What should I do if my credit card is lost or stolen?
If your credit card is lost or stolen, the golden rule is to contact your card issuer straight away. It may have fallen into the wrong hands, so they need to cancel it to prevent any fraudulent activity. Failure to do so could potentially leave you out of pocket.
It’s handy to gather the following details together before you get in touch:
- your account number
- the date you noticed your card was missing
- the date and amount of your last purchase (if you know it)
If you don’t have all these details to hand, it doesn’t matter. You should still contact your card provider to report your card as lost or stolen.
Once your card has been cancelled, the bank will send you a replacement, which will normally take a few days to arrive. It’s best to check the exact timeframe with the card issuer, so you can plan around it.
Tip: Check your card statements for any recurring payments (like TV subscriptions, for example). When you get your new card, you’ll need to update your bank details with these providers to make sure you don’t miss any payments going forwards.
How can I report my Ocean credit card as lost or stolen?
If your Ocean credit card has been lost or stolen, you should tell Capital One straight away. You can do this using the Capital One app or you can call them on 0800 952 5267.
What if the missing card has been used?
If you check your bank statement and you notice a payment you don’t recognise, you should inform your card issuer immediately.
They will normally reimburse you for any suspicious payments on your account. The only exception is if they can prove that the disputed transactions were a result of fraud or gross negligence on your part.
To be on the safe side, you should never:
- let someone else use your card
- fail to take care of your card and details
- disclose personal data (like your PIN) to anybody else - not even your bank
If you have done any of the above, your card provider may feel they have a case against you. However, gross negligence is not the same as carelessness. If it wasn’t your fault, then you shouldn’t be liable for any suspicious transactions.
How to prevent a future lost credit card
Here are some tips to help you keep your cards safe:
- only carry the cards you need
- leave the cards you don’t need at home in a secure place
- check periodically to make sure none have gone missing
- avoid putting cards in your pockets. It's easy for them to slip out
- make sure your cards fit securely inside your wallet. If your wallet has become worn, consider purchasing a new one
- always keep your wallet closed and don’t let it out of your sight when you’re out and about
- alternatively, store your cards in a mobile payment wallet, so you don’t have to physically take them out with you
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Disclaimer: All information and links are correct at the time of publishing.
Adele Kitchen
Personal Finance Writer
Adele is a personal finance writer with more than 10 years in the finance industry behind her. She writes clear and engaging guides on all things loans for Ocean, as well as contributing blogs to help people understand their options when it comes to money.
