Debit card holders can withdraw cash without physically visiting a bank. It also makes it possible for people to transact online. Credit cards allow people to get short-term unsecured credit. Credit cards can be used to pay bills or make purchases.
However, there is a disadvantage to this as well. If a user’s card is lost or stolen, their bank accounts may be vulnerable. Thankfully, there are many methods available for disabling debit or credit cards.
How to Block Debit/Credit Cards?
OFFLINE:
Debit and credit cards can be blocked both offline and online. Certain banks even let customers restrict a card by sending an SMS or calling a toll-free number.
Offline, customers can visit their closest bank location and ask for help from bank employees to block a debit or credit card in case of loss or any unauthorised transaction.
ONLINE:
Online Access is the financial institution’s mobile app or online banking portal. Navigate to the area containing your credit/debit card data.
Click on the “Block the Card” option. Explain why the card is being blocked. Send in the request. The bank will request reconfirmation to prevent inadvertent clicks.
SMS:
Through SMS, credit and debit cards can also be blocked. All that has to be done is submit an SMS using a particular format to the number the bank gives. A confirmation message will be sent by the bank if the transmission is successful.
Banking Over The Phone:
Customers can also block their cards by calling the bank’s toll-free phone banking line. For some services, prerecorded instructions are provided. After selecting the debit/credit card block option, the card block details must be given to the chosen customer care executive. Cardholders will need to prepare a few security questions and answers for the bank to authenticate their identity. Upon completion, the user will receive a card block confirmation.
Why Do Debit and Credit Cards Get Blocked?
Possible explanations for deciding to deactivate a credit or debit card include the following:
- Should someone lose their debit or credit card.
- The card is stolen. To prevent fraudulent transactions, your bank will automatically stop your debit card for 24 hours following three unsuccessful PIN attempts. This includes requests to change your PIN, make an unauthorized ATM withdrawal, or make an online purchase.
Ways to Unblock a Debit or Credit Card
- Consumers can choose to unblock their debit or credit card online or in person. They can also choose to use SMS or phone banking to unlock a credit card.
- You may unblock a credit or debit card offline by visiting a bank location. As an alternative, customers can unlock their card using the net banking feature.
How to Reissue a Credit or Debit Card?
1. In person: Fill out an application for a card reissue at the bank branch. After receiving payment for this service, the bank will deliver the card to the provided address in a predetermined window of time.
2. Online: Open your online banking account or download the bank’s mobile app. Proceed to the service request area from there. Send in the request, pay the charge, verify with a password or OTP, and send in the completed form. After reviewing the request, the bank will send a replacement card to the provided address.
