Preventing Credit Card Loss

• Tech Stack: Physical Computing, Arduino
• Notion URL: Project Link

I have developed a novel solution to help prevent the loss of credit cards through the use of a customized switch assignment. My friend had a recurring issue of misplacing her debit card, causing unnecessary limitations to her purchasing ability, especially when alternate payment methods were unavailable. In response, I have created a switch that serves as a reminder for her to put her credit card back in its designated place.

The switch operates through the use of a push-button mechanism, which has been integrated into a circuit. After finalizing the circuitry, I replaced one end of the switch with a wire connected to the credit card, while the other end was linked to a cardholder, which can be attached to a phone. This setup enables the switch to detect the presence or absence of the credit card.

The integration of copper tape on the contacting sides of the card and the cardholder facilitates the detection process, as the switch is closed only when the credit card is in place. This design ensures that the user is alerted when the credit card is not in its proper location, thus reducing the likelihood of losing it.