Blocked Card: What does it mean and how to solve it?

The worst situation for anyone who uses cards, whether credit, debit or bank, is having to use it and receiving a message that “Blocked Card”However, it is possible that this happens and you do not know why.

Therefore, we've compiled the main reasons why a card can be blocked so you can understand what happened and how to resolve the issue.

Follow the article and find out what to do if your card is blocked.

What does it mean if the card is blocked?

If you receive the Card Blocked message, it means that the financial institution responsible for the card (such as a bank, for example) has temporarily disabled the ability to make transactions with the card.

This may have been done at the cardholder's request, in the event of loss or theft, or for security reasons, such as suspected fraudulent use of the card. It may also be due to non-payment of the bill.

When a card is blocked, it cannot be used to make purchases, withdrawals or transfers.

Generally, you need to contact your financial institution to request that your card be unblocked or to verify the reason for the block and take the necessary steps to rectify the situation.

Why was my card blocked?

There are several reasons why a card can be blocked. Here are the main ones:

• Due to expiration: The card has an expiration date. If you don't receive the new card and use the old one, the bank will block it. Therefore, if you haven't received a new card, contact the bank to avoid having your card blocked.
• How to use: When you receive a new card, regardless of its type, it's blocked for security reasons. You'll need to unlock it so you can use it daily. Unlocking can be done at branches and through apps.
• Entering the wrong password: If you enter the wrong password three times, your card will be temporarily blocked. This means you'll have to go to the bank to have it unlocked so you can use your card again.
• Security reasons: Your card may be blocked if the bank notices purchases on your card that may be suspected of fraud, such as multiple purchases in a few minutes, high purchase amounts, purchases in different locations, or purchases made abroad that may raise doubts.
• Missed bill payment: If, for any reason, you fail to pay your credit card bill, you'll receive a message that your card is blocked due to non-payment. In this situation, you must make regular payments to unblock the card.
• Disputed invoice: If you suspect that your card has been charged unfairly, it may be blocked until the real reason for the charges is discovered.

What can't I do with a blocked card?

If you have a blocked card, it means that you will not be able to use it to carry out all the operations that would be possible with it without the block.

So, if he is in this situation you will not be able to:

• Make purchases with the card.
• Use card machines (neither debit nor credit).
• Check balances, statements and more.
• Buy online.

In general, you may receive "error 57" when trying to make a purchase with a blocked card. So, if it appears, you already know the reason is the block.

It's worth remembering that a blocked card doesn't eliminate previous debts (in the event of blocking due to non-payment of the bill) and that you will have to pay to unblock it.

How do I unlock a card?

To unlock a card, you'll usually need to follow the instructions of the financial institution responsible for the card. Procedures may vary by institution, but generally include the following:

• Verify that the card is actually blocked by checking the bank or financial institution's app or website, or by attempting to make a transaction with the card to confirm that it is still blocked.
• Contact your financial institution's call center. The customer service phone number is usually located on the back of your card or can be found on the institution's website or app.
• Follow the agent's instructions to verify the reason for the card block and request its unblocking. In some cases, you may be asked to provide personal information, such as your date of birth and CPF number, to confirm your identity.
• If the card was blocked for security reasons, the financial institution may require you to confirm some recent transactions or authorize the unlocking using a code or password sent to your registered cell phone or email address.
• After unlocking, check that the card is working properly and that there are no suspicious transactions on your account. If there are any issues, contact your financial institution immediately.

It is also important to remember that, in the event of a block due to non-payment, it is necessary to settle the debt first so that the institution can unblock the card.

And, in the case of a new card, you can have the option to unlock it directly through the bank's app.

What can I do to avoid having my card blocked again?

If you've had your card blocked, even temporarily, you've noticed that unlocking it can be a bit tricky, especially in cases of suspected fraud. So, here are some tips to avoid having your card blocked again:

• Protect your card: Keep your card in a safe place and don't share it with anyone. Avoid leaving it in easily accessible places, such as inside your car or in unsecured bags.
• Track your transactions: Check your account statement regularly and be aware of any suspicious or unauthorized transactions.
• Report loss or theft immediately: If your card is lost or stolen, contact your financial institution immediately to block it. Don't wait until you receive your statement to check your transactions.
• Keep your information up to date: Make sure your personal information, such as your address and phone number, is up to date with your financial institution. This makes it easier to contact you if necessary, as well as to receive new cards.
• Check with your bank: if it's a new card, contact your bank so it isn't blocked.
• Pay your bills on time: Cards with overdue invoices tend to be blocked by the system. So, keep everything up to date.

With these tips, it will be easier to avoid having your card blocked.

Frequently asked questions:

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