How to clean your credit cards
Editor's Note
When we talk about the prevention of spreading germs, there are a few things that immediately come to mind — washing your hands, disinfecting high-touch surfaces and wearing facial coverings. But there are a few everyday items that may not be top of mind when we regularly clean, including what's in our wallets.
When buying groceries, grabbing takeout or making any other purchase, we're likely to touch our credit cards. Whether you're tapping to pay, swiping your card or inserting the chip, that means your card is touching surfaces that hundreds of other people's credit cards have also touched recently.
You may or may not have thought of cleaning your cards, but disinfecting them periodically can prevent the accumulation of germs from forming.
Here's our useful guide on how to clean your credit cards effectively.
Related: Make the most of your food delivery orders with these 5 credit cards
How to clean your credit cards
Fortunately, disinfecting your credit cards isn't a complicated process, and you can do so with everyday household items.
The easiest way to clean your cards is by using the same technique you use for your hands: soap and warm water. Like washing your hands, you should lightly rub for at least 20 seconds. You can sing "Happy Birthday" twice through or get more creative — Dolly Parton's "Jolene" has a chorus that lasts 20 seconds, as does Beyonce's "Love on Top." I'm a fan of using the chorus to the song "My Shot" from "Hamilton."
You can also use one of the Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectants; the agency's list includes many household wipes and sprays such as Clorox. For the tech lover, you can use an ultraviolet sterilizer since UV rays kill viruses and bacteria. Keep in mind that your signature may wash off the card when you use soap or a disinfectant. You can always re-sign the card if this happens.
Related: How to choose the best credit card for you
Will disinfectants damage my credit card?
Short answer? No.
Credit cards, both plastic and metal, are made to be waterproof. Your card should also be able to withstand products such as bleach, vinegar and alcohol. I don't recommend soaking your cards in any corrosive liquids, but a quick wipe down with a Clorox wipe or a 20-second wash with some soap and water won't render them unusable.
In fact, keeping your cards clean could help them stand the test of time. Dirt and grime can build up on your cards, which can scrape at EMV chips and magnetic strips. It's not a good idea to scrub your cards with an abrasive of any kind, but a gentle cleaning can help keep dirt from building up while killing germs — two birds, one Clorox wipe.
Related: How to choose your best credit card strategy
Tips for using card readers and pin pads
Even if your cards are fully disinfected, you might have to interact with germy apparatuses such as card readers and pin pads that you use to make payments at stores. In the U.S., chip and signature is the most common authorization method for payments. This means that even if you have a contactless card, you might need to use a stylus, your finger or a pen to sign your signature. Those surfaces have been touched by anyone who came before you.
The best thing you can do is immediately disinfect your hands after you pay and avoid touching your face (which is a best practice you should be following anyway).
Related: Is it time to ditch your wallet? The pros and cons of mobile payments
Bottom line
As the weather gets cooler and more germs spread, there's a growing emphasis on cleanliness and disinfecting whenever possible. When it comes to your credit cards, soap and water will do the job just fine, or you can use a disinfectant to gently wipe down your cards after you use them.
Related: Best rewards credit cards
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees