Blocking the card

How to check if a card is blocked

Card blocking can be either a planned event, if it is blocked by the owner, or an unpleasant surprise, if the block is imposed by the bank. However, the client does not always immediately realize that the card is blocked. To know for sure whether the card is in order and whether there is any block on it, let's examine all aspects of this process.

Why a bank might block a card

In addition to voluntary blocking performed by the owner themselves, the bank can also block the instrument. The main reasons are:

• The card's expiration date has passed. As a rule, it is indicated on the front side, in rare cases on the back. Check if everything is in order.
• The client entered the wrong PIN code more than 3 times. This is done for security purposes.
• If the client has debts that have not been paid for several months. Funds in the debit account may be debited to pay off this debt.
• The client participated in illegal money laundering or fraud.

Almost all of these cases allow for successfully removing the block or reissuing the card. In most of them, the bank will freely issue the client's funds upon the very first request.

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Blocking at the client's initiative

The simplest case: the client independently requests blocking. This can be done both remotely, via mobile or online banking, and in person at an office. As a rule, the block is applied instantly and the client immediately finds out that the card is blocked. An employee will state this on the spot, or an SMS notification about the blocking will arrive at the linked mobile number.

How to check card blocking status

There are several methods to find out about blocking for sure.

• Clarifying information in internet banking

The simplest and fastest way. Since all client products are present in the internet banking personal account, it is enough to find the desired card in the list and make sure there is no "blocked" status next to it. If the status is present but the card's expiration date has not yet passed, it is recommended to write to bank support and clarify the reasons for the blocking. Further actions will directly depend on this.

• Making any transaction

In most cases, this method comes as a surprise. For example, a client tries to pay in a store, and the payment does not go through. In some banks, blocking is cited as the reason for the error. However, you should not rely solely on the reason voiced at that moment. It is recommended to clarify whether blocking has indeed occurred via internet banking or the call center.

There is also a method provided by the bank itself. The client receives an SMS stating that their payment instrument has been blocked. For certain banks, SMS within the system are free, which is very convenient from a security standpoint. But not all banks practice this, so the method cannot be considered universally widespread.

Bank blocked the card: what to do

If the blocking was unwanted, it is recommended to call the bank and clarify the situation. If the block can be removed, the bank will request some authorization data and the card will be unblocked. If the blocking is due to the expiration date, the client will be asked to submit a reissuance application.

Can you withdraw money from a blocked bank card

This is far from always possible. If a client is accused of fraud or their account has been blocked by bailiffs, it will not be possible to withdraw money until the situation is resolved. In this case, it is recommended to do everything possible to restore the cardholder's good name.

In other cases, almost any financial institution allows you to withdraw money directly from the account through the bank branch cash desk.

How to check card blocking depending on the bank

In general, the algorithm is the same for all banks, but we will also talk about ways to find out if a card is blocked in the most popular Russian credit institutions.

Sberbank

Sberbank is no exception among banks. The blocking of its cards can be voluntary or forced. Voluntary blocking is always applied only upon the owner's request, whereas forced blocking can be easily found out by calling the support service, at an office, or using the Sberbank Online service.

Alfa-Bank

Alfa-Bank can also block cards forcibly. Since it has its own Alfa-Direct service, the easiest way is to check there. Also, the call center line will always provide up-to-date information, but authorization will be required.

VTB

VTB has also introduced its own online services through which you can check the current status of your card. If these are not accessible, the office or call center phone number will always provide the necessary information about the card. There is support communication via email, but in this case, informing the client will take longer.

T-Bank

T-Bank is a remote bank. Therefore, almost all issues can be successfully resolved through their services. If the bank's product list has not been updated with the status and the card payment does not go through with a mention of blocking, it is recommended to ask a question in the support chat. There is also communication with the bank by phone or email.

Q&A

The bank blocked the card for money laundering, but the client is not at fault, what to do?

It is recommended to immediately send proof of the transaction's legitimacy to the bank, along with a request to unfreeze the account. As a rule, banks unfreeze accounts within a week.

The card was blocked abroad, what is the solution to the problem?

In this case, it is recommended to notify the bank in advance about your trip abroad. If you did not do this and the bank decided that the card was stolen, the best solution would be to contact support and verify your location.

How quickly is a card blocked upon voluntary blocking?

Almost instantly after the client's request. However, for this request to be fulfilled, the client will need to authorize.