How do I prevent broken credit cards? (check, people)

[acrylic]

I just had to get myself a new check card because it's cracked and broken, and I got a new shiny credit card in the mail (for emergency purposes). But, I don't want them to get cracked. Everything in my wallet gets cracked. At my work, I see customers with like 2 year old cards that look brand new. What's the deal? I want my cards and stuff in my wallet to look new and shiny. What's the secret?

[SifuPhil]

Leave them locked up in a safe-deposit box.

They'll stay shiny and you'll be far richer.

[ptsum]

Don't carry them around in your wallet, leave them at home......they'll last longer...

[Racelady88]

If you must carry them around with you they need to be stored without touching each other. Some types of leather actually de-magnetize the strip on the back. There are protective sleeves you can put each one in, the bank gives them away with new debit cards or you can order some Credit Card Protectors Sleeves by Sheppard Envelope - Durable Tyvek for wallet or purse

[motormaker]

Hmmm, never had that problem, but if I did I always have a card in the hole.

[Tek_Freek]

If they break by the magnetic strip because you place them in one of the side pockets that hits them at about that height, flip them over. My trigger is to see the logo at the bottom of the card sticking out.

I figured this out after I had to use scotch tape on both major cards.

[findinghope]

wierd--i have never had a cc crack

[nomoresnow]

Now, I've had a couple go into nuclear meltdown.....

[Granny Sue]

Don't try to unlock doors with them.

Seriously I've never had this happen.

[acrylic]

For females, it's less of a problem, since they keep them in a purse, but most of the customers at my work (Nothern Tool and Equipment [that should tell ya something, haha]) are male, so I see a variety of credit cards/debit cards/etc. Some people come in with their cards clear taped, but some are so shiny. I think part of the reason everything in my wallet is cracked is because of my wallet itself. It's a really soft wallet.

But thanks everyone for your help and for that link!