Build card swiping devices (supermarkets, ATMs, etc) so that no matter which way you slide your card through the magnetic strip is scanned. Or, manufacture cards that are magnetized on both (or all four) sides.

Duh.

[ sorry ... yes, this appears to be 'halfbaked' ... <a href="http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/insert_20anyway_20ATM_20card#997724257">Here's the link</a>. ]
-- sfitchet, Aug 10 2003

insert anyway ATM card http://www.halfbake...anyway_20ATM_20card
Please seach before posting. [phoenix, Oct 04 2004]

i-button http://www.ibutton..../mounting.html#fobs
Get rid of the ATM cards. There is better stuff around. Can even measures your temperature (are you insane to spend that much money?) [kbecker, Oct 04 2004]

I sorta like the idea of smaller, square cards with all edges magnetized (back and front) and nothing but a picture and signature printed on it.
-- DeathNinja, Aug 10 2003


Building devices that swipe any way you slide it through IS thinking more.
-- gsky, Aug 10 2003


Shoouldn't be a swipe at all - should be like those door cards that only need proximity to trigger activation.
-- DrCurry, Aug 10 2003


That’s a brilliant idea ... its a wonder they don't implement that.
-- dudej, Aug 10 2003


It is occasionally done... http://www.pdiscan.com/PDIswipeChart.htm But its a bit more expensive and more things to break. I think its a fantastic idea.

To respond to DrCurry, one reason they use magnetic stripe rather than the "door cards" (RF based) is that they are programmable. The bank has a stack of blank cards and they program your acct information right into the card. The RF cards are not programmable. Also, there would be a problem of people walking by an ATM too closely and the card in your pocket setting it off. But maybe they could work the obstacles out of this idea some day.
-- toadicator, Aug 10 2003


I think proximity ATM cards would be a security nightmare. No thanks, I'll take the swipe.
-- waugsqueke, Aug 10 2003


Link, okay?
-- phoenix, Aug 10 2003


There are proximity cards that can be reprogrammed. <scary>The signal strength of proximity card readers is adjustable.</scary>
-- Shz, Aug 10 2003


Yeah, the link halfbakes the idea, but the off topic conversation of proximity cards was already underway. So happens I had a useful bit of info to contribute to that discussion. No worries bliss, I wasn’t talking about the original idea.
-- Shz, Aug 10 2003


The machine cant eat proximity cards. That is bad (decoding the pin could be easier) and good (I've forgotten my PIN and lost my card 2 times now).
-- chud, Aug 10 2003


+

Now with that chip thing a four way card seems reasonable.

"Do not remove card." I saw you flinch. Start over.
-- popbottle, Oct 02 2016


What surprised me on my recent trip to the 'States is that card technology is still largely in the 1990s. Many machines didn't even read chip cards, and I don't think I saw a single proximity card reader. What is it with you guys?
-- MaxwellBuchanan, Oct 02 2016



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