Turn off Your Debit Card Remotely

Turn off Your Debit Card Remotely

If you've ever misplaced or lost a debit credit card, you know the panicky feeling, is someone going to use it to drain my account or run up a bunch of unauthorized charges? Now, what can I do? More and more, the answer is simple. Turn your card off until you either find it or cancel it. When you lock your card, new charges and cash withdrawals will be denied until you turn it back on. But any automatic payments you set up for things like bills will continue to be allowed. How fast does it work? Instantly. Once all is well, turn your card back on.

Different financial institutions offer this feature and they may call it differently. If you are not sure whether your financial institution makes remote debit card management available, simply give them a call and ask. Community Focus FCU offers MobiMoney app that members can use to manage their debit card usage remotely right from their mobile device. Simply search for MobiMoney on your GooglePlay or AppStore and connect your Community Focus FCU debit card with the app! The app guides your through the process and it's really easy!

Whether you're locking or unlocking the card, the on-off feature can be used for more than just a missing card. If you have a card that you rarely use or if you want to block another authorized user from using it, just lock the card until you need it or want it to be cleared for use. The main benefit is that you are in control of blocking or allowing any new spending. Experts do recommend that you notify your card issuer of a missing card if you can't find it right away. You might need to be issued a new card if it truly is gone.

The lock unlock feature can be used in conjunction with other powerful banking tools such as transaction, and balance monitoring or text and email alerts that can warn you of possible suspicious purchases or balances falling below a certain threshold. Some cards even come with features that set spending limits, allow spending only within certain geographic areas, and limit when you can make withdrawals. So while it's always wise to keep track of your payment cards, it's good to know you have the power to turn spending off when there are concerns about the cards whereabouts, and then to turn cards back on when you find it. The on-off feature is just another tool to help keep your accounts safe from theft and fraud.