Will iPad 2 magnets and cover magnets demagnetize credit cards in carrier?

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Level 1

8 points

Will iPad 2 magnets and cover magnets demagnetize credit cards in carrier?

I have a purse with a padded laptop compartment. How careful must I be to protect my credit cards from the iPad magnets and cover magnets? Some say you need very strong magnets to demagnetize cards. But what of cards left in close proximity overnight or for hours during the day? Surely Apple has actually tested this phenomenon and knows for sure. What is the evidence-based recommendation about protecting credit cards?

iPad 2, iOS 4

Posted on Apr 1, 2011 6:02 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 2, 2011 9:04 AM in response to elenamhs

Nope. Simple as that. If your case has card pockets, and said cards are in pockets, you will be fine. Magnets in iPad and Smart Cover aren't strong enough in usage like that. However, if you took your card and rubbed the magnetic strip all up and down the cover, or the part that latches to the iPad specifically trying to create a problem, maybe, but even then you'd probably have to work at it. But under your scenario, you are good to go. So please mark this thread as solved. 🙂

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Answer 2

Apr 2, 2011 2:07 AM in response to elenamhs

I recall watching an episode of Mythbusters where they tested this theory out. They used various magnets of increasing strength right up to neodymium magnets and the data on the card remained intact.

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Answer 3

Apr 2, 2011 8:58 AM in response to elenamhs

Elenamhs, you may be over thinking this. 🙂

You posted that your bag has a padded compartment (which is where I'm assuming you'll carry your iPad.)
And your credit cards are in a wallet.

There's not going to be any interaction that will erase your card.

I've done projects using loads of rare earth magnets. It takes quite a bit of magnet strength to even begin to keep attraction through thin layers of cloth. I have a Smart Cover and I'd be astounded if there would ever be the slightest amount of magnetism through the Smart Cover--much less through the Smart Cover plus the padded compartment plus your wallet.

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Answer 4

Apr 2, 2011 4:24 AM in response to Schrodinger56

Mythbusters is not science, it's purely entertainment, I wouldn't put much weight on that. Strong magnets really can destroy data from magnetic storage devices, credit cards etc. and that's a scientific fact. But if your credit card has a chip on it, magnets won't affect it. At least here in Europe, at SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) those chips are mainly used, but not all stores accept them yet, so these magnetic stripes have still very important role.

I don't think iPad 2 magnets are that strong, but if you keep your credit cards beside it all the time, it's possible they won't last so long than they are designed.

I don't have iPad 2 yet, ordered one on the European release date but still waiting...

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Answer 5

Asatoran

Level 4

2,532 points

Apr 1, 2011 6:08 PM in response to elenamhs

I posted [this|http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=13179334#13179334] about performing a magnet experiment years ago in school. Read if you want the detailed explanation, but the short version: no, you won't erase your credit cards. A bunch of things would have to happen perfectly in order to affect your credit cards. But it ain't happening with the Smart Cover.

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Answer 6

elenamhs Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 2, 2011 1:15 AM in response to Asatoran

Thank you for your response.

I did Google Credit cards and magnets and came up with this link to CreditCards.com which has a video on how to intentionally remove the magnetic information from your card. The reporter in the video states that it is not the strength of the magnet, but the duration of exposure and the proximity and number of swipes. http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/demagnetization-ruin-credit-card-mag netic-stripe-1273.php

She was able to ruin a credit card by swiping a small magnet over her card. From watching this video, it seems entirely possible that carrying my iPad2 with cover in my purse could unintentionally repeatedly swipe past the magnetic strip on credit cards and ruin them.

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Answer 7

Apr 2, 2011 5:54 AM in response to iTurncoat

iTurncoat wrote:
Mythbusters is not science, it's purely entertainment, I wouldn't put much weight on that.

Not a fan then 🙂

However it'll depend on the coercivity of the stripe on the card. I think MB covered that too!!

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Answer 8

elenamhs Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 2, 2011 8:47 AM in response to Schrodinger56

I may perform an experiment with a seldom-used card.

Having a wallet bang around in my purse, moving past that array of magnets repeatedly, moving through the fields as I take out the wallet or the iPad seems like a set up to have all my cards destroyed.

Since it isn't the STRENGTH of the magnets, rather the duration and number of times of exposure...

What I would really like is for someone to do a controlled experiment on this issue, not just exposing the card to a strong magnet, rather prolonged and repeated moving exposure.

Someone online suggested carrying the cards in a metal case. I don't see how carrying the cards in a metal case could help, since metal interacts with the magnets too, and becomes a temporary magnet itself.

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Answer 9

elenamhs Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 2, 2011 9:45 AM in response to Dadof2Girls

Thanks folks for your input. If I do get around to my own experiment I will post it. But for now I will mark this thread as solved.

My iPad 2, ordered on the release date has now arrived in the FedEx sort facility in my home city. Started in China, went to Hong Kong, three days in Anchorage; now in Portland, OR. Pant, pant! Since it is Saturday, and the expected delivery date marked is Tuesday, I must start a mantra or something to keep from having a total anticipation seizure.

Best wishes to all contributors for your consideration.

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Answer 10

Asatoran

Level 4

2,532 points

Apr 2, 2011 12:50 PM in response to elenamhs

...If I do get around to my own experiment I will post it....

A suggestion for the experiment. If you have any credit cards that a near expiration, when the bank sends you the replacement card, and it's one where you have to call to activate the card, then perform your experiment on the old card just before you call to activate the new card. That way if the card is affected, you aren't inconvenienced.

Have fun! 🙂

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