What Causes Your Debit Card to be Blocked? (2024)

FAQs

What Causes Your Debit Card to be Blocked? ›

Your card may be declined for a number of reasons: the card has expired; you're over your credit limit; the card issuer sees suspicious activity that could be a sign of fraud; or a hotel, rental car company, or other business placed a block (or hold) on your card for its estimated total of your bill.

There are several reasons why a debit card may be declined even if you have money in your account. Common reasons include travel and reaching your daily purchase limit. Stay on top of your cards and consider using budgeting apps to help avoid debit card denial.

You can directly approach your bank or its branch and submit a written application, requesting an automatic unblock of the ATM card. To verify your identity as the card's user, you must submit ID and address proof. Once these details are verified, the bank will unblock your card.

Card blocking is a temporary hold placed on your credit or debit card by merchants to ensure they can secure payment for potential expenses.

So if your card is blocked for any suspicious reason while you're on the road, the first thing you should do is scope out an ATM nearby. Then, when you speak to your bank to arrange for the new card, you can also arrange to withdraw some emergency cash.

In other instances, you may find your debit card completely blocked, meaning it won't work for any purchases or ATM withdrawals. These situations sometimes resolve themselves; for example, cards that are blocked due to daily limits, or due to excessive PIN entry attempts, will typically be unblocked within 24 hours.

The account has insufficient funds (NSF). If the card being used is a debit card, there could be a rejection for NSF. This happens when the bank account connected to the card does not have enough money in it to cover the transaction amount. Some banks offer overdraft protection for their customers, but others do not.

You are able to check the balance and the movement of your Blocked Account in several ways. To learn more about this feature, you can read about it further below: How can I check the balance of my Blocked Account online? How can I download my Bank Statement?

Typically, if the card was locked due to suspected fraudulent activity, it may take a few days for the bank to investigate and then unlock the card. If the card was locked due to a customer-initiated request, the bank may be able to unlock it immediately or within a few hours.

A court must approve and order any withdrawal of funds from a blocked account. The most common reason to petition a court to withdraw funds from a blocked account is to access a blocked account because the account was created for a minor who has subsequently turned 18.

How long does it take for a bank to unlock your account? ›

For most banks, Debit Cards can be blocked via Phone Banking as well. The procedure of how to block Debit Card by Phone Banking is: Call up the bank and authenticate yourself. Authenticate and confirm the Debit Card details.

Your card provider may call or text you to ask for purchase approval. If your card issuer does not contact you, calling customer service may allow you to resolve the issue immediately by verifying your identity and intention to make the flagged purchase.

Message and data rates may apply. When you place a lock on your debit or ATM card via Online or Mobile Banking, it will prevent most types of card transactions from being processed until you take action to unlock your card. Any virtual cards linked to the locked card will also be locked.

As a result your credit score may go down and may reduce your future chances to get credit. We request you to make regular payments to maintain good credit history and enjoy uninterrupted services on your SBI Card.

In case the card you are permanently blocking is in your possession, we request you to destroy the card by cutting into 4 pieces once the card is blocked. In case there is an unauthorized transaction on your card, request you to block the card immediately and contact the 24-hour phone banking or visit the branch.