Steps to Unblock an ATM Card & Reactivate Debit Card

Different Ways to Unblock Debit Card

Besides being lost or stolen, ATM cards can be voluntarily blocked by the account holders due to various reasons such as the card being misplaced or entering the wrong details several times.

In such cases to unblock an already blocked ATM card, several banks have introduced various methods for customers to unblock their ATM cards. The following are the methods by which customers can unblock their ATM card:

Unblock Debit ATM Card through Bank

The following is the method to unblock an ATM card by visiting the bank:

1. Visit the nearest bank with relevant documents

1. Upon submitting a written application, the bank representative will initiate the card unblocking process

Unblock ATM Card through Call

To unblock your debit card via call, follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Call the customer service department of your bank.

Step 2: Speak with a representative or follow the automated voice system's instructions.

Step 3: Give the details that are required to verify your identity, including your card number, account number, and personal information.

Step 4: Request that your ATM card be unblocked and find out why it was blocked.

Step 5: The bank representative might ask you to visit the closest branch or submit more information to proceed.

Step 6: The bank will unblock your card once your identity has been verified.

Unblock ATM Card through SMS

Certain banks provide the ability to use SMS to unblock an ATM card. Here is how you can unblock your debit card via SMS:

Step 1: Find out if your bank provides the ability to unblock SMS messages as well as the precise format or keywords you must enter to start the process.

Step 2: Provide the necessary information, including your account number, card number, and the reason for the block, in an SMS message to the bank.

Step 3: An SMS containing a confirmation code or link to validate the request for unblocking may be sent to you.

Step 5: Your identity will be verified by the bank.

Step 6: The bank will approve your request and unblock your debit card.

Unblock ATM Card Online

The facility to unblock your debit card online is offered by some banks. You can do so by logging into your net banking account or mobile banking app.  

Unblock Debit Card Automatically

Your ATM cards may be automatically unblocked under the following circumstances:

1. Three incorrect PIN entries will result in a 24-hour temporary block on your card. It will become automatically operational and usable after this period.  
2. Your ATM card may be blocked by banks for security purposes in order to stop data breaches. After all required security checks are finished, your card might be automatically unblocked.

Steps to Block an ATM Card

Blocking ATM Card Via Bank

The following are the steps to block your ATM card via bank:

1. Visit the nearest branch of the bank with your account details such as account number and account holder’s name

1. The bank representative will help you with ATM card blocking process

Blocking ATM Card Via Net Banking

The following is a step-by-step process on blocking ATM card using net banking services:

1. Open the bank’s official net banking section

1. Next, select ‘ATM Card Block’ section displayed on the home page

1. Enter the relevant information and follow the steps required by the bank to initiate the card blocking process

Blocking ATM Card Via Mobile Banking

Most of the banks have enabled the ATM card blocking process on their mobile banking application. The following are steps to follow to block ATM card using the bank’s mobile banking app:

1. Download the bank’s mobile banking application and register your account number

1. Follow the steps listed on the app to initiate the ATM card blocking process

Blocking ATM Card Via Bank’s Customer Care Center

The following is the method by which you can block the ATM card through bank’s customer care:

1. Customer can contact the bank’s customer care center through their registered mobile number

1. Upon providing the required detail, the customer support team will guide the customers in the ATM card blocking process

Blocking ATM Card Via Bank’s Automated Reporting System

As per the Reserve Bank’s guidelines, the bank sends transaction alerts via email or SMS to customers for every transaction made from their account. This SMS or email contains a mobile number to alert if any transaction is fraudulent. The card holder can send an SMS to the said mobile number to immediately initiate the card blocking process.  

How to Avoid Debit Card Blocking?

Keep the following points in mind to prevent your ATM card from being blocked:

1. Keep your PIN private and secure.
2. Notify the bank if you are planning to travel to a different city or abroad so that they won't interpret your transactions as fraudulent.
3. Never give your card or PIN to anyone, even if they are friends or family.
4. Keep updating your contact information with the bank.

1. Prevent exceeding your limit by tracking your account balance.
2. Regularly review your transaction history to look for any unusual activity.
3. To keep your card active, use it regularly to make small purchases.
4. When making purchases online, stick to reputable and secure websites and stay off of public Wi-Fi networks.