Despite their name, credit cards are made of plastic, but did you know they can also be used to open certain kinds of magnetic doors? That’s right, your handy credit card can perform double duty as a key. If you find yourself without your keys or if you’re dealing with a door that doesn’t have a traditional keyhole, your credit card can save the day.
First, though, you’ll need to make sure that your credit card has a magnetic stripe. Most credit cards do, but there are a few exceptions. If your card does not have a magnetic stripe, you will not be able to use it to open magnetic doors. But for the majority of credit cards, they will work with magnetic doors. Next, you need to find the magnetic strip on your credit card. The magnetic strip is usually located on the back of the card, and it will be a dark-colored stripe about an inch long. Once you have found the magnetic strip, you will need to locate the magnetic reader on the door. The magnetic reader is usually located near the handle of the door, and it will be a small, rectangular device.
Finally, you will need to swipe your credit card through the magnetic reader. To do this, hold the card with the magnetic stripe facing the reader and swipe it through the reader in a smooth, even motion. If the door is unlocked, it will open. If the door does not open, you may need to try swiping the card again. Also, make sure the magnetic strip is in contact with the reader. Sometimes a dirty magnetic strip will not allow the door to open. Simply wipe the magnetic strip with a dry cloth and try again. If you have tried swiping the card several times and the door still does not open, the door may be locked or the magnetic reader may be malfunctioning. Finally, some doors may require you to swipe your credit card twice. Make sure you swipe the card normally and do not remove the card immediately after the first swipe until the door opens.
How to Use a Credit Card to Open a Door
There may be times when you find yourself without a key to open a door, but you have your credit card handy. While it’s not the most common method, you can actually use a credit card to open a door in a pinch. Here’s how to do it:
- Find the door’s latch. This is usually a small, rectangular metal piece that is located on the edge of the door, near the handle.
- Insert the edge of your credit card into the latch. The edge of the card should be facing the door.
- Gently push the credit card into the latch. You may need to apply some pressure to get it to fit.
- Once the credit card is inserted, push the door open. The door should open easily.
Here are some tips for using a credit card to open a door:
- Use a thin credit card. A thick credit card may not fit into the latch.
- Don’t force the credit card into the latch. If it doesn’t fit easily, don’t try to force it. You could damage the card or the latch.
- Be careful not to cut yourself on the edge of the credit card. The edge of the card can be sharp.
People Also Ask
Can you use a credit card to open any door?
No, you cannot use a credit card to open any door. It will only work on doors that have a latch that is the right size and shape for the credit card.
Is it legal to use a credit card to open a door?
Yes, it is legal to use a credit card to open a door if you have permission to do so. However, it is important to note that using a credit card to open a door without permission could be considered trespassing.
What are some other ways to open a door without a key?
There are several other ways to open a door without a key, including:
- Using a bobby pin
- Using a credit card
- Using a bump key
- Using a lock pick
