How to Block a Lost or Stolen ATM Card in Pakistan (2026)
How to Block a Lost or Stolen ATM Card in Pakistan (2026)
1. Introduction
Losing an ATM or debit card can be stressful, especially when the card is linked to your bank account and can be used for ATM withdrawals, online shopping, point-of-sale payments, and other transactions. If your ATM card is lost or stolen in Pakistan, the most important step is to block it immediately. Quick action can reduce the risk of unauthorized transactions and protect your money.
Most banks in Pakistan provide several ways to block a lost or stolen ATM card. Depending on your bank, you may be able to block the card through mobile banking, internet banking, a bank helpline, an ATM, or by visiting a branch. Some banks may also allow customers to temporarily freeze a card and later unblock it if it is found.
This guide explains how to block a lost or stolen ATM card in Pakistan in 2026, what information you may need, what to do after blocking the card, how to request a replacement, and what precautions you should take to protect your bank account.
2. What Should You Do If Your ATM Card Is Lost?
If you discover that your ATM card is missing, do not wait to see whether you will find it later. Treat a lost card as potentially compromised and contact your bank as soon as possible.
Your first priority should be to stop the card from being used. Open your bank's mobile application if you have access to it and look for options such as Block Card, Freeze Card, Disable Card, Card Management, or Report Lost/Stolen Card.
If you cannot access the app, call your bank's official helpline. Tell the representative that your ATM/debit card has been lost and that you want to block it immediately.
After blocking the card, check your recent transactions for any payment or withdrawal that you do not recognize.
3. How to Block a Lost ATM Card Through Mobile Banking
Mobile banking is one of the quickest ways to block a lost or stolen ATM card when your bank provides this feature.
The exact menu names are different from one bank to another, but the general process is similar.
Steps to Block Your Card Through a Mobile App
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Open your bank's official mobile banking application.
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Log in using your username, PIN, password, or biometric authentication.
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Open the Cards, Debit Cards, or Card Management section.
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Select the card that has been lost or stolen.
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Look for Block Card, Freeze Card, or Report Lost/Stolen.
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Select the appropriate option.
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Confirm the request.
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Complete OTP or biometric verification if required.
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Save the confirmation message or reference number.
Once the bank confirms the card has been blocked, do not continue using the missing card even if you later find it unless your bank specifically confirms that it can safely be unblocked.
4. How to Block an ATM Card Through Bank Helpline
Calling the official bank helpline is another common method for blocking a lost or stolen ATM card.
Use the telephone number printed on your bank's official website, account documents, or another trusted source. Avoid calling numbers received through unknown SMS messages or social media posts.
When you contact the bank, explain clearly that your card is missing and request immediate blocking.
The bank may ask security questions to verify your identity. Depending on the bank's procedures, you may be asked for information such as your CNIC details, account information, card-related information, date of birth, or other verification details.
Never provide your ATM PIN, mobile banking password, internet banking password, or OTP to anyone claiming to be a bank representative.
After successful verification, ask the representative to confirm that the card has been blocked.
5. How to Block a Stolen ATM Card
A stolen ATM card should be treated more urgently than a card that has simply been misplaced.
If you believe someone has intentionally taken your card, block it immediately through your bank's official mobile application or helpline.
After blocking the card, review your account for suspicious transactions. If you notice an unauthorized ATM withdrawal, card payment, or online transaction, report it to your bank immediately.
For a stolen card, you may also consider reporting the incident to the relevant law-enforcement authority, particularly if the theft involved other valuables or identity documents.
Keep copies of any complaint or report because your bank may ask for supporting information during an investigation.
6. How to Block an ATM Card Through Internet Banking
Some Pakistani banks provide card-management features through internet banking.
If this facility is available, log in to your bank's official website using your normal internet banking credentials.
Look for a section such as:
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Cards
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Debit Card Management
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Card Controls
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Card Services
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Block Card
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Report Lost or Stolen Card
Select the missing card and follow the instructions provided by the bank.
After completing the process, check whether the system displays a successful blocking confirmation.
Always access internet banking by typing the bank's official website address yourself or using a trusted bookmark. Do not click unknown links received by SMS, WhatsApp, email, or social media.
7. Can You Block an ATM Card by Visiting a Bank Branch?
Yes, customers can generally contact their bank branch for assistance with a lost or stolen card, although the exact procedure varies by bank.
If you visit a branch, take your original CNIC or another acceptable identification document if required. Tell the bank staff that your ATM/debit card has been lost or stolen.
The bank may block the existing card and guide you through the replacement process.
However, you should not wait until the branch opens if you discover that your card is missing outside banking hours. If the bank provides a 24-hour helpline or mobile-app blocking facility, use it immediately.
