On Thu, 19 Dec 2013 08:46:09 -0500, Norminn
wrote:

Card doesn't work when "swiped" through the machine unless one covers it
with plastic....one cashier suggested putting plastic grocery sack
around the card and then swipe it, and it worked. Any idea why this
works? (We've requested a replacement card).

I had a card that wouldn't work at two gas station of different
labels, but worked every else for years. The gas station guy said
if my card was from one of two or three banks, it was likely not to
work or maybe it definitely wouldn't work. I probably paid cash.