My uncle insisted I freeze my credit card in a block of ice to curb impulse buys, and after 6 months I've saved over $800.

I thought it was a dumb gimmick, but having to wait for the ice to melt actually makes me rethink every online purchase, so has anyone else tried a physical barrier to stop spending?

3 comments

3 Comments

cameronb522mo ago

About the magnetic strip thing, that's actually a myth from like twenty years ago. Modern cards are way tougher, the strip is fine with cold and a little water. The chip and contactless payment are the parts you really have to worry about, but ice won't ruin those either.

hannah_fox2mo ago

Wait, you actually put your CREDIT CARD in the freezer? That's wild. I'd be too scared it would break or the magnetic strip would get messed up. But hey, if it works, it works.

averysullivan1mo ago

Oh man, @hannah_fox I feel you on that fear factor. I tried the freezer trick once and my card came out looking like a popsicle's cousin, but it still worked fine after it thawed out. Honestly, the bigger risk is me forgetting it in there and trying to pay with a frozen block of ice while the cashier judges my life choices. But yeah, cameronb52 is right, modern cards can take a lot more than we give them credit for, pun fully intended. Plus, if your card's chip is already fried from being in a wallet all day, the freezer's probably the least of your worries.