8. What Information May Be Required to Block a Card?
Banks use security procedures to confirm that the person requesting the card block is the genuine account holder.
You may be asked to provide or confirm:
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Your name
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CNIC information
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Bank account details
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Registered mobile number
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Card information
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Date of birth
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Security questions
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Recent transaction information
Requirements vary between banks.
You should never disclose your ATM PIN, OTP, card PIN, internet banking password, or mobile banking password to another person.
9. What If You Cannot Remember Your Card Number?
You normally do not need to memorize your complete ATM card number to report a lost card.
If you use mobile banking, the card may already appear in your account's card-management section. You can select the relevant card from there.
If you call the bank, the representative can usually identify your card after completing the required security verification.
Your bank statement, mobile banking application, or other official banking records may also help identify the relevant account or card.
10. Check Your Bank Account After Blocking the Card
Blocking the card prevents further use of the card according to the bank's card controls, but you should still review your account.
Check recent:
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ATM withdrawals
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POS purchases
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Online transactions
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E-commerce payments
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Cash withdrawals
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International transactions
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Other debit entries
If you notice a transaction that you did not make, immediately report it to your bank.
Do not assume that an unfamiliar transaction is harmless. Contact the bank and ask how to formally dispute the transaction.
11. What to Do If Money Was Withdrawn From the Account
If an unauthorized ATM withdrawal has occurred, contact your bank immediately.
Tell the bank that your ATM card was lost or stolen and that an unauthorized transaction appears in your account.
The bank may ask you to submit a dispute or fraud complaint. You may need to provide details such as the transaction date, amount, location, and transaction reference.
Follow the bank's complaint procedure carefully and keep the complaint number for future reference.
The outcome of a disputed transaction depends on the circumstances, the bank's investigation, applicable banking rules, and whether there was any compromise of the card, PIN, account credentials, or other security information.
12. Should You Change Your ATM PIN?
If your card was lost or stolen, the safest approach is to block or permanently deactivate the missing card rather than relying only on changing the PIN.
If you believe your PIN or other banking credentials may also have been exposed, contact the bank immediately and ask what additional security measures are required.
You should also change passwords for mobile or internet banking if you believe those credentials have been compromised.
Never write your ATM PIN on the card or keep it in the same wallet or place where you keep your card.
13. How to Request a Replacement ATM Card
After blocking the missing card, you can normally request a replacement debit or ATM card from your bank.
Depending on the bank, replacement requests may be available through:
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Mobile banking
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Internet banking
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Telephone banking
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Bank branch
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Customer service
The replacement card may have a new card number, expiry date, and security code.
The bank may charge a replacement fee depending on its current schedule of charges and the reason for replacement.
Before requesting the replacement, confirm the current fee and delivery or collection procedure with your bank.
14. What Happens to the Old Card After It Is Blocked?
Once your bank permanently blocks a lost or stolen card, it should no longer be treated as an active payment card.
If you later find the old card, do not assume that it is safe to use. Contact your bank first.
If the bank has already issued a replacement card, the old card should generally not be used.
When disposing of an old card, cut through the chip and magnetic stripe where practical and destroy the card details so they cannot easily be read.
15. Temporary Freeze vs Permanent Blocking
Some banks provide a temporary card-freezing feature.
A temporary freeze may be useful when you think the card is misplaced and you are still looking for it. If you find the card, your bank may allow you to reactivate it through the app.
Permanent blocking or reporting the card as lost or stolen is more appropriate when you are certain that the card is gone or has been stolen.
The exact difference between freezing and permanently blocking a card depends on the bank's card-management system.
If you are unsure, contact your bank before reactivating a card.
16. What If Your ATM Card Is Lost Abroad?
If you lose your Pakistani ATM or debit card while traveling outside Pakistan, contact your bank immediately using its official international or domestic helpline, depending on the services available.
If the bank's mobile app supports card blocking, you can also use the app.
Do not wait until you return to Pakistan because a delay can increase the risk of unauthorized use.
If the card was stolen along with your passport or other documents, report the theft to the relevant local authorities and contact the Pakistani embassy or consulate if necessary.
17. Can You Still Receive Money After Blocking an ATM Card?
Blocking an ATM or debit card generally concerns the card itself, not necessarily the underlying bank account.
For example, your account may continue to receive salary, transfers, or other deposits even after the card has been blocked.
However, the exact services affected depend on your bank and the reason for the block.
If you need to withdraw money while waiting for a replacement card, ask your bank about available alternatives, such as branch withdrawal or other approved banking channels.
18. Does Blocking the Card Close the Bank Account?
No. Blocking an ATM or debit card does not normally mean that your bank account has been closed.
Your account and your debit card are separate banking services.
After blocking the card, you may continue to use other approved account services, subject to the bank's rules.
