Lost debit or credit card – what to do? Your comprehensive guide
Losing your debit or credit card is always annoying and can involve financial risks. Whether stolen or lost, acting quickly and correctly is crucial to minimise damage and protect your finances. This guide will help you understand what steps to take if your debit or credit card is lost, who to contact, and how to effectively report the loss.
1. Act quickly
If you have lost your debit or credit card, or it has been stolen, it is important to act immediately to prevent unauthorised use and limit the damage.
2. Block your card
2.1. Blocking in person or by phone
Contact your credit institution or the card issuer immediately to have your card blocked. You can do this in person at a branch or by phone. Many banks also offer online or app-based blocking functions.
In person: Visit a branch of your bank.
By phone: Call your bank's customer service. Have the following information ready:
- sort code (BLZ)
- account number
- card number (if available)
2.2. General emergency number
Alternatively, you can call the general emergency number 116 116, which will forward you to the right point of contact. Calls from Germany are free of charge, but charges may apply from abroad (+49 116 116 or +49 30 4050 405).
3. Reporting loss or theft
3.1. If your card is stolen, report it to the police
If your card is stolen, you must report the theft to the police immediately. This is particularly important to prevent misuse and as proof for insurance claims.
Documents required:
- ID card or passport
- Theft report
- Card number (if available)
3.2. Report the loss to the police
Even if a card is lost, you should report it to the police, especially if it is a credit card. This serves as documentation and can be helpful in the event of any subsequent incidents.
4. Using the KUNO project
The KUNO project (German abbreviation for ‘customer notification and information in the event of the loss or theft of EC cards’) offers an additional layer of security:
Cooperation: The police work together with shops and other organisations to block lost debit cards at the checkout.
Requirements:
Sort code and name of the financial institution
Account number
Card number (can be provided by your bank)
To block your debit card via KUNO:
Go to the police: Go to any police station and have your card blocked with KUNO.
Have the required information ready: sort code, account number and card number.
5. Apply for a new card
5.1. Apply for a replacement card
Visit your bank or the card issuer to apply for a new debit or credit card.
Required documents:
Valid ID card or passport
Current biometric photo
Theft report (for stolen cards)
5.2. Costs and processing time
- Costs:
Replacement card: Up to 30 euros (varies by bank)
Provisional card: Often available for free or for a small fee
Processing time:
Regular: Approx. one week
Express: Up to 48 hours for an additional fee
6. Place a lost and found ad
Use suchen.expert to help you find your lost debit or credit card. Placing an ad can increase the chances of finding your card.
6.1 Type of loss: Debit or credit card lost or stolen
6.2 Place and date of loss: The exact place and time when the card was lost
6.3 Description: Details of the card (special features, e.g. colour, design)
6.4 Photo: If possible, a picture of your card
6.5 Contact information: Your phone number
7. Expand your search
- Increase your search efforts by taking the following steps:
Use platforms: Register with suchen.expert and search for your card in the ‘found’ category. Also leave a message indicating the location of your lost debit or credit card.
Disseminate information: Share your concern on social media or local forums to get more exposure.
Ask neighbours and acquaintances: Inform your neighbours, friends and family about the loss in case the card was left with them.
8. Further measures and points of contact
If your card is not found despite all your efforts, the following steps may be helpful:
Further enquiries: Continue your enquiries and contact other branches or offices of the bank if necessary.
Check insurance: Check whether your insurance covers the loss or theft of your card, especially for credit cards with additional insurance coverage.
Additional security measures: Make sure you block or renew any other important documents that were stored on your card.
9. Preventive measures to avoid future losses
To avoid future losses, follow these tips:
Secure storage: Keep your cards in a fixed, secure location, e.g. in a locked wallet or a secure compartment in your bag.
Digital copies: Take a photo of important cards and store them securely in the cloud or on your smartphone.
Separate copies: Carry copies of important documents separately from the original so that you can react quickly in case of loss.
Regular checks: regularly check that your cards are in their designated places.
Security software: use apps or functions that remind you of the location of your cards, e.g. through reminders or location services.
10. Conclusion
Losing your debit or credit card is an unpleasant and potentially costly situation, but it can be managed with a systematic and quick approach. Keep calm, act cautiously and use all available resources, including support from your bank, the police and platforms such as suchen.expert. You can avoid future losses and increase your financial security by taking preventive measures.
The information displayed comes from publicly available sources and was last updated on 12.07.2024. All content and explanations are non-binding and do not constitute legal advice. The Suchen Expert platform does not guarantee and is not liable for the accuracy or completeness of the information published.
