What to do when you have Lost your Debit Card ?

For most of us, Debit cards are the first go-to option whenever there is a need for immediate access to cash. But it can be very troublesome if you lose the card due to theft or have misplaced it. In any circumstance, if a Debit Card goes missing, many of us are unaware of how to register the complaint of a lost Debit Card. So, here’s a small guide on how you can find a lost Debit Card in India.

1. Contact Your Bank: The first and foremost step is to block the card instantly by informing the bank via Phone Banking/Mobile Banking App/NetBanking/Calling on Customer Care. For instance, AU Small Finance Bank customers can block the card instantly via AU 0101 App/NetBanking. This is significant to avoid misuse of your card. Whenever you are looking to report a lost or stolen card, it is crucial to provide card number details to the bank representative. You can look for the Debit Card number mentioned in the Welcome Kit.  

2. Ask for a Freeze or Cancel the Card: If you think you have misplaced your Debit Card, then you can ask the bank to temporarily freeze the card. Once you recover the card, you can inform the bank to unfreeze the card and start reusing it. Not all banks provide the freezing option. You can even cancel the card by contacting your bank’s customer care. 

3. Cancel Automatic Billing: Have you set up any automatic payments for utility bills or loans? Then you need to inform the billers that your Debit Card is disabled. This will enable you to avoid late fees that may be imposed by some service providers. Meanwhile, if the card stops working, you can ask the bank for a replacement card. 

4. Follow-Up: If you haven’t heard from your bank regarding your Debit Card blocking update, it is advisable to follow up with the bank. You can get in touch with the customer care or email your concerns. While following up, it is essential that you provide the card number and the date of the lost Debit Card.

5. Report the loss of your Debit Card: If you think your Debit Card is stolen, you must report the theft immediately to the bank. In case your account is completely drained by the fraudster, your cheques may bounce, and this could even affect your automatic online payments. It is necessary that you report your missing card within 3 days immediately. For instance, AU Small Finance Bank customers can report fraud transactions via AU 0101 NetBanking service. AU Small Finance Bank Debit Cards come with Card Liability Cover that ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 5 Lakhs.

6. Ask for a Duplicate or Replacement Card: Once your card is blocked, you can ask the bank to reissue a duplicate or replacement card. You can request via Mobile Banking App/NetBanking/Call Customer Care/visit a bank branch. For a replacement card, bank may charge a nominal replacement fee and it will get deducted directly from your account once you receive the new card. 

• It is necessary for you to keep your Debit Card safe, whether you are using it at an ATM or online transactions, or others

• Makes sure you always keep the card in your wallet after use

• If you are using the card at ATM for cash withdrawal, don’t forget to collect your Debit Card

Read More: How to Use Debit or ATM Cards Safely?

Debit Cards are irreplaceable. If the card goes missing, you may feel handicapped, however, this doesn’t stop you from making a transaction even if the bank freezes or blocks the card. You can do online transactions via Mobile Banking App or NetBanking.