Why do you have to remove your card quickly????

@cyntrow (8523)
United States
March 21, 2007 5:11pm CST
I went to the gas station to get gas today. I put my debit card into the card reader and the message read, "remove card quickly." Why quickly? What would happen if I removed my card slowly? Would it screw up my card? Could someone get my information if I left the card in too long? This is one of those questions that just hits me suddenly and I need the answer. Anyone know the answer??? Thanks.
2 responses
accioetoile
@accioetoile (319)
• United States
21 Mar 07
it's just so the magnetic strip can get read. There was one gas station I went to that actually said "remove card smoothly" and that's a lot more accurate of how you should slide your card in rather than "quickly"
cyntrow
@cyntrow (8523)
• United States
21 Mar 07
But most do say "quickly," or "rapidly". Frankly, it perplexes me. LOL
accioetoile
@accioetoile (319)
• United States
22 Mar 07
because if you remove it quickly, you also tend to remove it smoothly. If you start and stop pulling it out, it won't read the magnetic strip.
cyntrow
@cyntrow (8523)
• United States
22 Mar 07
Gotcha, so it reads the card on the way out. That actually explains everything. Thank you.
verticaline
@verticaline (247)
• Indonesia
22 Mar 07
hmmmm.... i think i just to remind you that you still not remove your card from the machine.. it help you to remember i though..