How to Unblock Credit Card: A Step-By-Step Guide

During unforeseen conditions, knowing how to unblock credit cards may be crucial. Credit cards may get blocked due to security breaches, suspected unauthorised payments and various other reasons. However, following the required steps to regain access to your credit card is crucial. 

Maintaining open communication with the customer care of the issuer can open up numerous ways. Understanding why credit cards get blocked and what actions to take simplifies the process.

What Necessary Measures to Take

There are a few actions you can take if you know how to unblock credit cards. These include:

Step 1: Contact Your Issuer’s Customer Care Number

Most issuers have a customer care number that you can find on their official website. Contact the number and follow the prompts to talk with the representative.

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

To proceed further, you will need to provide the required credentials. Some common ones include:

• Name
• Credit card number
• Date of birth

They may need other banking or card-related information to proceed with your request.

Step 3: Clear Out the Reason

There are several reasons why an issuer may block your credit card. Provide detailed information on why your credit card is blocked. Doing so will help the customer service representative to provide an accurate solution.

Step 4: Follow the Given Instructions

The representative will provide you with the necessary steps to follow in order to unblock your credit card. For instance, they may ask you to clear the bill. Ensure to follow the required instructions to pursue a swift resolution.

What is the Cause Behind Credit Card Blockage

A blocked card can deprive you of financial advantages like making day-to-day transactions. To prevent this and use your card to your advantage, know why your card was blocked. Here are a few scenarios when this may happen:

Maxing Out the Limit 

Credit card issuers set a credit limit, which decides the maximum amount you can spend using your credit card. Even so, utilising the credit limit of up to 70% is a good practice to maintain an overall credit utilisation ratio (CUR) below 30% to 40%. When you use your credit limit to the maximum multiple times, the issuer may block your credit card. 

In order to facilitate credit card usage again, you need to unblock the credit card and pay the credit card bill in full. For further usage, making a budget and sticking to it can be a good practice to avoid such scenarios. 

In this case, follow these steps to unblock your credit card:

1. Check your credit card statement and review whether there is any outstanding balance on your card
2. Clear all the outstanding balances by logging in to your account or visiting the nearest branch
3. After payment confirmation, the issuer will unblock the credit card

Suspecting Unauthorised Activities

Credit card issuers may block your credit card if they suspect any fraudulent activity. This is a safety measure issuers take to ensure the safety of your credit card usage. In such a case, you can contact the issuer and ask them to reissue a new credit card for further usage. 

You may also block the card if you suspect any fraudulent activities. You can do so by following these steps:

1. Log in to your online account with your credentials and check for any notification from the issuer regarding suspicious activities
2. You can also check for any SMS or email from the issuer
3. To unblock your credit card, the issuer may ask for an identity proof, for example, a copy of your passport or driving licence

Defaulting on Credit Card Payments

In multiple instances, not paying credit card bills can cause the issuer to spring into action. When that happens, the issuer may block your credit card. In such a situation, clearing out your credit card bill can help you unblock your card. 

The issuer may provide the option of paying the minimum amount of the bill. After that, you can repay the remaining amount on the next due date. However, further defaults will only lead to high-interest charges. 

Defaults may also lessen the chance of reactivating your credit card.

Providing Insufficient Documents

To maintain transparency between you and the issuer, RBI has established strict rules regarding the KYC process. Failing to submit the necessary documents can lead to credit card blockage. To enjoy a smooth financial transaction, submit all the required documents to your issuer.

Being prepared for these situations with the right knowledge and tools can make all the difference. That way, you can carry out your finances without any interruption. 

Another reason why your card may get blocked is because you failed to pay the annual renewal fees. To avoid that, you can go for lifetime-free credit cards. One such credit card you can consider is the One Credit Card. 

Its robust mobile application helps you set spending limits and stick to your budget. Using it, you can easily check your transactions and manage your finances all in one place. Moreover, you can earn up to 5X reward points monthly on your top two spending categories. 

Enjoy additional discounts on shopping, dining, upskilling, rental payments and more. Download the app or visit the website to apply now!