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If you've ever woken up in a panic after realizing you left your debit card behind somewhere, or you can't find it when thumbing through your wallet, you're not alone. In situations like this where you've misplaced your card, but you're not confident it's stolen or lost forever, many banks allow you to lock your debit card as a security measure.
Locking your debit card is instant and temporary, and it prevents any new transactions from going through. That means if your card gets in the wrong hands while you're searching for it, it can't be used to drain your account. However, locking your debit card typically won't stop automatic credit card payments or other scheduled payments and transfers from your linked bank account.
What Happens When You Lock Your Debit Card?
A debit card lock is a security feature meant for situations when you've misplaced your card but think there's a chance you'll recover it. When you lock your debit card, you're not closing your account or making a permanent change. Instead, you're just pausing the card's ability to make new transactions, cash advances or withdrawals until you can find it. Depending on your bank or credit union, you may or may not be able to use the card in your digital wallet while it's locked.
You can typically lock your debit card immediately through your bank's mobile app or website. Anyone who finds your card will be prevented from using it for unauthorized purchases. Once you find your card, you can unlock it instantly and start using it again.
Be aware that locking your card is not the same as reporting your card lost or stolen. If you can't ever find the card, or you see any unauthorized transactions appear, locking isn't sufficient. You should immediately call your bank to report it lost or stolen, and they'll likely close the card and issue a replacement with different card numbers.
Learn more >> What to Do if You Lost Your Debit Card
Does Locking Your Debit Card Affect Credit Card Payments?
No, a debit card lock generally doesn't stop the processing of any recurring or automatic bill payments, such as your credit card payments.
The main purpose of locking is to prevent someone from using your card for new, one-off purchases or withdrawals, like going on a shopping spree or getting cash from an ATM. Recurring bill payments and transactions that were already in place before the lock are usually deemed safe and won't be impacted.
It varies by financial institution and transaction, but payments that are likely to still go through while a debit card is locked include:
- Scheduled (and sometimes new) recurring transactions
- Transactions made with other cards linked to the same checking account
- Refunds, credits and reversals
- Transactions made prior to locking the card
If you're locking your debit card and have concerns about any important recurring payments going through in addition to credit card payments—say, your phone bill or car payments—reach out to your bank for clarity. Policies vary, so it can provide peace of mind to confirm that those payments won't be impacted.
On the other hand, if you get any indication from your financial institution that these payments might not process for any reason while your card is locked, consider switching your payment method so you're not hit with merchant and/or bank fees.
Does Locking Your Debit Card Stop Pending Transactions?
In general, locking your debit card won't stop transactions that were made and authorized before you locked it but are still pending.
In other words, if you made a purchase that's pending, then locked your debit card before it completed, that transaction should still go through. If you have concerns, reach out to your financial institution for a definitive answer.
How to Lock Your Debit Card
The process for locking your debit card varies by issuer, though most allow you to lock and unlock your card through online banking and the mobile app. The process is usually quick and easy, and typically goes along these lines:
- Log in to your bank's app or website and select the checking account or debit card you want to lock.
- Look for a section called Account Settings or Account Services.
- Click on the option to lock your debit card.
If you're unsure how to lock your debit card with your bank, check their online help section or contact their customer service.
Once you've locked it, no new one-off transactions can be made. Note that your bank will also lock any virtual cards linked to your debit card. If you later locate your debit card, you can go back into your account online or via the app and unlock it through the same process.
If you're never able to find the debit card, though, you'll need to report it as lost or stolen to your bank so they can issue a replacement.
How Long Does Your Debit Card Stay Locked?
A debit card lock is a flexible and proactive security measure, and it typically stays in place until you unlock it.
In theory, you can keep your card locked as long as you want, though this means putting up with the inconvenience of not being able to make new transactions. If you still can't find your card after a while searching for it, it's wise to go ahead and report it as lost and have your bank send you a new one.
Timing becomes more critical if you see any unauthorized transactions, either before or after locking your card. It's vital to report any fraudulent charges to your bank immediately (you may be able to do this online or by phone). Debit cards offer less fraud protection than credit cards, and delays in reporting reduces how much lost money you can recoup.
The Bottom Line
It's a terrible feeling to realize you've lost your wallet or can't find your debit card, especially since debit cards leave you more exposed than credit cards. The ability to lock your card instantly through your bank's app or website is a fast, easy solution to buy yourself time and keep your money safe while you search for that little piece of plastic.
Remember, though, that locking your card is a temporary safety precaution intended for misplaced cards. It's not for when your card appears permanently lost or stolen; those are serious situations that can result in fraud and financial loss if you don't report it to your bank quickly.