What to Do If You Lost Your Credit Card

Losing a credit card can be unsettling, but acting quickly protects your financial well-being. Immediate action helps safeguard your accounts from unauthorized use and prevents financial harm.

Immediate Actions After Realizing Your Card is Lost

Contacting your credit card issuer is the first priority when your card is missing. Most issuers provide several ways to report a lost card, including dedicated phone lines, online banking portals, and mobile applications. You can often find the customer service number on your monthly statement, the back of other credit cards from the same issuer, or through their official website.

When you call, be prepared to provide personal identification details, such as your full name, address, and potentially the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The representative will likely ask when you last used the card and if you’ve noticed any unusual activity.

Upon reporting, the issuer will typically deactivate your lost card, rendering it unusable for new purchases. Many issuers also offer a “lock” feature through their mobile apps or online, allowing you to temporarily prevent new transactions while you search for a misplaced card; if found, you can unlock it. If the card is truly lost or stolen, proceed with full cancellation to secure your account.

Federal law limits your liability for unauthorized credit card charges to $50 if you report the loss promptly. Many credit card issuers offer “zero-liability” policies, meaning you are not held responsible for any unauthorized transactions once the loss is reported. This protection extends to purchases made in stores, over the phone, online, or via mobile devices, even if fraudulent charges occurred before reporting.

Protecting Your Accounts from Unauthorized Use

After reporting your credit card as lost, regularly review your credit card statements for any unauthorized activity that may have occurred before the card was reported. You can do this through your online banking portal, mobile app, or by reviewing paper statements.

If you identify any unrecognized charges, report them to your credit card issuer as fraudulent. This process is distinct from reporting the card lost and may require specific details about the disputed transactions. Credit card companies investigate such claims and often issue a temporary credit to your account while the investigation is underway.

Monitor your credit reports to detect potential identity theft or fraudulent accounts opened in your name. Federal law provides access to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—once every 12 months through AnnualCreditReport.com. This website is the only federally authorized source for these free reports and allows you to review your credit profile for any suspicious activity.

Receiving a Replacement Card

Once your lost credit card has been reported and cancelled, the issuer will send a replacement card. The delivery timeframe for a new card usually ranges from 3 to 7 business days. The new card will have a different card number, expiration date, and security code than the lost card to ensure security.

Upon receiving your replacement card, activate it before use. Activation methods often include calling a toll-free number, using your issuer’s online banking portal, or their mobile app. Following the activation instructions ensures your new card is ready for use.

After receiving a new card, update your payment information for any recurring bills, subscriptions, or online accounts. Services like streaming platforms, utility companies, or app stores that had your old card on file will need the updated card number and expiration date to avoid missed payments. Manually updating this information ensures uninterrupted service and prevents late fees.