How to Block and Unblock Your Credit Card

Losing a credit card or suspecting unauthorised usage can be a distressing experience. Knowing how to quickly block a credit card is important to prevent fraudulent transactions. To make things easier, we’ll tell you how you can block your credit card, provide tips to protect your card from fraudulent usage, explain the steps to unblock your card, discuss common reasons for card blocks, and answer frequently asked questions.

How to Block a Credit Card

Here’s how you can block a lost credit card and avoid any fraudulent activity on the card.

Through Mobile App:

• Open your credit card provider’s mobile app.
• Access the credit card section.
• Choose the option to block your card.
• Confirm your choice as per the app’s instructions.

Through Internet Banking:

• Log in to your internet banking account.
• Navigate to the “Credit Cards” section.
• Select the option to block your card.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Through Phone:

• Dial the card provider’s customer service helpline.
• Follow the interactive voice response system’s prompts.
• Select the option to block your credit card.
• Provide the necessary verification details when prompted.

Call Customer Care:

• Find your credit card’s customer care helpline number on the back of your credit card or on the bank’s website.
• Call and follow the instructions provided by the customer care executive.
• Verify your identity and request to block your credit card.

Visit in Person

• Locate the nearest branch of your credit card provider.
• Visit the branch during working hours.
• Approach a customer care representative and inform them about your lost or stolen card.
• Complete the required paperwork and provide any necessary identification to block your credit card.

How to Protect Your Credit Card from Fraudulent Usage

• Memorise your PIN rather than noting it down somewhere.
• Never share your credit card details with anyone.
• Regularly review your credit card statements and transaction history.
• Enable transaction alerts and notifications.
• Secure your online transactions by setting strong passwords.
• Take due precautions while using your credit card for online purchases.
• Shield your card credentials while making physical transactions.
• Keep your credit card information confidential.
• Beware of phishing emails or calls by bank impersonators.

How to Unblock Your Credit Card

To unblock a credit card, the process may vary depending on the bank. It is recommended to follow these general steps:

• Contact customer service helpline or visit the app.
• Provide the necessary identification and verification details.
• Request to unblock your credit card.
• Follow the instructions provided by the customer care representative.

By following the suggested steps, you can easily block your card immediately.

Reasons Why A Credit Card Can Get Blocked

• Non-payment of dues: If you consistently miss payments or fail to pay the minimum amount due, your credit card is likely to be blocked.
• Suspicious activity: Credit card providers monitor transactions for any unusual patterns or suspicious behaviour. If they detect potential fraudulent activity, they may block the card to protect you from fraud.
• Lost or stolen card: If you report your card as lost or stolen, the card provider will block it to prevent unauthorised usage.
• Credit limit breach: Exceeding your credit limit can result in the temporary blocking of your credit card.
• Expired card: When your credit card expires, it will be blocked and you’ll be issued a new one.

FAQs on How to Block & Unblock your Credit Card

How can I block my credit card?

You can block your credit card through internet banking, a mobile app, phone banking, customer care, or by visiting the bank’s branch.

How do I block my credit card immediately?

Contact your bank’s customer care helpline immediately and request that they block your credit card.

How can I block my credit card via SMS?

The process for blocking a credit card via SMS may vary depending on the bank. Refer to your bank’s website or contact customer care for specific instructions.

Why did the bank block my credit card?

Banks and other financial institutions may block credit cards due to non-payment of dues, suspicious activity, a lost or stolen card, a credit limit breach, or the expiration of the card.

Can a blocked credit card be reactivated?

Yes, a blocked credit card can usually be reactivated by contacting customer care or visiting the credit card company’s nearest branch.

Can I temporarily block my credit card?

Some credit card providers offer the option to temporarily block your credit card for a specific period. Refer to your issuer’s policies or contact customer care for more information.

Can I unblock my card online?

If you have locked your card yourself, you can visit the app and unlock it yourself. However, the process to unblock a credit card may not always be available online. In such cases, it is best to contact customer care to unblock your card.

How long does it take to unblock a credit card?

The time taken to unblock a credit card varies from bank to bank. In some cases, it may be unblocked immediately, while in others, it may take a few days.

Can we activate a blocked credit card?

Yes, you can usually activate a blocked credit card by contacting customer care or visiting the bank’s branch.

How do I unblock my credit card via SMS?

The process to unblock a credit card via SMS may vary depending on the bank. It is advisable to check your bank’s website or contact customer care for specific instructions.