EC card lost - what to do?
If you have lost your debit card, you should act quickly and correctly. You can find out what you have to do and how you can get out of the situation without any losses or major annoyance in our practical tip.
EC card lost - so proceed
If you cannot find your debit card, it is likely to be lost. Sometimes you even remember where it could have been. But the card may also have been stolen without you realizing it. In both cases, you should proceed in the following order:
- Block: Have the card blocked immediately. There is a blocked emergency call on (+49) 116 116. You can reach the hotline around the clock and do not pay any fees. When you call, you have to announce your account number and bank code or enter it on the number field of your telephone. Note: There are charges for calling from abroad.
- Search: If the card is blocked, you can start the search. Search for visited places or go to the store where you last used it.
- Bank: If you could not find the card yourself, you should go to your house bank. It may have been handed in there or will be deposited there in the near future. The bank will inform you immediately. A way to the nearest police station can also be worthwhile: Many people hand in items found directly to the police.
- New card: Before you apply for a new card directly, you should wait a few days - the old card may appear again. If you don't have your card again after several days, apply for a new one at your bank. You will then receive a new PIN and will have to pay for the card. For most banks, you have to plan between five and ten euros.
- Tip: Only search for the card in your immediate vicinity, such as a handbag, jacket pocket or in the car, before dialing the blocked emergency call. If you cannot find it there, block the card using the emergency call. Avoid looking too long. So that the call can be carried out quickly, you should write down the account number and bank sort code separately and always have it with you if you do not know the numbers by heart.
In another practical tip, we will show you what you have to do if you need to have your credit card blocked.