If you want to close the entire bank account, that is a separate process and requires a separate request to the bank.
19. How to Protect Your ATM Card in the Future
Prevention is better than dealing with a stolen card later.
Follow these simple security practices:
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Keep your ATM card in a secure place.
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Never share your ATM PIN.
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Do not write the PIN on your card.
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Avoid sharing card photos with others.
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Do not share OTPs.
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Keep your registered mobile number active.
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Enable transaction alerts.
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Check your bank account regularly.
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Use official banking applications only.
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Avoid entering card details on suspicious websites.
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Report suspicious transactions immediately.
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Keep your bank's official helpline saved in your phone.
20. Be Careful of Fake Bank Calls
After a card is lost, scammers may attempt to take advantage of the situation.
Someone may call and claim to be a bank employee. They may say that your card has been blocked or that they need an OTP to verify your account.
Do not provide confidential banking information.
A genuine bank representative should not ask you to disclose your ATM PIN, OTP, mobile banking password, or internet banking password merely to help you block a lost card.
If you receive a suspicious call, end the call and contact your bank through an official channel.
21. What to Do If Your Mobile Phone Is Also Stolen
If your ATM card and mobile phone are stolen together, take additional precautions.
First, contact your bank and block the missing card.
Then contact your mobile network operator to block or replace the SIM if necessary.
If you use mobile banking on the stolen phone, contact your bank and explain the situation. Ask whether your mobile banking access should be temporarily suspended or secured.
Change important banking passwords from a safe device if you believe your credentials may have been exposed.
22. Common Mistakes to Avoid
People often make mistakes after losing an ATM card. The most common mistake is waiting too long before reporting it.
Other mistakes include:
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Searching for the card for hours before blocking it
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Calling an unverified helpline
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Sharing an OTP with someone
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Giving the ATM PIN to another person
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Ignoring small unfamiliar transactions
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Using links from unknown SMS messages
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Assuming that blocking a card automatically disputes a transaction
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Forgetting to request a replacement
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Failing to update recurring card payments after receiving a new card
Taking immediate and careful action can reduce these risks.
Final Checklist for a Lost or Stolen ATM Card
If your ATM card is lost or stolen, follow this quick checklist:
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Stay calm and act immediately.
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Open your bank's official mobile app.
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Block or freeze the missing card.
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If the app is unavailable, call the official bank helpline.
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Confirm that the card has been blocked.
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Check recent account transactions.
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Report any unauthorized transaction.
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Request a replacement card.
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Secure your mobile banking account if necessary.
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Never share OTP, PIN, or banking passwords.
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Keep the complaint or reference number.
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Destroy the old card if it is later replaced.
Conclusion
Knowing how to block a lost or stolen ATM card in Pakistan can help protect your bank account from unauthorized use. The most important rule is to act quickly. Use your bank's official mobile application, helpline, internet banking service, or branch to report the missing card.
After blocking the card, carefully review your account for unfamiliar transactions and report anything suspicious to your bank. If necessary, request a replacement card and follow the bank's security instructions.
Most importantly, never share your ATM PIN, OTP, mobile banking password, or other confidential banking information with anyone. By taking quick action and following basic banking security practices, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with a lost or stolen ATM card.
Guide Information
Eligibility
The general eligibility requirements for blocking a lost or stolen ATM card are simple.
You Must Be the Cardholder
The request should normally be made by the person whose name is associated with the ATM or debit card.
For security reasons, the bank may verify the identity of the person requesting the card block.
You Should Have an Active Bank Account or Card Relationship
The customer should normally have a bank account or valid card relationship with the issuing bank.
Even if the card is lost, expired or damaged, the bank may still need to verify the customer's account details before processing certain requests.
Identity Verification May Be Required
Depending on the method used, the bank may ask for information such as:
Full name.
CNIC number.
Registered mobile number.
Bank account number.
Last digits of the card.
Date of birth or other security information.
Do not provide confidential information unless you are communicating through an official bank channel.
Required Documents
The documents and information required depend on how you block the card.
When Calling the Bank Helpline
You may need:
Your name.
CNIC information.
Registered mobile number.
Account number or other account identification details.
Last digits of the card, if available.
Security verification information requested by the bank.
You should not be required to provide your ATM PIN, complete banking password or OTP merely to report a lost card.
When Visiting a Bank Branch
You may generally need:
Original valid CNIC.
Bank account number.
Registered mobile number.
A written request or bank form, if required.
When Using Mobile or Internet Banking
You may generally need:
Activated digital banking.
Login credentials.
Access to your registered security method.
Your mobile device or internet banking account.
The bank may require additional verification before permanently blocking or replacing the card.
