Get Help with Payment Processing Error: Bad Swipe

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 3:51 PM

Question

  • What does Bad Swipe mean?
  • I got the error message Bad Swipe. How do I fix it?
  • How do I troubleshoot the Bad Swipe error?

Answer

To troubleshoot the Bad Swipe error:

  1. Try swiping the card again slowly and smoothly.
  2. Wipe down the card’s magnetic strip and your reader. 
  3. Insert the chip, tap the card, or manually enter the card information.