How to replace a lost business credit card

Quick insights

• Report any lost or missing business credit cards to the card issuer as soon as you realize they're gone.
• Your card issuer may allow you to report the card lost via an online account, but some card issuers require that you call customer service.
• Once you report it missing, the card issuer can cancel the card and arrange for a new one to be sent.

You check your wallet, your pockets, your bags and your car, and it's nowhere to be found. The dread you feel upon realizing you've lost a credit card is ordinary. As distressing as it feels, this is a common experience and one that most credit card issuers are prepared to deal with. In this article, we'll discuss what to do if you or an employee has lost a business credit card, how to report it and the process for getting a new one.

What to do if you have lost your business credit card

It can take minutes or sometimes days to realize a credit card has gone missing. No matter the length of time, you may want to report your card missing to your card issuer as soon as you know it's gone. You want time on your side, so it's best to act as quickly as possible.

First, lock your card. Locking your card ensures that the credit card won't be usable if someone finds it. But if you find it, you can unlock it and continue using the card if your issuer hasn't already cancelled it. The second step is contacting your card issuer to report it missing.

Notify your employer

If you're an employee who has misplaced your company's credit card, you may want to start this process by notifying your employer. When reporting a missing employee credit card, an authorized account user will likely need to provide some personal info—like the employee's date of birth or last four digits of their Social Security number—to verify the card holder.

How to report your lost credit card to your card issuer

You may have a couple of ways to report the missing card, depending on how the card issuer handles lost cards. You might be able to report the lost card through an online account, but some issuers require you to call customer service and speak to a representative.

When you reach out, the card issuer will likely cancel the card and arrange for a new card to be sent.

What should I do if there are unauthorized charges on my business credit card after I lose it? 

Losing your card can open you up to the possibility of unexpected and wanted transactions.

You'll want to check and see if you have fraudulent charges on your credit card if you've lost or misplaced it.

When you realize you've lost your card, check your account online or review recent transactions with the card's customer service representative when you call to report it missing. If you identify unauthorized purchases, dispute them with the card issuer immediately. You may need to sign a statement confirming that you didn't make the purchases.

You may want to check your account and your next statement closely. It's your responsibility to find and report suspicious activity in a timely manner. Depending on your card issuer's policy, you may not be held responsible for charges made after you've reported your card missing.

When will I receive my new business credit card?

The length of time it takes to get a replacement card is dependent on the card issuer. However most take 3-5 business days to send a new card.

If you use a mobile payment app, like Apple Pay or Samsung Pay, you'll likely need to update your card info in the app once your new card arrives.

In summary

No one wants to go through the process of losing a credit card. However, most card issuers are prepared to deal with missing or stolen cards. If you're in this boat, you'll want to report your missing card immediately to the card issuer. You may be able to do so online, but some card issuers require you to call customer service. Once you do, they can cancel the card and start the process of getting you a new one. Getting a new card may take less than a week.