When your card is blocked, you cannot make online payments as it will get declined. Also, the card will not be read by the card reader at the ATM or it will not accept the PIN or decline the transaction again. You can confirm if the card is blocked by calling customer care service or at the bank branch.
If you have blocked the card due to suspicious activity or due to your negligence and now would like to unblock it, you will have to place a request at the nearest bank branch. You may have to provide your identity proof along with your account number so that the bank can unblock the card.
Your card may be declined for a number of reasons: the card has expired; you're over your credit limit; the card issuer sees suspicious activity that could be a sign of fraud; or a hotel, rental car company, or other business placed a block (or hold) on your card for its estimated total of your bill.
When you enter the wrong ATM PIN thrice, ATM card is blocked for 24 hours to avoid misuse. However, after 24 hours it will unlock on its own.
When your account is blocked it means you can't make any purchases using your debit card. It also means any direct debits or standing orders will not be processed. Access to your funds will also be blocked therefore, you can't withdraw cash out at ATM or Post Office and you can't make any payment transfers.
You've reached your daily purchase limit
Debit cards have daily purchase limits set by financial institutions to ensure your money is safe. The daily purchase limit for your debit card depends on where you bank. Most financial institutions will generally allow you to spend between $400 to $25,000 daily on a debit card.
Sometimes, a blocked debit card can be immediately unblocked. Other times, it may take 24 hours or even a week for the card to be unblocked. However, the maximum amount of time a debit card can be blocked is 15 days.
Login to Internet Banking/Mobile Banking. Click on DEBIT CARD SERVICES. Click on DEBIT CARD ON. Select your Account Number & Card Number form the drop-down menu, select the reason and enter your comments.
Temporarily blocking your Card prevents it from being used for new purchases. However, recurring bills, such as subscriptions or monthly bills, will post to your account as usual.
Credit card issuers may close accounts suddenly and without notice. This can be done for several reasons—maybe you haven't used the card in a long time, or you've breached the terms of the card agreement, for example.
Card Lock is a security feature which allows you to block new authorizations on your debit card and/or credit card. If you misplace your card, locking can prevent criminals from using your card, until you need to report the card as Lost/Stolen.
Lack of available funds. Expired card information is being used. Possible magnetic strip damage (in this case, you'll need a new card). PIN was entered incorrectly.
Banks will deactivate a card if they suspect there's been any fraudulent use. Though recent security measures such as chip technology have reduced the number of fraud cases, banks tend to err on the side of caution. And a frozen account can cause a massive inconvenience.
You can unblock your card online by logging in to your net banking account as well for the banks who offer the option of doing so. You can click on the section of 'cards' and select your credit card and choose to unblock it. However, it cannot be unblocked if it has been blocked due to theft or loss.
You can still use your card for physical in-store transactions and telephone payments and to log in to online servicing. However, you won't be able to use your card for online transactions until your account is unblocked.
Typically the hold stays on your account until the funds are transferred to the merchant from your financial institution, often 3-4 days. If you look at your account online it may show as a pending transaction.
You need to quickly call your bank. The reason it was blocked is because they thought someone stole your card (or your card details) so they're basically trying to protect you. If you contact them quickly enough, it'll be re-activated within the same day (assuming it's not in the weekend).
Call Customer Service
The simplest way to clear up any question about whether your credit card is still active is to call the issuer and ask. Call the number on the back of your card to inquire about the status of your account.
Even still, any reputable bank will monitor your account for fraud-like charges. Anything they deem questionable will result in a temporary hold or freeze of your card. Most of the time, it's a quick and relatively painless fix.
You have a negative balance. You have excess overdraft fees. You're suspected of fraud. You break a bank or account policy.
Visit ATM or Retail Store
Insert the card into the ATM, enter your PIN and the card should activate. You can then withdraw money or simply check your account balance to ensure the debit card is working.
You should receive notice before your account is frozen—either from the entity requesting the freeze or from the bank. In most cases, you'll receive a notice from both.
Blocked accounts restrict account owners from unlimited and unrestricted use of their funds in that account. Accounts may be blocked or limited for a variety of reasons, including internal bank policies, external regulations, or via a court order or legal decision.
Blocking funds in an account essentially means you prevent clients from withdrawing or transferring a specified amount. Clients can still withdraw any remaining funds and receive deposits including their paycheck, but the freeze stops withdrawals or transfers over a certain amount from going through.
A judgment creditor does not have to give you specific notice before freezing your bank account. However, a creditor or debt collector is required to notify you (1) that it has filed a lawsuit against you; and (2) that it has obtained a judgment against you.