Can a blocked debit card be unblocked?

You can unblock a blocked debit card with a phone call to your bank. They can help you figure out why your card was blocked in the first place and provide you with the steps to ensure that your card is unblocked.

If you find out that your debit card is blocked, don’t panic. There is a way to fix the situation so that you can continue to use your debit card to access the funds in your account.

In this article, we will review how to unblock your blocked debit card and who has the authority to unblock a blocked debit card. We will also cover whether or not you can unblock a blocked debit card yourself and under what circumstances a blocked debit card may not be able to be unblocked.

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How Can I Unblock a Blocked Debit Card?

The best way to unblock your blocked debit card is by calling your bank. They will be able to tell you why your debit card was blocked in the first place and the steps you need to take to unblock it. They may be able to clear up the issue over the phone or require you to visit a branch in person.

You may be asked to verify your identity before the bank can unblock your card. Banks will ask for the last four digits of your social security number, your birthday, or a preset security password.

Your bank will review any potentially fraudulent charges with you if your debit card was blocked due to suspicious activity. Banks will unblock your debit card if you find that the purchases under question are legitimate.

Suppose you have entered the wrong PIN into a card reader. Your bank may reset your PIN or give you a new temporary PIN to change later.

Overdrawn accounts will need to get their accounts back into good standing. You will most likely need to pay an overdraft fee and add sufficient funds. The bank will then unblock your debit card once your account is back in good standing.

Who Has the Authority to Unblock a Blocked Debit Card?

Most of the time, the bank is the only one who can unblock a blocked debit card. Because they are the institution handling your account, part of their services is to manage the security of your account.

A simple phone call to your debit card’s issuing bank will help you understand the nature of your blocked debit card. With the proper information from you, your bank is more than agreeable when it comes to unblocking your account. They just want to ensure that your money is safe.

If I Block My Debit Card, Can I Unblock It Myself?

There may be instances when you need to block your debit card instantly. Examples include losing your card or leaving it in a restaurant or store. You want to make sure no one can use your funds without your permission.

In that case, most banks have mobile apps that allow you to block your own debit card with the press of a button. You can unblock it yourself if you find your card or retrieve it from the place where you left it.

The apps that allow you to block your debit card with the tap of your smartphone screen. You can usually unblock it just as easily. Alternatively, you can always call your bank and have them block your card for you.

You can also call your bank and ask them to place a temporary block on your debit card. The block can then be removed by calling the bank back. Again, you will have to verify your identity before the card can be unblocked.

When Can a Blocked Debit Card Not Be Unblocked?

Debit cards cannot always be unblocked. Banks will not unblock debit cards that have insufficient funds or unverified fraudulent activity. In some cases, the bank may decide to issue you a new debit card.

The bank will require you to have sufficient funds in your account before the card will be unblocked. Banks may also have a minimum deposit required to keep the account open. Therefore, you will need to pay the bank enough money to get your account from a negative balance to good standing.

Additionally, the bank will block your debit card if there is suspected fraudulent activity on your account. The bank will then review the charges with you. If you do not approve the suspicious charges, the bank will deactivate that card altogether and issue you a new one.

Your account funds will be protected, but you will no longer be able to use your old card. The block placed on that particular debit card will be permanent.

Final Thoughts

If you find out that your debit card has been blocked, don’t worry. There is a solution. Your debit card can be unblocked with a quick call to your bank. They will guide you through the steps you may need to take to unblock the card.

Your card may be blocked if there are suspected fraudulent charges on the card. Your bank will either issue you a new card or unblock the card if you confirm the purchases are legitimate.

Overdrawn accounts will require sufficient funds before the card can be unblocked. You will have to pay the overdraft fee if applicable and meet the account minimum balance.

Debit cards may be blocked by yourself through your bank’s mobile app. You can easily unblock the card yourself if you recover the card. The only time a debit card can be permanently blocked is if there are verified fraudulent charges.

In that case, the bank will issue you a new card and you cannot use the old one at all.

TightFist Finance

John is the founder of TightFist Finance and an expert in the field of personal finance. John has studied personal finance for over 10 years and has used his knowledge to pay down debt, grow his investment portfolio, and launch a financial based business. He is committed to sharing content related to personal finance based on his experience in his career, investing, and path towards reaching financial independence.