How to Cancel a Debit Card (2024)

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• To cancel a debit card if it's lost or stolen, you'll need to get in touch with your bank.
• Some banking apps allow you to turn off your debit card, but you should still contact the bank to get a replacement card if your card is missing.
• Compare the best checking accounts for debit cards.

If your debit card is lost or stolen, you'll want to cancel it ASAP.

That's because the rules for debit cards and credit cards are not the same. While you're rarely liable for any fraudulent charges made on a credit card, your liability for fraudulent charges made with a debit card depends on when you report the card missing.

You might also cancel a debit card if you're switching banks, but in that case you'll be closing your entire account and your debit card along with it.

Reasons to cancel a debit card

Canceling a debit card may be necessary if:

• It's lost
• It's stolen
• You never use it
• You're closing your account

Immediate steps to cancel a debit card

1. Turn off the card via the bank's mobile app
2. Report the card missing or stolen
3. Confirm the cancelation with a customer service representative
4. Report any fraudulent transactions

Reporting your card as lost or stolen

There are two ways to report a lost or stolen debit card.

1. Contact your bank immediately

Debit cards do not have the same fraud protections as credit cards. If your debit card is lost or stolen and at risk of being used by someone else, call your bank's customer service number immediately.

You might end up being responsible for some or all of the charges made before you reported the card missing — up to $50 if reported within two business days and up to $500 up to 60 calendar days.

2. Use a mobile app

Many banks offer apps that do more than just help you complete mobile check deposits and monitor your transactions. Some banking apps, including those of major banks like Bank and America or Ally Bank, have a feature where you can control debit card activity.

If you're canceling for other reasons

Canceling a debit card because you're switching banks or closing your checking account is fairly straightforward. You will likely need to call the customer service line and request cancelation.

Steps to cancel your debit card

1. Contact your bank

If you're canceling a lost or stolen debit card, time is of the essence. If your bank is one that allows you to report a lost or stolen card via its app, or temporarily turn your card off, start there. It may be a quicker option than calling customer service and waiting to speak to a representative.

If you can't use the bank's mobile app, call customer service ASAP. In some cases, there may be an automated system that helps you cancel your debit card — simply enter your account information, state the reason for canceling your card, and answer a few security questions.

You can also go to the bank in person, but that's not exactly the most efficient option.

2. Verify your identity

When you set up a checking account, you typically need to provide a Social Security number and answer a set of security questions. These can both be used to verify your identity when you're speaking with a customer service representative to cancel a debit card, in addition to your account number, which you can find on a past statement.

Just be sure that you only provide this type of sensitive information when you have dialed the number and initiated the conversation. If you receive a call from a person claiming to be the bank and asking for identity verification, hang up and call the official customer service line.

3. Cancel automatic payments

If you have recurring payments attached to your debit card, you'll need to cancel these so your subscriptions or memberships stay current. Call the retailer or service provider's customer service line to make sure your payments cease and/or give them a new payment method.

Once you do that, call your bank again and tell them you've revoked authorization for the company to take recurring transfers from your account. If you haven't canceled payments from the retailer, you can also complete what's called a "stop payment" with your bank. Typically you'll need to submit a request in writing, but check with your bank for specific instructions.

4. Confirm cancelation

Ask the customer representative for their name (if applicable) and the confirmation number for your case. This may come in handy if you're canceling a card on suspicion of fraud and further problems arise.

After canceling your debit card

The Federal Trade Commission recommends following up a request to cancel a lost or stolen debit card in writing. In a letter to your bank, include when your card went missing, when you reported the loss, and your debit card number. If you've reported fraudulent transactions, make sure to include that in the letter as well.

If you've ordered a replacement card, be sure to pick a brand-new PIN when you activate it.

Also, make sure to monitor your account carefully for any additional fraudulent transactions.

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