• Adventure
  • Auto
  • Culture
  • Entertainment
  • Home & Garden
  • Money
  • Science
  • Tech
  • Video
  • Shows
  • Blogs
  • Quizzes
  • Games
  • Random Article
  • Business
  • Economics
  • Jobs
  • Personal Finance
  • Home > 
  • Money > 
  • Personal Finance > 
  • Credit & Debt Management

Print
Cite This!
Close 
Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article:

"How does a magnetic stripe on the back of a credit card work?"  14 April 2008.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/debt-management/magnetic-stripe-credit-card.htm>  10 February 2012.
Cite
Feedback

What's the real story?

Stuff They Don't Want You to Know Videos »
Stuff They Don't Want You to Know Videos »
Inside this Article
  1. How does a magnetic stripe on the back of a credit card work?
  2. Mag Stripe Formats
  1. Lots More Information
  2. See all Credit & Debt Management articles

Lots More Information

Related HowStuffWorks Articles

  • How Banks Work
  • How Credit Cards Work
  • How Credit Scores Work
  • How Encryption Works
  • How "Blink" Technology Works

More Great Links

  • Repair: Card Readers
Previous Page

Money Makes the World Go 'Round

10 Things You Should Buy in Bulk
10 Things You Should Buy in Bulk
Fact or Fiction: Hidden Bank Fees
Fact or Fiction: Hidden Bank Fees
10 Recession-proof Businesses
10 Recession-proof Businesses
10 Most Stressful Jobs in America
10 Most Stressful Jobs in America
Quiz: Building Your Nest Egg
Quiz: Building Your Nest Egg
Watch retirement videos »

You Might Also Like

10 Frugal Decorating Ideas

Often, people end up spending way more than they intended when it comes to decorating their homes. But great style doesn't have to expensive. It's all about simplifying.

How Online Bill Paying Works

Once you're comfortable with online banking, it makes sense to take the next step: Put down your checkbook and mess of stamps, and try online bill paying. How do you pay your bills online, and is it safe?

Popular Articles

  • Are some people really exempt from paying taxes?
  • Who writes and enforces the U.S. tax code?
  • How Public Grants Work
Inside this Article
  1. How does a magnetic stripe on the back of a credit card work?
  2. Mag Stripe Formats
  1. Lots More Information
  2. See all Credit & Debt Management articles
Previous Page

Money-saving Tips from Frugal Mama

FPO
  • Frugal Mama Makeover Series
  • Saving Big on Groceries
  • Home Renovations On A Tight Budget
  • Low-Cost, Thoughtful Gift Giving Tips
  • How An Expanding Family Can Trim Costs
  • Learn more frugal living tips»

New HSW Games

FPO
  • Memory Matrix
  • Volcano Explorer
  • Cannon Challenge
  • Raindrops
  • Color Match
  • Crab Fishing Game
HOWSTUFFWORKS
  • Adventure
  • Auto
  • Culture
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Home & Garden
  • Lifestyle
  • Money
  • Science
  • Tech
MORE STUFF
  • Blogs
  • Games
  • HSW Tools
  • RSS
  • Maps
  • Podcasts
  • Quizzes
  • Newsletters
  • Video
OUR WEBSITES
  • Animal Planet
  • Consumer Guide Auto
  • Consumer Guide Products
  • Discovery Channel
  • Discovery Fit & Health
  • HSW Brazil
  • HSW China HowStuffWorks China
  • Investigation Discovery
  • Oprah Winfrey Network
  • Planet Green
  • Science Channel
  • TLC
  • Discovery Education
  • Store
CUSTOMER SERVICE
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Help
CORPORATE
  • About Us
  • Careers @ Discovery
  • Privacy Policy
  • Visitor Agreement
TAKE US WITH YOU
FOLLOW US
© 1998-2012 HowStuffWorks, Inc