Call your card issuer when ready
The moment you realize your card is missing, call the phone number on your bank's website or your statement—not a number from a search result. This is the fastest way to freeze the card and prevent unauthorized charges. Have your Social Security number and card number ready if you can find them, though the issuer can look you up by name and address.
Most issuers answer 24/7. Tell them your card is lost, not stolen, unless you know someone used it without permission. The issuer will deactivate the card on the spot. You are not responsible for charges made after you report it missing, and you are not responsible for most charges made before if you report within a reasonable time—usually defined as 60 days from when the statement showing the fraudulent charge arrives.
Ask the issuer three things during this call: whether they see any unauthorized charges already, when a replacement card will arrive, and whether they can expedite it. Some issuers send replacements within two business days at no extra cost.
Key Takeaways
- Call your card issuer's customer service line when ready to freeze the card and prevent further charges.
- You are not liable for unauthorized charges reported within 60 days of the statement date, even if the card was used before you noticed it was missing.
- Request a replacement card during your first call and ask whether expedited shipping is available.
- Check your credit report and set up fraud alerts or a credit freeze if you believe your information was compromised.
- Update automatic payments and subscriptions once your new card arrives to avoid service interruptions.
Check for unauthorized charges on your account
Log into your online account or call the issuer again to review recent transactions. Look for charges you do not recognize, especially small ones—fraudsters sometimes test stolen cards with $1 to $5 charges before attempting larger purchases. Write down the date, merchant, and amount of anything suspicious.
If you find unauthorized charges, report them to the issuer in writing as well as by phone. Send a letter to the address listed on your statement, not to a general customer service email. Include your account number, the date you reported the loss, the fraudulent transactions, and the amounts. Keep a copy for your records. Written notice creates a paper trail and resets the 60-day clock if needed.
The issuer will investigate and typically remove fraudulent charges within 30 days, though they may take up to 90 days to complete the investigation. You will not be charged interest on disputed amounts during this time.
Place a fraud alert on your credit report
Contact one of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion—and request a fraud alert. You only need to call one; that bureau will notify the other two. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name, which makes it harder for someone to commit identity theft using your information.
A fraud alert lasts one year and is free. You can renew it annually if you want ongoing protection. If you believe your Social Security number or other personal information was stolen along with the card, you can request an extended fraud alert that lasts seven years, though this requires proof of identity theft.
After placing the alert, order a free credit report from each bureau at annualcreditreport.com. Review them for accounts you did not open. If you find fraudulent accounts, contact the creditor and the credit bureau in writing to dispute them.
Consider a credit freeze if your information was compromised
A credit freeze prevents anyone from opening new accounts using your name and Social Security number. Unlike a fraud alert, a freeze stops creditors from accessing your credit report entirely unless you temporarily lift it. This is stronger protection but requires more effort on your part if you need to open a legitimate account.
A freeze is free and lasts until you remove it. You can place one with each of the three credit bureaus online or by phone. You will receive a PIN that you must use to lift the freeze later. If you only lost a card and have no reason to believe your identity information was stolen, a fraud alert is usually enough. Reserve a freeze for situations where you know your Social Security number or personal details were compromised.
Some states allow you to place a freeze on behalf of a minor or dependent adult. Check your state's laws on the credit bureau websites for details.
Update automatic payments and subscriptions
If you use your lost card for recurring charges—gym memberships, streaming services, insurance payments, loan payments—update those accounts with your new card number as soon as it arrives. Do not wait for a bill to arrive. Missing a payment, even by one day, can trigger a late fee and affect your credit score.
Log into each service's website or app and update the payment method in your account settings. If you cannot find the payment settings, call the company's customer service line. Have your new card number, expiration date, and CVV ready. Some companies allow you to update by phone; others require you to do it online.
Check your next few statements to confirm the charges went through. If a charge fails because the card information was not updated in time, contact the company when ready to explain and ask them to waive any late fees.
Decide whether to request a new card number or keep the same one
When your replacement card arrives, it will have a new card number even though it is linked to the same account. This is the default and the safest option—a new number means old fraudsters cannot use the card even if they somehow obtained the original number.
Some issuers allow you to request the same card number on your replacement, though this is rare and not recommended. Keeping the same number means you have to update more merchants and subscriptions, and it does not add any security benefit. Stick with the new number the issuer sends.
Once you receive the replacement card, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the issuer's app or website. The issuer will ask you to verify your identity and confirm the last four digits of the old card to prove you are the account holder.
Keep an eye on your credit for the next few months
Even after you have reported the loss and updated your accounts, monitor your credit for signs of identity theft. Check your credit report again 30 and 90 days after the loss. Look for new accounts, inquiries from creditors you did not contact, or changes to your personal information.
Set up account alerts with your issuer if available. Many banks let you turn on notifications for any charge over a certain amount, or for any charge at all. These alerts arrive by text or email and let you catch fraud quickly.
If you notice suspicious activity on your credit report or receive bills for accounts you did not open, contact the creditor and the credit bureau when ready. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov if you believe you are a victim of identity theft. The FTC provides a recovery plan and documentation you can use when disputing fraudulent accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I responsible for charges made before I reported the card missing?
No, not if you report within 60 days of the statement date showing the fraudulent charge. You are not liable for unauthorized charges made after you report the loss. If you report before any charges appear on your statement, you have even stronger protection. Report as soon as you notice the card is missing.
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
Standard replacement usually takes 5 to 10 business days. Many issuers offer expedited shipping for 2 to 3 business days at no cost if you ask during your first call. Some banks also offer temporary digital card numbers you can use when ready while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
What if I find my card after I have reported it lost?
Do not use it. The card is already deactivated and will not work. Destroy it by cutting it in half and throwing it away. Your replacement card will arrive within the timeframe the issuer quoted, and that is the card you should use going forward.
Do I need to file a police report?
No, unless you believe the card was stolen as part of a larger crime or identity theft scheme. A police report is not required to dispute charges with your card issuer. If you do file one, keep a copy for your records in case you need it to dispute fraudulent accounts opened in your name.
What is the difference between a fraud alert and a credit freeze?
A fraud alert notifies creditors to verify your identity before opening accounts, but creditors can still see your credit report. A credit freeze blocks access to your report entirely unless you lift it. A freeze is stronger but requires more work if you need to open a legitimate account. Use an alert for a lost card; use a freeze if your identity information was stolen.