How to Block a Debit or Credit Card in case of Loss or Theft?
Debit cards allow their users to withdraw cash without the need to visit a bank’s branch. It also allows people to conduct online transactions. Credit cards provide short-term unsecured credit to individuals. One can pay bills or purchase goods with the help of a credit card.
However, there is a downside to this as well. Any loss or theft of these cards will risk exposing the bank accounts of users. Thankfully, there are multiple ways to block debit/credit cards.
How to Block Debit/Credit Cards?
One can block debit and credit cards via the online or offline mode. Some banks even allow individuals to block a card via SMS or by calling on a toll-free number.
Offline
In case of loss or any unauthorised transaction, customers can visit their nearest bank premises and seek bank officials’ assistance to block a debit/credit card.
Online
- Log in to the net banking portal or mobile app of the financial institution.
- Go to the section where you find details of your debit/credit card.
- Select the option of blocking the card.
- Mention reasons for blocking the card.
- Submit the request. The bank will ask for reconfirmation in order to avoid accidental clicks.
- Complete the authentication process through OTP or profile password.
- Upon successful completion, you will be intimated that your debit/credit card has been blocked successfully via SMS.
SMS
An individual can also block debit/credit cards through SMS. He/she will just have to send an SMS in a particular format to the number provided by the bank. Once it is successfully sent, the bank will provide a confirmation message.
Phone Banking
Individuals can also block their cards by calling on a toll-free phone banking number provided by the bank. There are pre-recorded instructions related to various services.
After selecting the debit/credit card block option, one will have to provide card block details to the assigned customer care executive. Cardholders should be ready for some security questions and answers that will allow the bank to authenticate their identity. Upon completion, a user will receive a card block confirmation.
Why Block Debit/Credit Cards?
Here are some reasons why one may choose to block a debit/credit card:
- In case individuals have misplaced their debit or credit card
- Someone has stolen the card
- In case of an unauthorised ATM withdrawal, online transaction, or PIN change request
Note that when there are 3 unsuccessful PIN attempts, a debit card is automatically blocked for 24 hours by your bank.
Ways to Unblock a Debit/Credit Card
An individual can unblock his/her credit or debit card online as well as offline. One may also choose to unblock a payment card via SMS or phone banking.
To initiate the offline process for unblocking a debit/credit card, individuals can visit the bank branch. Alternatively, one can unblock his/her card by utilising the net banking facility.
Steps for Reissuance of a Debit/Credit Card
Here are some ways in which one can reissue a debit or credit card:
Offline
One can visit the bank branch and write an application seeking a reissue of the card. Banks will charge a fee for reissue and send the card to the registered address within a certain period.
Online
- Log in to the net banking account or mobile app of the bank.
- After that, go to the service request section.
- Apply for a reissue of a card and pay the fee for the same.
- Authenticate through OTP or password.
- Submit the request, and banks will process the same and send a new card to the registered address.
Summing Up
So this was all about how you can block your debit or credit card in case it gets stolen or lost.
You can use any of the ways listed above to block your card and save your hard-earned money from being misused. Be it via an offline mode or an online one, just ensure you block your card at the earliest so that it does not get mishandled by a third person.
Disclaimer: This blog is solely for educational purposes. The securities/investments quoted here are not recommendatory.