How much money can you lose if your debit card is stolen?
Daniel Santos
Updated on February 12, 2026
ATM or Debit Card Loss or Fraudulent Transfers.
| If you report: | Your maximum loss: |
|---|---|
| Within 2 business days after you learn about the loss or theft. | $50 |
| More than 2 business days after you learn about the loss or theft, but less than 60 calendar days after your statement is sent to you, | $500 |
Will bank give money back if card stolen?
If you lost your card or PIN If you notify your bank or credit union within two business days of discovering the loss or theft of the card, the bank or credit union can’t hold you responsible for more than the amount of any unauthorized transactions or $50, whichever is less.
What happens when you report your card as stolen?
If you report the card’s theft before any fraudulent use occurs, you’ll bear zero liability. Under federal law, if you report it within two business days after the fraud occurs, you will be charged a maximum of $50. If you wait 2 to 60 days after a fraudulent transaction occurs, you could be charged a maximum of $500.
When to report a lost or stolen debit card?
If someone uses your ATM or debit card before you report it lost or stolen, your liability depends on how quickly you report it: Before any unauthorized charges are made. Within 2 business days after you learn about the loss or theft. More than 60 calendar days after your statement is sent to you.
What happens if you lose your debit card at an ATM?
your ATM/debit card acount, and possibly more; for example, money in accounts linked to your debit account. If someone makes unauthorized transactions with your debit card number, but your card is not lost, you are not liable for those transactions if you report them within 60 days of your statement being sent to you.
How to report fraudulent ATM or debit card transactions?
How to Report Fraudulent Transactions Contact your ATM or debit card issuer. Report the fraudulent transaction. Write a follow up letter to confirm that you reported the problem. Keep a copy of your letter. Update your files. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
What happens if you lose your credit card number?
However, if you report the loss before your credit card is used, the FCBA says you are not responsible for any charges you didn’t authorize. If your credit card number is stolen, but not the card, you are not liable for unauthorized use. ATM or Debit Card Loss or Fraudulent Transfers.
