What to Do If You Lose Your Debit Card Overseas - NerdWallet (2024)

FAQs

What to Do If You Lose Your Debit Card Overseas - NerdWallet? ›

If you lose your debit card, call your bank or credit union. You'll want to alert your financial institution ASAP, so it can take steps to protect your account from fraud. The trusty toll-free 800-number you use for customer service may not work overseas, so plan to call a direct line.

Contact your bank and report your card stolen

Also, be sure to ask them if they have an affiliate bank you can deal with in destination. Often times the case is that banks will send you an emergency card to a fixed address in a couple of days. Just make sure it's to a trusted address!

In most cases, Mastercard and Visa can issue you with a replacement card within 24-48 hours, although this depends on your location. An emergency card can be used to make manual and swiping transactions at overseas merchants or a cash advance at an overseas bank, but can't be used to withdraw cash from an ATM.

“Call the number that was listed on the card to report it lost or stolen ASAP,” says Allen. “Also request emergency card replacement and cash if your bank offers these services.” Most major credit cards offer zero liability for fraudulent charges.

If you discover that you've lost your debit card while traveling, lock your card yourself or contact your bank and have them lock or deactivate your card immediately. Flag any suspicious activity with them directly, or file a police report if you notice that other items have been stolen.

The first step, as always, is to contact the credit-card company and place a fraud alert on the missing cards. If you're traveling abroad, that means contacting the company's international customer service line to report the loss.

If your card is compromised, you'll have to act fast to avoid losing money. If you report a loss within two days, the most you can lose is $50, according to federal law. But you risk losing up to $500 from your account if you wait up to 60 days — or the entire amount in your account if you wait longer.

If your card—debit or credit—is lost, stolen, damaged or compromised, we will work with your financial institution to approve and expedite the delivery of an emergency card to you. Visa Global Customer Assistance Services associates are on standby.

Both primary and additional cardholders will need to let us know that they're travelling. It's also important to make sure that you follow simple card safety tips when using ATM's or shopping overseas. Our handy travel checklist offers important tips and tricks to help your money stay safe while you're travelling.

What happens if you lose your Visa in another country? ›

Therefore, in that situation you must apply for a new visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

International ATM fee: This is usually a combination of a flat fee and a percentage of the amount withdrawn. Typically, fees range from $1 to $5. Foreign transaction fee: Also known as a currency conversion fee, this fee can range from 1% to 3% of the total purchase amount.

When you report a card as lost or stolen, your credit card company will deactivate or cancel your current credit card number. The card number previously assigned to you will no longer be active and you will be mailed a replacement credit card with a new number.

If your credit/debit card is lost or stolen then you should contact the card issuer as soon as possible. You may ask the card issuer to send you a replacement card even if you are overseas.

As soon as you notice any loss of a card , stay calm and contact the issuer bank to request that the account be frozen. Most banks provide a hotline specifically for emergency purposes like this.

You can simply visit the nearest branch of your bank to place a request for a new Debit Card. Meet the Relationship Manager at the branch and place a request for a new Debit Card. You can also ask for an instant Debit Card at the branch. You will be issued a Debit Card immediately.

The fastest way to withdraw cash from your account without the card is either getting cash back from a retail store or using a cardless ATM. Keep in mind, however, that both of these methods require that you have your debit card saved on your mobile wallet.

If you have lost your debit card, unfortunately, you cannot track the debit card status. There is no way through which any bank or police can help you track a stolen or lost debit card. However, you can always take the necessary steps to protect your card.