Lost or Stolen Credit, ATM, and Debit Cards

Report the loss or theft of your credit, ATM, or debit card immediately. Make the report to the card issuer as soon as you discover your card is missing. Most card issuers have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to report missing cards. Your financial institution may also allow you to report a lost or stolen card on their mobile app.  

After you report your card missing, follow up with your card issuer with a letter or email. Include the following: 

• Your account number,  
• The date and time you noticed your card was missing,  
• When you first reported the loss.  

Keep a record of any communication you make to the card issuer about your lost or stolen card. 

It depends on the type of card and when you reported it missing.  

• If you report your card missing before someone uses it, you aren’t responsible for charges you didn't make.  

• If you report your card missing after someone uses it, the most you may have to pay is $50.  

• If your card number was used, but you still have your card, you aren’t responsible for any charges you didn't make.

• If you report your card missing before someone uses it, you aren’t responsible for charges you didn't make. 

• If you report a missing card after someone uses it, the amount you have to pay depends on when you reported it. 

• If you report it missing within 2 business days, the most you may have to pay is $50. 

• If you report your card missing within 60 days after you receive your statement, the most you may have to pay is $500.  

• If you report it more than 60 days after receiving your statement, you may have to pay all the money in your account.

Federal laws say you won’t have to pay for the unauthorized charges made after you report your card lost or stolen. 

You can protect your account and account information by: 

• Checking your accounts and transaction history often. Immediately report any charges or withdrawals you don’t recognize. 

• Keeping track of your cards. Make sure you know where your cards are, don’t carry more cards than you need, keep the cards you don’t need in a safe location. 

• Keeping your account number and PINs private. Do not share your account information unless it is with your card issuer. Only share account information with your card issuer if you called them and know why they need it.  

• Properly disposing of your cards, receipts, and deposit slips. Cut up old cards. Cut through the account number, magnetic strip, security code, and chip. Dispose of the card pieces in separate bags. Shred any receipts, deposit slips, and statements you’re not keeping for your records.  

• Avoiding scams. Scammers will contact you in different ways to try and get your account information.  Do not share your account information unless you are sure you are speaking to your card issuer. Only share your account information with your card issuer if you called them and know why they need it.

See Lost or Stolen Credit, ATM, and Debit Cards.