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Replacing a Lost or Stolen Debit Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

Losing your debit card is always a hassle—many folks use one almost exclusively instead of cash or checks. Your bank cannot usually issue a new one immediately; you'll often have to wait a good week or more before receiving the new bank card.

Pay attention to when your debit card expires so you can be on the lookout for the new one. Report back to your bank if it has not been received well in advance of the old card's expiration.

Step 1

Report your lost or stolen card directly to your bank in person or by telephone. You should automatically receive a replacement card before the old one expires; if you have not, it has probably been lost in the mail.

Step 2

Validate your identity. The bank will ask you a series of questions over the phone to ensure you are the actual cardholder. This will likely include your name, address and a password that may be your mother's maiden name or one you set up with the bank when opening the account. The bank may also request the last four numbers of your Social Security number, a pin number or a telephone number.

Step 3

Review recent transactions on the card with the bank representative. The easiest way to do this is to have your bank account transactions in front of you online while speaking with the representative. If you don't have an online account, the representative will verbally review the most recent transactions with you to verify you made the purchases.

Step 4

Ask to be transferred to the fraud department if there have been fraudulent purchases made on your account. If not, order a new card with the representative on the phone. It usually takes about 10 business days to receive the new one.

Step 5

Activate the new card by phone as soon as you receive it. Sign the back once it's activated and put it securely in your wallet. If you later find the old card, cut it up with a shredder or scissors before disposing of it.