Ways to handle finding a lost credit card
Quick insights
- Promptly reporting or turning in a lost or found credit card may help protect the owner’s information.
- The back of most credit cards includes a number to call to report it missing.
- If you find a credit card at a store, employees may have a procedure for found cards.
Unsure how to handle finding a lost credit card? Below, you’ll find potential steps to take and helpful tips, from what to do with a found card to how to dispose of one properly.
What to do if you find someone else’s credit card
Finding a lost credit card can be a moment of confusion, but there are a few steps you can take to help resolve the issue for its owner. Here are some options, depending on where and how you found the card:
- Turning the card in where you found it: If you’re in a business, you can hand the card in to the customer service desk or a manager. Many businesses have lost-and-found procedures and may contact the cardmember or hold the card until someone can retrieve it.
- Contacting the issuing bank: Another option is locating the issuing bank’s customer service number on the back of the card and calling it. The bank will typically handle reaching out to the cardmember, canceling the card and reissuing a new one.
- Turning it into local authorities: If you’ve found the card—or maybe even a lost wallet—in a public space, you can also consider turning it into your local police station. The police may be able to track down the owner or safely store the items.
What to consider avoiding if you find a lost card
Just as there are some helpful actions you can take when you find a lost card, there are also a few things you may want to avoid:
- Tracking down the person using information from the card: This can intrude on the cardmember’s privacy and potentially compromise your personal safety.
- Using the card: It’s illegal to use someone else’s credit card. That’s considered fraud and penalties can be serious. Even holding onto a card you’ve found could be risky if you don’t try to return it promptly.
- Doing nothing: If you lost your card, you would likely appreciate it if someone took the time to get it somewhere safe. If you don’t wish to call the number on the back of the card, you may also be able to turn the card in to a local bank branch.
Prompt action can help in these situations. Notifying the card issuer or turning the card in to someone in a position of authority may help keep the card from being misused.
Tips to help prevent losing your credit card
While not every loss can be prevented, some habits and best practices may help to keep avoid losing your card, including:
- Keeping cards in a specific pocket or place in your bag or wallet, so you can easily check if they’re there.
- Using a digital wallet for purchases when possible. This can limit how often you need to handle your physical cards.
- Setting up alerts for your card's transactions. These generally notify you if something unusual happens with your account or purchases.
- Locking your credit card. You may be able to freeze features in your banking app if your card disappears, which may help prevent new charges from going through while you look for your card.
Regularly reviewing account statements and your credit report may also help you spot unauthorized activity.
In summary
Being proactive with credit cards isn’t just about safeguarding your own finances; your actions may also help protect others. If you find a lost card, consider turning it into the nearest business, contacting the card issuer or giving it to local authorities. There are several reasons to avoid contacting the card owner.
If you need to dispose of the card, cutting up its important information—like the card number and magnetic strip—using scissors or a cross-cut shredder can help protect its information. Taking proactive steps when a card is lost or found and disposing of it properly may help prevent opportunities for fraud.
