Always wondered about this. I had a friend tell me it\'s to make sure your infor

Question

Always wondered about this. I had a friend tell me it's to make sure your information can't be stolen as easily on the credit card, but I will admit I am a bit skeptical of his claims.

At most gas pumps (as long as you dont pay with the attendant), the gas station usually requires you to insert your card, then just as quickly, "remove the card quickly". I've always wondered what would happen if you decided to leave your card in there, and sit there.

Why do the machines require you to remove the card quickly? Is this some security issue?

Explanation / Answer

The way the magnetic stripe reader works is by detecting changes in the magnetic field of the stripe as it passes under/across the head, similar to a magnetic tape head. In fact, mag stripes were invented from magnetic tape. Just like swiping your card at a point-of-sale kiosk, removing the card "quickly" is necessary to read the magnetic field flipping. (There's a certain minimum rate for the flips to be properly detected, but it varies from reader design to reader design.) Feel free to leave the card in there, but it just won't be read by the pump.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.