Card Freezes (2024)

Card freezes depend on how and when payments are processed. Some payments are processed instantly and others, like some public transport services or online retailers, are processed later. If you turn on your Card freeze before the payment is processed, the transaction may be stopped.

We also rely on transactions being categorised correctly. In the rare case that this doesn’t happen, we can’t always stop the transaction through Card freezes.

Freeze abroad stops payments outside the UK in person and at Cashpoints.

It won’t stop

  • Transactions where retailers don’t ask for bank authorisation e.g. payments on TFL or on planes.

Freeze online and remotestops transactions where your card isn’t there when you pay. For example, online, in-app, phone and mail order payments. It includes digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

It won’t stop

  • Direct Debits.
  • Anything the retailer considers to be a recurring transaction.
  • Transactions where retailers don’t ask for bank authorisation e.g. payments on TFL or on planes.

Freeze in person stops transactions where you use your card to make a payment in person, including digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

It won’t stop

  • Cashpoint withdrawals
  • Transactions where retailers don’t ask for bank authorisation e.g. payments on TFL or on planes.

The full freeze instantly blocks transactions on your card, including:

  • online and in-person payments made with your card
  • online and contactless payments using Apple Pay or Google Pay
  • payments over the phone
  • mail order payments
  • cash machine withdrawals (credit card only).

It still allows:

  • balance transfers and money transfers
  • payments into your account, such as refunds
  • recurring payments, such as Direct Debits or subscriptions.

The cash machine freeze (credit card only) instantly blocks your card being used to withdraw money from any Cashpoint. Your card can still be used for other Cashpoint services, such as checking your balance.

Freeze contactless

This instantly blocks contactless payments with your debit or credit card.

But please note the following difference:

  • Freezing your debit card also stops contactless payments with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
  • Freezing your credit card doesn’t stop contactless payments with Apple Pay and Google Pay.

If you don’t recognise a transaction, there’s no need to worry. Have a look at our online guide to see what steps you should take.

Card Freezes (2024)

FAQs

What does freezing your credit card mean? ›

Freezing or locking a credit card generally blocks it from processing new transactions, including purchases and cash advances; however, recurring payments and certain other actions will still be processed.

Why does my card keep freezing? ›

Bank accounts are typically frozen for suspected illegal activity, a creditor seeking payment, or by government request. A frozen account may also be a sign that you've been a victim of identity theft. Each situation requires specific actions to unfreeze the account.

What does it mean when your debit card is frozen? ›

Account freezes are normally the result of a court order, though, in some cases, the financial institution itself may initiate them. Freezes typically occur when the account holder has unpaid debts to creditors or the government, or when suspicious activity has been detected in the account.

Why has my credit card been frozen? ›

Sometimes banks and lenders freeze credit card accounts themselves. Again this will relate to one of two things, either the risk of fraud or worries around your ability to pay the money back. One of the most common reasons is when unusual activity takes place.

What does it mean when a card is frozen? ›

Freezing your card means temporarily stopping your card being used for: • store payments or cash machine withdrawals. • making balance or money transfers. Some payments won't be affected by freezing your card such as: • Regular payments taken automatically, such as subscriptions.

Does freezing card stop payments? ›

No. Some payments will still be completed, for example: Payments that are processed by a retailer, such as on a plane or road toll.

Can you unfreeze a card? ›

Select the card that is temporarily frozen and click “Unfreeze Card”. Finalise the operation with your electronic signature, which must be active and operational. In Online Banking, go to your overall position using your access code.

How do I unfreeze my account? ›

How do you release a frozen account? To release a frozen account, you need to contact your bank and address the reason for the freeze. This may involve providing necessary documents, resolving legal matters, or verifying transactions to prove compliance.

How do I fix my debit freeze? ›

Address the issue: Provide documentation if the freeze is due to identity verification or legal proceedings. If your bank account was frozen due to defaulting on a loan repayment, once you have repaid the loan, you can request to reactivate it.

Can a bank freeze your account without notice? ›

Yes. It is unlikely that you will get any advance notice of a freeze on your account before it is frozen. Although a bank must tell you if it has received an order to freeze your account, the bank will comply with the order before notifying you, which means your account will be frozen before you learn of it.

How long can a bank freeze your debit card? ›

How Long Can a Bank Freeze an Account for? There is no set timeline that banks have before they have to unfreeze an account.

What to do if bank freezes your card? ›

Steps to unfreeze your account
  1. Contact your bank. Calling your bank is usually the quickest way to find out why your account is frozen and what you can do to regain access.
  2. Resolve the issue. You may be able to have your issue resolved quickly, depending on your situation. ...
  3. Stop payments. ...
  4. Get legal advice, if needed.
Jul 23, 2024

Why is my debit card declining when I have money? ›

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.

How long does a credit card freeze last? ›

Duration: A credit freeze lasts until you remove it.

Why does my credit say frozen? ›

System errors, file mixups, data breaches, or even identity theft may be why your credit is frozen without you initiating it. System errors, file mixups, data breaches, or even identity theft may be why your credit is frozen without you initiating it. Aura's app keeps you safe from scams, fraud, and identity theft.

Is it good idea to freeze your credit? ›

Should You Freeze Your Credit? Freezing your credit can be a simple and free way to help protect yourself from credit fraud. It's one of the few proactive measures you can take, and you can always unfreeze your credit reports for free.

Is it better to freeze or cancel a credit card? ›

While it is possible to cancel a credit card with an outstanding balance, it's not recommended. You'll still be responsible for making minimum payments and interest will still accrue. If you can't pay the card in full, consider freezing the account until you can close it.

Can I still pay my credit card if I freeze it? ›

When you freeze your card, any recurring payments that you've already set up will continue to be processed. Also, please note that interest charges will continue to accrue on the unpaid balance. So, you will still have to make at least the minimum monthly payment.

Does freezing your card stop pending transactions? ›

In general, locking your debit card won't stop transactions that were made and authorized before you locked it but are still pending. In other words, if you made a purchase that's pending, then locked your debit card before it completed, that transaction should still go through.

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