hell did you use? The blood of a virgin? Never mind, just sign it on the sig strip and be done with it. At least then your card will be usable. The only problem remaining is that if people see what you did you'll feel a wally.

For information, the card data is only stored on a small chunk of the magstrip to its right. It also can't be affected by a biro alone.

You might wish to try a strong detergent or solvent to remove the marks.

It will probably be fine. Mine has dents in it from when my dog got hold of it, and it still works.

If your card is a Chip and PIN card, then the magnetic strip is pretty unimportant anyway unless you need to use your card overseas, or you use it somewhere like a Beefeaters or Pizza Hut.

Blah blah blah blah, blah blahbity blah....Pizza Hut.

DAMN YOU. I've been wanting that all day. :(

Or teh ATMs. They still use swipe.

Actually if it's a Chip and PIN ATM machine, as msot of 'em are these days, it'll read the chip. Most Barclays machiens will say "reading Chip" for example. The swipe is largely unimportant these days.

Assuming you know your PIN, that is.
If it was the PIN he wrote onto the magnetic strip this won't be a problem. ;)

Most of them you say? I've never seen one yet. Chester must be a hotspot for ATM fraud.

Luton was packed full of them.

Nice one guys. The bank said it should be fine, so no worries. :)

I think we helped a lot there.

This thread was totally worth it.

Sorry.
:/
I've wasted your time.

Well at least I learned that writing on the metal strip has no effect on it. Now I can draw something there too when I run out of places where to draw again.

This thread was totally worth it.
i think it has been a beneficial and educational experience for all parties involved

Now that all this has been resolved, I have my own question regarding cards - how is one meant to carry change in one's wallet without the bulge bending any credit/debit/id cards therein?

well you can always carry a coin purse

Now that all this has been resolved, I have my own question regarding cards - how is one meant to carry change in one's wallet without the bulge bending any credit/debit/id cards therein?

You buy a wallet that isn't crap.

Now that all this has been resolved, I have my own question regarding cards - how is one meant to carry change in one's wallet without the bulge bending any credit/debit/id cards therein?
You carry so many cards that they actually bend your buttocks.