How to Block and Unblock Your Credit Card?

Credit cards are one of the most commonly used financial instruments today. Not only are they convenient to use, but they also come with a number of benefits. In addition to the reward points and interest-free payment period, credit cards are also incredibly safe to use. 

If your card is lost or stolen, you can easily block it to prevent it from being misused. Both blocking and unblocking a credit card are fairly simple procedures.

Credit Card Lost or Stolen? Learn How to Block Your Credit Card!

Knowing how to block credit cards is important. While the exact steps will vary depending on the credit card provider, the overall process is the same.

You can block your credit card using both offline and online methods. Let’s look at them one by one.

Online Ways to Block Your Credit Card

Net banking and mobile banking are common banking pathways for most people now. So, if you have misplaced your credit card, you can use any of the following ways to block your credit card -

• Credit Card Provider’s Online Portal or Mobile App

All credit card providers have a digital banking facility that lets you manage your card from the comfort of your home. Here are the steps you need to follow to block your card online -

• STEP 1: Log in to your account on your credit card provider’s website.
• STEP 2: Go to ‘Requests’ → ‘Report a lost/stolen credit card’ → ‘Block Your Credit Card’ → ‘Submit’.

Your card will be immediately blocked. You can also follow similar steps on your credit card issuer’s official mobile app to block your card. 

You can also opt for your credit card to be reissued in case it is stolen. If your credit card issuer provides this option on their portal or website, and you select it, a new card will be issued to you within a few working days.

• Via email

You can also send an email from your registered email ID and request your card to be blocked. This process can take a few hours, depending on your credit card provider’s working hours. 

You can request a new credit card to be reissued in the same email. You can find the email ID of your credit card issuer on their website.

Offline Methods of Blocking Your Credit Card

If you prefer the old school way, you can get your credit card blocked using any of the following methods - 

• Calling the Customer Care

Most banks and credit card providers offer 24/7 customer service or a toll-free number to contact them directly. All you have to do is call the number, validate your identity, and request your card to be blocked.

• Through SMS

Certain banks and credit card issuers provide the option to access banking services via SMS. You have to send the required keyword to the number provided from your registered mobile number. 

• By Visiting Your Credit Card Provider’s Office

If your credit card provider’s office is on your way or close to your place, this method can be the easiest. Just visit their office and request a form to block your card. Fill it out and submit it with the required documents (if any). Your card will be blocked within a few hours.

How to Unblock Your Credit Card?

If your credit card has been blocked by mistake or you have found your misplaced card, you may want to unblock your card. Here are the ways to unblock your credit card -

• Online portal

• Official mobile app

• Customer care / Helpline

• Email

• SMS

• Visiting in person

Please note that all the methods to block your card can be used to unblock your card as well. Now, we will take a look at the blocking and unblocking process of some top banks.

Blocking and Unblocking SBI Credit Card

You can block and unblock your SBI credit card using any of the following methods. Let’s look at the stepwise processes -

How to Block/Unblock Your HDFC Bank Credit Card?

You can block and unblock your SBI credit card using any of the following methods. Let’s look at the stepwise processes -

How to Block/Unblock Your Axis Bank Credit Card?

You can block and unblock your SBI credit card using any of the following methods. Let’s look at the stepwise processes -

Reasons to Block/Unblock a Credit Card

There may be multiple reasons to block or unblock your credit card. Here are some of the more popular ones -

• Card Lost or Stolen

This is one of the most common reasons to block a credit card. In case you lose your credit card or it is stolen, you should block your card immediately to prevent it from being misused.

In case you get your card back, you can always apply to have it unblocked. In case you are unable to retrieve it, you can apply for the card to be reissued or apply for a new card altogether.

• Irregular Payments

If you have not paid your credit card bills regularly or you have defaulted on your payments many times, the credit card issuer may block your card. In such cases, you will have to contact the bank directly and come up with a solution. 

You will have to pay the outstanding bill, and only then will you be able to unblock the card. However, if you have defaulted on your payments too many times, your card may be permanently blocked.

• Overutilization of Credit Limit

Experts usually advise credit card holders to keep the credit utilization limit up to 30% of the overall balance. However, if you utilize more than the recommended limit, then your credit card may get blocked. You can get your card unblocked only after paying the entire bill.