How to Block & Unblock Credit Card?

Here are the ways to block your credit card to avoid fraudulent activities, if you have lost your card:

Through Mobile App:

• Open the mobile app of the credit card provider
• Navigate through the dashboard to select the specific credit card you wish to manage. 
• Locate and select the security feature designated for blocking or suspending the card.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the block and finalize the security request.

Through Internet Banking: 

• Access the Digital Portal: Authenticate your identity by logging into your secure online banking profile. 
• Locate Card Management: Proceed to the designated ‘Credit Cards’ segment within the main dashboard. 
• Initiate Suspension: Select the specific ‘Block your Card’ utility to begin the deactivation protocol. 
• Finalize Requirements: Execute the remaining prompts as dictated by the banking interface to secure the account. 

Through Phone: 

• Contact Service Support: Initiate a call to the credit card issuer’s official helpline using your primary registered phone number. 
• Navigate the Automated Menu: Listen carefully to the interactive voice response (IVR) instructions and follow the directed prompts. 
• Execute Card Restriction: Choose the specific menu option designated for reporting a lost card or blocking credit card access. 
• Authenticate Identity: Supply the required verification credentials as requested by the system to finalize the security protocol. 

Call Customer Care:

• Find the customer care helpline number mentioned on the back of your credit card or on the bank’s website
• Call and follow the instructions provided by the customer care executive
• Request to block your credit card, after providing the required details of your identity for verification

Visit in Person

• Locate the nearest branch of your credit card provider
• Visit the branch during working hours of the credit card provider
• Inform customer care executive about your lost or stolen card
• Provide any necessary identification to block your credit card

How to Unblock a Credit Card?

Procedure for unblocking credit cards varies from one bank to another. The general steps to unblock credit card are mentioned below:

• Initiate communication via the official customer service helpline or the dedicated mobile application. 

•  Submit required identification and authentication credentials to the representative to verify account ownership. 

•  Formalize a request for the immediate restoration of credit card functionality and the removal of all restrictive blocks. 

•  Adhere strictly to the procedural guidance issued by the support executive to finalize the unblocking process.

What are the Reasons for Which Credit Card Can Get Blocked?

The following are the reasons behind blocking credit cards:

• Non-payment of dues: Missing payments consistently or failing to pay the minimum amount due can result in your credit card being blocked.
• Suspicious activity: If potential fraud is detected by the credit card provider, then they will block the card for security purposes.
• Lost or stolen card: For stolen or lost card, the provider will block it to prevent unauthorized use as soon as the cardholders reports about it.
• Breach of credit limit: Exceeding your credit limit may lead to the temporary blocking of your credit card.

How to Protect Your Credit Card Fraud?

The ways to protect your credit card from fraudulent usage are mentioned below:

• Protect your card details during physical transactions.
• Keep your credit card information private.
• Stay alert to phishing emails or calls from fraudsters pretending to be from your bank.
• Memorize your PIN instead of writing it down.
• Do not share your credit card details with anyone.
• Regularly monitor your credit card statements and transaction history.
• Enable alerts and notifications for transactions.
• Use strong passwords to secure online transactions.
• Exercise caution when making online purchases with your credit card.

How to Block SBI Credit Card?

1. Customer Care

• Call the toll-free customer care number for SBI Card.
• For verification, provide your card number and registered mobile number.
• Once verified, the customer care representative will block your card immediately.

2. Via SMS

• From your registered mobile number, send an SMS to 5676791 in the format: BLOCK (Last four digits of your card number).
• You will receive a confirmation message indicating that your card has been successfully blocked.

3. SBI Official Website

• Log in to the SBI Card website using your credentials.
• Select the option for lost or stolen card blocking.
• Choose the card you want to block.
• Follow the instructions to complete the process.
• A confirmation message will be sent to your registered mobile number and email.

4. SBI Card Mobile App

• Log in to the SBI Card mobile app using your credentials.
• Navigate to the ‘Manage Card’ section.
• Select the card you wish to block and complete the procedure.
• You will receive a confirmation message that your card has been blocked successfully.

5. Branch Visit

• Visit your nearest SBI branch and report the reason for blocking your credit card.
• A customer executive will guide you through the process.
• Fill out the required forms to block your card.
• You will receive a confirmation message and email after the card is blocked.

6. Email Request

• Send an email to customercare@sbicard.com and state your request to block your credit card along with the reason.
• The team concerned will respond and assist you further.

How to Block HDFC Credit Card?

The private lender, HDFC, also offers a facility to block your credit card when it is lost/stolen or when you find some suspicious transaction that has taken place using your card details.

