Lost or Stolen Card: The First 15 Minutes
Freeze the card, check recent transactions, report it and get a replacement. A step-by-step checklist for the first 15 minutes after losing a bank card.
Losing a card is stressful, but acting in the first few minutes limits the damage almost every time.
The first 15 minutes
- Freeze the card in your banking app. Most apps have a one-tap freeze.
- Check recent transactions for anything you did not make.
- Call your bank on its official number to report it lost or stolen and ask for a replacement.
- Dispute unknown charges. See disputing a transaction.
- Update saved cards for subscriptions once the new card arrives.
If your phone or wallet was stolen too
- Block the SIM and mobile money. See lost phone and mobile money.
- Watch for identity misuse if ID documents were in the wallet. See reporting identity theft.
- Report theft to the police if you need a reference.
Beware follow-up calls. Criminals sometimes call pretending to be your bank "about your lost card" and ask for your PIN. Your bank never needs it. See bank impersonation calls.
Prepare now: save your bank's number outside your phone and turn on alerts and card controls. For more, see how to protect your money.
Frequently asked questions
Should I freeze or cancel?
Freeze first if you think the card may turn up; cancel and replace if it is definitely lost or stolen, or if you see unknown charges.
Am I responsible for charges after losing my card?
Rules vary by country and card type, but reporting quickly usually limits your liability.
What if my phone was stolen with my card?
Block the SIM and banking apps too. See our guide to protecting mobile money if your phone is lost.
Sources
- Lost or Stolen Credit, ATM, and Debit Cards, US Federal Trade Commission
- Credit Card Loss Protection, US Federal Trade Commission
- Using Credit Cards and Disputing Charges, US Federal Trade Commission
