In Brief (TL;DR)
In case of credit card blockage due to arrears on previous statements, you must first pay the amount due and simultaneously report the payment.
If you need to travel abroad and plan to make purchases with your credit card, report it to your bank; otherwise, your credit card could be blocked for suspected theft.
Your credit card PIN should never be kept together with the card itself.
The devil is in the details. 👇 Keep reading to discover the critical steps and practical tips to avoid mistakes.
Having your credit card blocked can cause inconvenience and interrupt daily financial operations. Therefore, it is important to know the steps for effective and safe unblocking. In this guide, we will see how to unblock a credit card simply and quickly. After learning in the previous guide how a credit card works, now is the time to understand how to unblock it if it has been blocked accidentally, due to theft, or due to our own negligence. So let’s not wait any longer, and let’s see how to unblock a credit card!
Check the Credit Card Status
Before proceeding with unblocking the credit card, it is important to verify its current status. It might be temporarily blocked for security reasons or have technical issues preventing its use.
Reasons Why a Credit Card May Be Blocked
The reasons why a credit card may be blocked can vary. The most common are:
- Improper use: if the card is used anomalously compared to the holder’s spending habits, an automatic block might be triggered for security reasons. For example, if the card is usually used only in Italy and suddenly transactions are made abroad.
- Unpaid periodic credit card statement: if the account balance linked to the credit card is insufficient to pay the amount of the expenses incurred, the card may be blocked.
- Incorrect PIN entry or exceeding the maximum number of allowed attempts: if you type the credit card PIN incorrectly multiple times, the card may be blocked for security reasons.
- Expiration: once the credit card expiration date is reached, it will be automatically blocked. It is therefore important to always check the expiration date and request a new card in good time. Usually, the company issuing the credit card sends the new card, yet to be activated, to your home address one month before the expiration of the one in your possession.
- Technical issues: sometimes technical problems may occur that prevent the use of the card. In this case, it is advisable to contact your bank to resolve the issue.
- Reporting the card as lost or stolen: if you lose your credit card or it is stolen, it is fundamental to report it immediately to the bank to block it and prevent fraudulent use.
Methods to Unblock a Credit Card
There are several methods to unblock your credit card, depending on your bank’s policies:
- Contact customer support – Call customer service to receive immediate support.
- Use the bank’s app or website – Some banks allow unblocking via their digital channels.
- Visit a branch – Visit the nearest branch for direct assistance.
Information Required to Unblock the Card
Prepare the following information before proceeding with any of the methods mentioned above:
- Complete personal data. In addition to normal personal details, a keyword or secret question might be required, such as your mother’s maiden name or the name of your pet.
- Credit card number. This is the code, normally 16 digits (15 if your credit card is an American Express), that uniquely identifies your credit card and is found on the front of the card.
- CVV security code. This is the 3-digit security code located on the back of the credit card, or in the case of an American Express card, it is the 4-digit code present on the front of the card.
- Any other additional information requested by your bank, such as your bank account number, if the card is linked to a current account.
Credit Card Unblocking Procedures
To unblock the card, you will need to:
- Follow the instructions provided by customer support or those present on the bank’s website/app.
- Verify your identity via answers to security questions or codes sent via SMS.
- Provide all necessary information requested.
- Complete any additional steps, such as changing the PIN, if necessary.
How to Avoid Credit Card Blocking
To avoid future credit card blocks, we can advise you to follow these precautions:
- Keep your credit card information in a safe place.
- Regularly check card movements to identify suspicious transactions.
- Immediately notify the bank in case of loss or theft of the card.
Useful Numbers
Here are some phone numbers of banks that can help you unblock your credit card:
- Unicredit: 800 078 777 from Italy (from abroad +39 045 80 64 686 – caller pays).
- Intesa San Paolo: 800 303 303 from Italy (+39 011 8019 200 from abroad).
- Monte dei Paschi di Siena: 800 60 30 30.
- FinecoBank: 800 52 52 52 from a landline in Italy (+39 02 2899 2899 from mobile or abroad). If you are already a customer, send your question via SMS to the number 339 994 1888 and they will reply to your registered mobile number.
- Banco BPM: 800 822 056.
Conclusions
Unblocking a credit card is a process that requires attention, but it is essential to keep your card’s functionalities active. Remember to carefully follow your credit institution’s procedures.
If you have doubts or difficulties, contact customer support to receive support and additional information. In this way, you will be able to use your credit card safely and without interruptions.
Always remember to keep your personal information safe and follow the recommended instructions to prevent theft or fraudulent use of your credit card.
With a little attention and care, you will be able to enjoy the benefits and convenience offered by your credit card without any problems.
Do not forget to use your card responsibly and to regularly check movements to avoid future inconveniences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact your bank’s customer service immediately. You will likely be asked for information to verify your identity and it may be necessary to reset your PIN.
You should verify the transactions in question and, if you do not recognize them, inform your bank immediately. They will guide you through the unblocking process and tell you if it is necessary to request a card replacement.
Some banks offer unblocking options via online banking or their mobile apps. Check if your bank offers this feature by logging into your account online or contacting customer service.
The time required may vary depending on the reason for the block and your bank. Usually, if the issue is simple and all verifications can be done quickly, the card can be unblocked in a few hours. In more complex cases, it may take a few business days.
To prevent future blocks, make sure to follow your bank’s security recommendations, such as checking transactions regularly and notifying the bank of any travel outside your country of residence to avoid blocks for suspicious activity abroad.
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