1. MyCards Portal

• Visit ‘MyCards’
• Enter your registered mobile number and OTP (One Time Password).
• Click on the ‘Block Card’ tab, on the Credit Card homepage.
• Select a reason for hotlisting and proceed.
• You will receive confirmation once the card is successfully blocked.

(Note: Register your card using the last 4 digits of your Credit Card number and your Date of Birth.)

2. EVA Chatbot

• Visit HDFC Bank website
• Click on the EVA chatbot icon on the right.
• Select Credit Card Services
• Click on ‘Hotlist Your Credit Card’.
• Enter your registered mobile number, OTP, and Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY).
• Provide the last four digits of your Credit Card and proceed.

3. WhatsApp Banking

• Send a message to 70700 22222 and say "Hi."
• Using your Customer ID and OTP complete the one-time registration process.
• Select ‘Credit Card Services’ tab
• Click on ‘Block My Credit Card’, then provide a reason for blocking.
• Verify the last four digits of your Credit Card before proceeding.

4. Mobile Banking App

• Log in to the HDFC Mobile Banking App using PIN or fingerprint.
• Click on the menu (left-hand side corner), then select Pay.
• Click on ‘Cards’.
• Choose the Credit Card you wish to block, provide the reason, and confirm.
• Receive confirmation of successful hotlisting.

5. Net Banking

• Log in to NetBanking using your Customer ID and Password.
• Navigate to ‘Card’ section.
• Click on ‘Credit Card’.
• Click on ‘Credit Card Hotlisting’ under ‘Requests’.
• Select the card, provide the reason for hotlisting, add remarks, and confirm.
• A confirmation will be sent upon successful blocking.

6. SMS Banking

• Ensure your mobile number is registered with the bank.
• Send an SMS in the below format:

Block CC (last 4 digits of Credit Card) to 7308080808 (e.g., "Block CC 1234").

7. Phone Banking

• Call HDFC Phone Banking at 1800 202 6161 or 1860 267 6161 (India) or +9122 61606160 (abroad).
• Follow the IVR instructions and provide your details, such as
• Customer ID
• Account number,
• Or registered mobile number, to block the card.

8. Branch Banking

• Visit your nearest HDFC Bank branch.
• Fill out a Blocking ATM & Credit Card Form, available at the branch or download it here.
• Submit the completed form to the branch for processing.

How to Unblock HDFC Credit Card?

The only way to re-activate your blocked HDFC credit card is to call the bank's customer care and request the same. Do not try to unblock your lost/stolen cards or when you have applied for re-issuance. The unblock option is mostly suitable when the bank blocks your card for any late payments or over limit spends.

Unblocking HDFC credit card online, which means using your net banking, is not available for now.

How to Block Axis Bank Credit Card ?

Axis bank allows its credit card customers online as well as offline methods to block their cards in case they are lost/stolen. They are allowed to block even when they find any suspicious transactions on them credit cards.

How to Block Axis Bank Credit Card?

The ways to block Axis Bank credit card are mentioned below:

Online

1. Axis Bank Website

• Visit axisbank.com/support.
• Navigate to Support Home Page.
• Then click on ‘Insta Services’.
• Click on ‘Cards’ and then on ‘Block Credit Card’.
• Enter your registered mobile number and OTP (One Time Password).
• Select the card to block.
• Click Submit.
• Your card will be blocked and replaced.
• Alternatively, click on the ‘Do Now’ option to access this service directly.

2. Chat with Axis Aha!

• Access Axis Aha! via the icon on axisbank.com.
• Type Block Credit Card in the chat.
• Log in using Internet Banking credentials or MPIN.
• Select the card to block
• Click on ‘Confirm’.
• Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

3. Axis Mobile App

• Log in to the app.
• Go to Credit Cards and then select the card.
• Click on ‘Controls’
• Choose ‘Block & Replace Card’ to complete the process.

4. Internet Banking

• Log in to your account.
• Navigate to ‘Accounts’
• Click on ‘More Service’ under ‘My Credit Cards’
• Click on ‘Block Card’.
• Select the reason, click Next, and enter the NetSecure Code.

Offline

5. SMS Service

• Send an SMS in the given format:

BLOCK (16-digit card number) to +919951860002 or 56161600 from your registered mobile number.

• Your card will be blocked in real time.

6. Phone Banking

• Call Axis Bank customer service using the Call option on the website.

How to Unblock Axis Bank Credit Card?

While blocking credit cards is being allowed online, unblocking can be done only by taking help of bank's customer care. Unblocking Axis bank credit card online is currently not available.

How to Block Credit Cards of Top Banks?

Here is the list of customer car numbers of top banks where you can call to block your credit cards:

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