When should you report a missing stolen credit card?
Sophia Koch
Updated on February 13, 2026
Your maximum loss: 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.
How do I report my lost credit card?
How to report a lost credit card
- Contact your card issuer to speak to a representative. Find your issuer’s phone number from your credit card statements or, if they have a web-chat feature on their website, connect with a representative over chat.
- Consider locking the card.
- Confirm any recent charges.
Should I call the police if my credit card was stolen?
Unauthorized credit card charges are a form of identity theft, so calling the police is one of the steps the FDIC recommends after discovering them. According to Rob Douglas, editor of IdentityTheftInfo.com, anyone who spots an unauthorized charge on their statement should call the police to file a report.
What are the consequences of a lost or stolen credit card?
Replacing a lost or stolen credit card does not hurt your credit score, as the account age and other information is simply transferred to a new account. Most credit card issuers will not hold the cardholder responsible for fraudulent charges.
What should you do if your credit card is stolen?
As a cardholder, you should notify the issuer immediately if you notice that your credit card is missing or stolen. This early notification will give the issuer time to help you with the following: Verify if and where fraud has occurred. Remove unauthorized charges from your credit card account.
Where can I call if I lost my credit card?
There’s the option of calling up your local FBI field office as well, so you can speak with a human being on the phone, Bales notes, promising that there are people ready to listen. “We understand the frustration that some people feel whether they’ve lost $30 or $3,000,” he says.
What should I do if I Lost my Visa card?
How to cancel a lost or stolen card. Wherever you are, operators are standing by. A Visa representative will deactivate your credit or debit card and then notify your bank immediately. In the event that your card was stolen, this swift reporting may help prevent fraudulent use of your card.
What should I do if I suspect fraud on my credit card?
Once you suspect fraud on your credit card account, you should immediately contact your card issuer by calling the number on the back of your card. While you’re waiting to speak to a representative, check online or via your issuer’s mobile app to see if you can lock or freeze access to your card.