What to Do After You’ve Lost Your Debit Card

Many of us have experienced that heart-sinking moment when you get to the ATM or cash register only to discover you don’t have your debit card. Perhaps you dropped it in the parking lot or someone snagged it from your wallet. Either way, your missing debit card could pose some problems for your checking account. There’s no need to panic, though. Follow the steps below immediately to ensure your finances stay safe when your debit card is lost.

No matter what financial questions you have, a financial advisor may be able to help you make a long-term plan to build wealth and fund a healthy retirement.

1. Check Your Account History

As soon as your card goes missing, you should log into your online bank account right away and check your recent payment history for any transactions you don’t recognize. If you find anything fraudulent or unauthorized, write down the transaction details (its amount, merchant, location and date). Even if it’s small, you’ll want to take note. Sometimes, scammers charge low amounts to your account as a test before they return for bigger purchases.

2. Contact Your Bank

Next, you’ll want to call the financial institution that issued your debit card. Let them know that your card is missing and needs to be replaced. If you’ve found any fraudulent activity include every detail discussed above. We’ve listed the customer service numbers for popular banks to help.

It’s important to note that calling your bank from another country will likely come with its own extra costs. If we missed your bank, check your monthly statement or visit the bank’s website to find the right number. You may also be able to report lost or stolen cards online if your bank offers that feature. Some banks give you the ability to freeze your card directly from your online account, which may be the fastest option.

3. Request a Solution

Your bank’s customer service representative will guide you through the problem, but be sure the call ends with a solution. Usually, that means completely deactivating the card and issuing you a new one. You should operate with the idea that the card is lost forever, even if you think it might turn up. It’s better to be safe than sorry when your card goes missing.

Some institutions will charge a fee to replace your card, even if it was stolen. 

Your new card should arrive within a week, although you can request a rush order to shorten your wait time which usually comes with an additional fee but arrives within 2–3 days. If you need more immediate access to your funds, you can go to a bank branch and get a temporary card.

If you’re provided a confirmation number during the call, record it somewhere safe. You can also ask the representative for their number and employee ID. This makes it easier to keep track of your claim. Many banks will also provide you with an email confirmation or a message confirmation through your online account once any activity with their customer service team has been initiated.

4. Cancel Any Automatic Payments

Once your card is disabled, you’ll want to notify companies that charge your account for recurring payments, like utility or credit card bills. You may have to add your new card to these accounts after it arrives in the mail, but make sure you won’t be late on any payments while you’re waiting.

5. Follow up With Your Bank

Now that you’ve straightened things out, it’s mostly a waiting game. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), your card issuer has 10 business days to investigate any fraudulent charges and then three extra days to report findings to you.

If you haven’t heard anything in this timeframe, then you’ll need to follow up. Call again or send a written follow-up that summarizes your claim. Repeat the information you provided previously with all forms of communication. This is where the confirmation or employee number will come in handy. You should also include your account number, the date you reported the lost debit card, and the current date.

If you find fraudulent charges, this is the perfect way to document them. You can send the information in a letter, email or through your bank’s secure messaging service. If you do send it by mail, use a certified service and get a return receipt or delivery tracking number.

Your card issuer may request this written report during their investigation. If you haven’t sent one, you may not be credited for your losses. Again, keep a copy for your own records and all your claim information safely in one place.

6. Implement New Safety Measures

Before you get your replacement debit card, it can help to take certain steps to hopefully avoid this hassle in the future. Of course, we can’t guarantee you won’t lose your card again, but at least you can be more proactive. 

For starters, change your PIN number even if you aren’t entirely sure your card was compromised. You should also maintain a closer watch on your transactions. In the future, it can help to keep your bank’s customer service number with your account information in a safe but accessible place, or simply add it to your phone contacts. Make sure your bank has your correct contact information to avoid complications. 

Lastly, if you found yourself stranded at the register without a way to make your purchase, you might want to get a backup and find the right credit card for you.

Laws for Handling a Lost Debit Card

You shouldn’t panic when you lose your debit card, but it is important to act quickly. The Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA) states that you are not responsible for charges placed after you’ve notified your bank, but you could owe for charges made before you’ve reported the incident. Your liability depends on the date and time you reported your card lost. At the end of the day, the faster you act, the safer you are.

The same protections are usually extended to prepaid debit cardholders, but there may be some stipulations. Check the fine print on your card agreement or ask a customer service representative to confirm your rights.

Most Affordable Banks to Replace Debit Cards

Most big banks don’t charge for a simple replacement, but they will charge a fee for rush delivery. For example, Bank of America and  PNC Bank replace cards for free but charge $15 and $25 for rush replacement. EverBank and TD Bank charge  $5 for debit card replacement, as well as rush fees. Review your bank’s replacement card policy and consider making a change if the fees will be a problem for you.

How to Access Funds While Waiting for a Replacement

If you’ve lost your debit card but still need to make purchases or pay bills, there are a few ways to access your money while waiting for a replacement. First, check if your bank allows digital wallet payments. If you added your account information to Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay before it was lost, you may still be able to use it. Many stores accept contactless payments, so this can be a simple way to make purchases without a physical card.

You can also move money to another account you control. This might include transferring funds to a digital payment app like PayPal, Venmo or Zelle. If you have another bank account or credit card, transferring money between accounts can also give you continued access to funds. Some banks also offer temporary digital cards that can be used for online purchases or added to a mobile wallet.

If none of those options work, visit a branch of your bank with a valid ID. Many banks will let you withdraw cash in person, and some may even issue a temporary debit card on the spot. You can also ask about using checks or setting up bill pay directly from your account. 

Bottom Line

Unfortunately, most of us are prone to losing our debit cards at some point in time. Whatever card issuer you have, it’s important to make sure you take security measures to keep your account safe. In the case that you do lose your card, do your best to act quickly by calling your bank and notifying them of any fraudulent activity as quickly as you notice. That way, you can avoid losing money and go back to normal sooner rather than later.

Tips on Using Your Debit Card

• If you’re looking for help managing your finances or reaching a particular financial goal, you can always consider working with a financial advisor. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
• Losing your debit card is only one problem you can run into when you have a checking account. You can also run the risk of over-drafting your account if you tend to cut it close with your balance and expenses. In that case, you should consider overdraft protection. This may come at an extra cost, but it’s better than owing even more money. You also often have the option of linking a savings account to your checking account to help cover overdrafts.
• Although debit cards are a safe route when it comes to spending money, you’re going to need to spend on credit at some point. When you’re ready, introduce a credit card into your wallet and spending tool rotation. This can help you cover some bigger purchases and build credit.

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