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Question from Cam: I’ve been wondering about the something and I’m hoping you can set me straight.
I always carry my credit cards, my debit card and the key ring with my car keys and key fob on it all in my purse right next to my cell phone.
My question is could the battery or any parts of the cellphone or the electric current in the phone (which I leave turned on) somehow damage the key fob or erase the data on my bank cards?
Rick’s answer: Cam, I researched this very issue in detail and the consensus of the experts I spoke with was that the tiny magnets and electric currents in a modern cell phone/smart phone are much too weak to demagnetize a credit card stripe.
On top of that, I have more or less verified that conclusion with personal experience. I often carry my wallet and phone right next to each other in the same pocket, and I’ve never had an issue with a card after doing so.
One thing that might be of concern is using a wireless charger with your phone with a credit/debit card sandwiched in between the two devices. That definitely can cause damage to the card.
As far as the remote entry fob is concerned, there is virtually no chance that your phone could damage it either.
Now all of the above being said, since strange things can and do happen, there are no guarantees. But I truly believe you can safely commingle your wallet, key fob and mobile phone with no worries.
I hope this helps, Cam. Good luck!
Bonus tip: Did you know portable RFID readers make it possible for a scammer to steal your card info simply by coming near you? This will prevent that from happening.