Fraudulent credit card transactions are very common in today’s world and your sensitive credit card data can be stolen and used without your knowledge. It is also possible that you may lose your credit card at some point in life or have it stolen. In such cases, blocking your credit card becomes necessary when you find any suspicious transaction on your card.
It is equally important to report the loss/theft or fraudulent transaction to the respective bank immediately in order to block the card. Failing to do so, the amount of loss/theft on the credit card will not be the responsibility of the bank or the credit card issuer.
As much as it is important to own a credit card, it is equally essential that you know how to block a credit card. The process to block your credit card is swift and should be done immediately when the card is lost, stolen, or damaged.
There are several easy ways to block Credit cards online and offline. Most banks and NBFCs allow you to block credit cards through these methods:
By calling the customer care helpline number
By sending a message or SMS to the bank/NBFC
By using internet banking
By using the mobile app of the bank/NBFC
By visiting the bank or NBFC’s branch in person
It is easy and quick to block your credit card online. You can raise the request as soon as you are aware that your card is stolen or lost.
You may find out about your missing card when you receive any transaction alert that you have not done. In case you get such an alert, you should be quick in blocking your card.
You can use your net banking account to instantly block your credit card. Here are the steps on how to block a credit card online:
Login to your credit card net banking account on the app or website
Navigate to the ‘Requests’ section and click on ‘Report a lost or a stolen card’
Select the ‘Block your credit card option’ and choose the card you want to block
Check the card number and submit the request
When you submit the request to block your credit card, you can also raise a request for a new card by clicking on the ‘Reissue card’ tab. Once you submit the reissue request, the credit card issuer will dispatch a new card to your registered address.
Another way you can block your credit card is through the bank’s mobile app. To continue with this method, you must first install the bank’s mobile app. Here is the process that you can follow to block your card online using the app:
Step 1: Open the app on your smartphone
Step 2: Click on the credit cards option, where all the cards registered will be displayed.
Step 3: Choose the card that needs to be blocked, click on ‘Controls’, and then select the option ‘Block & Replace the card’
Step 4: You will receive a confirmation from the app once the details are submitted.
Step 5: You will also get an SMS on your registered mobile number confirming your request to block your credit card.
If you are not comfortable using online methods to block your credit card, you can resort to offline methods. Using the offline method means that you can raise a request to block your credit card without using the internet.
If you want to know how to block a credit card by using offline methods, there are three types of offline modes.
1. Calling the Customer Care Number
To use this method, here are the steps to follow:
Call the credit card customer care helpline number.
Speak to the representative and ask them to block your credit card
You will have to mention your credit card number to the customer care representative. So, make sure to keep it handy.
The executive may ask you for other essential details for checking the authenticity too.
This is one of the easiest and quickest ways to instantly block your credit card. Just prefix your local STD code and then dial the helpline number. This way, you can raise the request to block your credit card within a few minutes.
2. Sending an SMS to the Bank/NBFC
In case you cannot call the customer care helpline or you find them too busy, then you can also block the card by sending an SMS to the bank/NBFC. You will need to send an SMS in a certain format to the number of the bank/NBFC. On receipt of the message, the bank/NBFC will send you a confirmation message. However, you must note that you can opt for the SMS option only when you are using your registered mobile number. Else, you can choose a different method to initiate the request to block your credit card.
3. Visiting the Nearest Bank/NBFC Branch
You can visit the bank/NBFC branch closest to you, speak to a representative/official, and raise a request to block the credit card.
Ensure to carry the credit card number along.
You may have to submit or show the other identification details to process your request.
In case your credit card is blocked, the card will remain inactive. It will no longer allow any transactions. Due to the payment denial, the person who has stolen the card will not be able to make purchases against the funds on your card.
Yes, the bank/NBFC can also block your credit card in some cases. The cases include some unusual purchase patterns, technical issues, changes in terms and conditions, incorrect data input multiple times, non-payment of your previous bills on time, etc. The credit card getting blocked by the bank/NBFC is a feature that is designed for your protection. It prevents fraudulent use of the card. It may cause a bit of inconvenience but protects your account.
You can find out if your card has been blocked by calling the bank/NBFC customer care number. You can also check the same by logging into your net banking account.
Yes, it is possible to block your credit card temporarily. All you need to do is log in to your net banking account, click on ‘manage cards’, and go ahead and block your card.
The credit card can be blocked for as long as 7 days, after which it will get automatically unblocked. However, it is possible to block it temporarily once again, if needed. It is advisable to avoid repeating the process too many times and to have the card replaced if there is some problem.
It is recommended that you raise a request to block your credit card the moment you get to know that your card is missing or stolen. Additionally, if there is a transaction reflected in your card statement that is not done by you, the card should be blocked.
Yes, it is possible to reactivate or unblock your blocked credit card. This process can be done online as well as offline. Here are some of the methods to reactivate/unblock your card:
By calling the customer care helpline number
By sending a message or SMS
By using internet banking
By using the mobile app of the respective bank/NBFC
By visiting the bank branch in person