If you want to block your credit card because it has been lost or stolen, or you suspect unauthorized charges, you should contact your credit card issuer as soon as possible. Most credit card issuers have a 24/7 customer service hotline that you can call to report a lost or stolen card and request that it be blocked.
You can also usually block your credit card online through your credit card issuer’s website or mobile app. To do this, you will need to log in to your account and follow the steps to report a lost or stolen card.
There are Several Ways to Block a Credit Card:
- Contact your credit card issuer: You can call the phone number on the back of your credit card or visit their website to request that your credit card be blocked.
- Report the card as lost or stolen: If you have lost your credit card or believe it has been stolen, you should report it immediately to your credit card issuer. They will block the card to prevent unauthorized charges and issue you a new one.
- Use the credit card company’s mobile app: Many credit card companies have mobile apps that allow you to block your credit card if it is lost or stolen, or if you suspect fraudulent activity on your account.
- Use a credit card blocking device: There are also devices available that can block your credit card from being read by electronic scanners. These can be useful if you are concerned about your credit card information being stolen through skimming or other forms of electronic fraud.
How to Unblock Credit Cards:
To unblock a credit card, you will need to contact your credit card issuer. You can do this by calling the phone number on the back of your credit card or by visiting their website. When you contact your credit card issuer, explain that you would like to unblock your credit card. They may ask you for some personal information to verify your identity before they unblock the card.
If you have reported your credit card as lost or stolen, you will need to provide the credit card issuer with the new card number once it has been reissued. The credit card issuer will then unblock the old card and activate the new one.
Here are the steps you can follow to unblock a credit card:
- Contact your credit card issuer: Call the phone number on the back of your credit card or visit their website to request that your credit card be unblocked.
- Verify your identity: The credit card issuer may ask you for some personal information to verify your identity before they unblock the card.
- Provide the new card number (if applicable): If you have reported your credit card as lost or stolen and have been issued a new card, you will need to provide the credit card issuer with the new card number.
- Remove the credit card blocking device (if applicable): If you have used a credit card blocking device to block your credit card, you will need to remove the device or turn it off in order to unblock the card.
- Address any outstanding issues: Unblocking your credit card does not automatically restore any lost credit limit or resolve any outstanding balances or late payment fees. You will need to work with your credit card issuer to address these issues separately.
Read More: How do Credit Cards Work
Bottom line:
Blocking and unblocking a credit card generally involve different procedures, as they are intended to achieve different goals. Blocking a credit card is usually done to prevent unauthorized charges or to protect the cardholder’s personal information if the card has been lost or stolen. Unblocking a credit card is usually done to restore the card’s functionality after it has been blocked.
Jyoti is unique blend of expertise, extensive experience, and a genuine passion for credit cards positions him as an exceptionally well-suited and engaging content writer. His profound insights into the Indian credit and banking sectors have empowered him to craft numerous informative and captivating blogs.