October 22, 2020

How to Deal With Dirty Money and Hidden Credit Card Germs

Avoid bringing bacteria home

person holding a credit card

Dirty money has never been a more literal term. Researchers say that 1 in every 12 bank cards has fecal bacteria on it. One in seven bills are contaminated, too. So when you head out shopping, you might want to bring along a bottle of hand sanitizer.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Alan Taege, MD, a doctor who treats infectious diseases, says that money and other things that get touched multiple times by different people are likely to pick up all kinds of germs.

“We pass credit cards from our hands to someone else, back and forth, and it’s not at all unusual for the cards to be contaminated with bacteria,” he says.

Bacteria spread fast, and cell phones and handbags also are hot spots for germs, experts say.

3 simple tips to avoid getting sick

Dr. Taege says you can decrease your chances of getting sick while you shop you by doing the following:

Advertisement
  1. Wipe down your credit cards after using them.
  2. Wash your hands as much as possible.
  3. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers as a secondary option to soap and water.

Alcohol-based sanitizers “may not be perfect, but they help,” he says.

Also, try to avoid touching your eyes and your mouth while shopping. You allow bacteria entry to the inside of your body when you touch your eyes and mouth Dr. Taege says.

How we know about these germs

In a 2012 study, researchers at Queen Mary University in London swabbed the hands, money, and credit cards of nearly 300 people.

They found bacteria on the hands of 11% of the people, on 8% of the credit cards, and on 6% of the bills they tested.

Advertisement

The organisms they found included staphylococcal “staph” bacteria, which are responsible for many infections, from mild to serious. They also found fecal matter that comes from stool in the gastrointestinal tract.

This is why it’s important to be mindful of germs, especially during the busy holiday shopping season.

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Jar of honey and fresh garlic on cutting board
March 26, 2024
Is Fermented Garlic Honey Good for Colds?

On their own, honey can help soothe a sore throat and garlic has immunity-boosting properties, but you don’t need to go the fermented route

fire cider in a mason jar
February 7, 2024
Fire Cider: What Is It? And Can It Prevent Illness?

This spicy concoction can do more harm than good, upsetting your stomach and causing painful acid reflux

Sick person on couch using tissue on nose with medication bottles on coffee table
January 19, 2024
How To Know if It’s COVID-19, a Cold or Allergies

Symptoms can overlap and be hard to distinguish, but there are some telltale differences

female with fingers pressing on bridge of nose in distress
January 4, 2024
Got a Sinus Infection That Won’t Quit? When To Worry

Give it seven to 10 days, but if your symptoms linger or get worse, it’s time to see a healthcare provider

Someone uses a wall-mounted jet dryer to dry their hands.
November 14, 2023
The Dirty Truth About Hand Dryers

Some dryers spread germs instead of removing them

Overhead view of a person holding hot tea and flu medications.
October 10, 2023
When Flu Season Officially Starts

While it typically starts in October, vaccine effectiveness can affect its duration and severity

Closeup of person getting a flu shot.
October 8, 2023
6 Tips To Prep for Flu Season

Get vaccinated, consider wearing a mask and stock your medicine cabinet

Woman with protective face mask huddling on floor while flu spores float around in the air.
October 4, 2023
Here’s How Dangerous the Flu Can Be

Influenza puts stress on your body and can lead to serious conditions like pneumonia or stroke

Trending Topics

Person in yellow tshirt and blue jeans relaxing on green couch in living room reading texts on their phone.
Here’s How Many Calories You Naturally Burn in a Day

Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity

person getting a sinus massage between brows
5 Sinus Massage Techniques To Relieve Pressure and Promote Drainage

A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses

woman snacking on raisins and nuts
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Ad