Immediate steps to take after losing your credit card

Avoid credit card misuse and fraudulent activity by being quick.
Immediate steps to take after losing your credit card
2 min read
28 July 2023

Losing a credit card is an inconvenience we all fear. It can feel upsetting to realise you have lost your card, and it can be even worse if someone misuses it for unauthorised payments. The good news is that you need not worry much, since issuing a new credit card is an incredibly simple process.

Simple steps to follow immediately when you lose your credit card

  1. Inform your credit card provider: First of all, inform your bank or credit card provider immediately. You can do this by calling the customer care number, visiting your nearest branch, using the mobile banking app, or the website. The bank will confirm your identity and take your complaint to block your card.
  2. Lodge a police complaint: Next, you will need to file a complaint with the local police station as a legal safeguard. It is essential to carry your Aadhar card, PAN card, or any government-issued identity document for verification of identity to make the complaint. Once your complaint is taken, they will provide an FIR or complaint number which you can retain for future reference.
  3. Verify transactions: Make sure to review any transactions made on your credit card, either online or offline. You can check your credit card statements to for transactions you do not recognise. If you sense an unauthorised transaction, report it immediately to your card issuer.
  4. Apply for a new credit card: Lastly, you can request a new credit card. Your bank may charge a fee for issuing a new credit card. Do check with the bank about the charges or fees ahead of time.

Things you can do to prevent the loss or misuse of your credit card

  1. Make sure to keep your credit cards inside your wallet or inside your cardholder. Never keep them loose in your pocket.
  2. Avoid carrying multiple credit cards at a time.
  3. If your credit card has expired, ensure you cut it into pieces before throwing it away, specifically the part with your card number on it.
  4. Do not share your CVV number or PIN with anyone.
  5. Never share your credit card number or CVV over a call or message.

In conclusion, losing your credit card can be a stressful situation but the trick is to remain calm and report the loss immediately. If you delay the process, it can lead to fraudulent transactions and additional charges if it goes unnoticed. By following the steps above, you can easily apply for a lost credit card, block it, and get a new credit card issued in no time.

Frequently asked questions

How do I retrieve my lost credit card?

To retrieve your lost credit card, you need to inform your credit card provider and request them to issue a new card.

How can I block my lost credit card?

To block your lost credit card, notify the credit card provider immediately, and provide the necessary details, such as your card number, date of expiry, and security code.

Can I reactivate my lost credit card?

No, you cannot reactivate a lost credit card. You will need to apply for a new credit card by following the necessary procedures.

Can I track my credit card if I lost it?

Yes, you can track your lost credit card by contacting the credit card provider and requesting information on the last known usage and location of the card. This is an important step to prevent or identify any unauthorised transactions made following the loss of the card.

How much does it cost to replace a credit card?

The cost to replace a lost credit card varies from bank to bank. Generally, a replacement for a lost credit card is free of cost, but some credit card providers charge a fee to reissue it.

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Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

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