What to Do If You Find a Lost Credit Card?
Found a lost credit card? Get clear, responsible guidance on how to proceed ethically and safeguard the cardholder's information.
Finding a lost credit card presents an opportunity to act responsibly and help protect someone else’s financial security. Attempting to use a found credit card is illegal and can lead to serious consequences, including charges of fraud. This guide provides clear, actionable steps for individuals who discover a lost credit card, ensuring the situation is handled appropriately and ethically.
First Steps After Finding a Card
Upon finding a credit card, the most important immediate action is to refrain from any attempt to use it. Instead, begin by examining the card for identifying information. Look for the name of the issuing bank, which is prominent on the card, such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or a specific bank like Chase or Bank of America.
A customer service number is often printed on the back of the card, which is the most direct way to report the find. Calling this number is the most effective way to address a lost card. Keep the card secure until you can take further action. Do not simply leave it where it was found, as it could fall into the wrong hands and be used for fraudulent transactions.
Notifying the Issuing Bank
Contacting the credit card’s issuing bank is the most effective step to take after finding a card. If a customer service number is not visible on the back, search online for the bank’s name with terms like “customer service number” or “report lost/stolen card.” Most major banks, like Bank of America or U.S. Bank, provide 24/7 customer support for such inquiries.
When you call the bank, inform the representative that you have found a lost credit card. Be prepared to provide details such as the card number (if readable), the card type (e.g., Visa, Mastercard), and the name of the bank. The bank will cancel the card immediately to prevent any unauthorized use and will notify the cardholder that their card was found and canceled. This process ensures the cardholder’s financial security without revealing your identity, as the finder remains anonymous.
Other Options and Important Considerations
If you cannot identify the issuing bank or reach them, alternative actions are available. If the card was found in a public place like a store, restaurant, or office building, turn it over to a staff member or security. These establishments often have a lost and found system and can hold the card securely, increasing the chances of it being reunited with its owner.
If a credit card is found as part of a lost wallet, or if you are unable to turn it over to a business, taking it to a local police department is a viable option. While a single credit card may not warrant police involvement, a wallet with multiple cards and identification might. As a last resort, if the bank cannot be identified and no authority can take possession, destroying the card is an option to prevent misuse. This involves cutting the card into multiple pieces, ensuring the magnetic strip and chip are completely severed, and disposing of the pieces in different trash receptacles.