Fees
Banks may have different policies regarding card blocking and replacement. Card Blocking Fee The fee for reporting or blocking a lost card may vary according to the bank's policy. Customers should confirm the latest Schedule of Charges from their own bank. Replacement Card Fee A bank may charge a replacement fee for issuing a new ATM or debit card, particularly when the existing card was lost, stolen or damaged. The replacement cost may depend on: Bank policy. Type of debit card. Domestic or international card category. Account package. Delivery method. Current Schedule of Charges. Important Point A permanently blocked card should not be treated as an active card for future card use. Ask your bank about any applicable charges relating to replacement or renewal. Always confirm current charges directly from your bank because service charges can change.
Processing Time
The processing time depends on the action being requested. Card Blocking If the bank provides an immediate card-blocking service, the request may be processed quickly after the required verification is completed. However, customers should always wait for confirmation rather than assuming the card has been blocked. Replacement Card The processing time for a replacement card can vary depending on: The bank. Card type. Branch location. Card printing arrangements. Delivery method. Public holidays. Verification requirements. Some banks may ask customers to collect the replacement card from a branch, while others may offer delivery options. Ask your bank for the expected processing time when submitting the replacement request.
Application Method
There is normally no single application method bec
Validity Period
The validity period depends on whether the card has been temporarily disabled or permanently blocked
Step-by-Step Process
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➤ Step 1: Find Your Bank's Official Helpline – Use the phone number displayed on your bank's official website, mobile application, bank statement or other official bank document.
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➤ Step 2: Call Immediately – Do not delay the call while searching for the card for an extended period if you believe it may have been lost or stolen.
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➤ Step 3: Select the Card Services Option – Follow the automated menu instructions for lost, stolen or blocked cards.
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➤ Step 4: Provide the Required Information – Complete the identity verification requested by the bank representative or automated system.
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➤ Step 5: Clearly Report the Card as Lost or Stolen – Tell the bank whether the card has been lost, stolen or is in another person's possession.
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➤ Step 6: Request Immediate Blocking – Ask the bank to block the ATM or debit card and confirm whether the block is temporary or permanent.
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➤ Step 7: Ask for Confirmation – Request confirmation that the card-blocking request has been successfully processed.
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➤ Step 8: Save the Reference Number – Write down or save the complaint, request or reference number provided by the bank.
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➤ Step 9: Check Your Account Activity – Review recent transactions through your bank's official application or other authorised channel.
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➤ Step 10: Request a Replacement Card if Necessary – If the card is permanently lost or stolen, ask the bank about the replacement card procedure.
Official Information
Official Website: https://www.sbp.org.pk/
Contact: For immediate assistance, contact your own bank through its official channels. Your Bank's Customer Helpline Use the official helpline listed on: Your bank's official website. Mobile banking application. Bank statement. Official account documents. Bank Branch Visit an authorised branch if identity verification, a written request or replacement card application is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact your bank immediately through its official card-blocking helpline or use an approved mobile or internet banking option to block the card.
Some banks provide card-blocking or card-management options through official mobile banking or internet banking services.
Many banks provide card-management features through their official applications, but the available options vary by bank.
Many banks provide urgent card-blocking services, but you should always wait for confirmation that the request has been successfully processed.
Not always. Your bank may be able to identify your card through other verified account information, but the exact requirements depend on the bank.
If visiting a branch, you may generally need your original CNIC and account information. Digital or telephone requests may require security verification.
Yes, banks generally provide customer service or emergency card-blocking channels for lost or stolen cards.
Charges depend on the bank's current policy. Check the latest Schedule of Charges or ask the bank directly.
A replacement card fee may apply depending on the bank, card type and account package.
This depends on whether the card was temporarily disabled or permanently blocked. Confirm the card status with your bank.
A temporary freeze may allow the card to be reactivated under bank procedures, while permanent blocking generally means the card should no longer be used.
Block the card immediately, report the transaction to your bank and register a formal complaint through the bank's official complaint process.
If your card was lost and there is any possibility that your PIN may have been compromised, contact your bank and follow its security instructions.
Different types of transactions may have different security requirements. Therefore, you should block a lost or stolen card immediately rather than assuming it cannot be used.
This depends on your bank's policy. Some banks may process the request at selected or account-maintaining branches.
Processing time varies by bank, card type and delivery or collection method.
In many cases, blocking the physical card does not mean that the entire bank account is closed, but available services depend on the bank's procedures and account status.
Contact your card-issuing bank immediately and follow its instructions. If the ATM is operated by another bank, do not assume the card will automatically be returned without reporting the incident.
If your card was stolen during a theft or other criminal incident, you may consider reporting the matter to the relevant authorities while also immediately contacting your bank to block the card.
Blocking an ATM or debit card may not automatically disable mobile banking, but this depends on the bank and the security circumstances.