Methods to unblock your ATM card online
An ATM card is an essential tool for everyone who uses a bank account. It provides easy access to cash and other financial transactions. However, there are instances when you might need to unblock your ATM card due to various reasons, such as exceeding your daily withdrawal limit, entering the wrong PIN multiple times, or a blocked account for inactivity.
Unblocking an ATM card may seem like a daunting task, but it is relatively easy if you follow the right steps. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to unblock your blocked ATM card.
1. Contact your bank or financial institution
The first step in unblocking your ATM card is contacting your bank or financial institution. Some financial institutions have self-service options where you can unblock your ATM card online or through their mobile application. To unblock your ATM card yourself, you will need to log in to your account using your credentials and navigate to the card section to activate it.
2. Verify Your identity
Verifying your identity is an essential step in unblocking your ATM card. It is done to ensure that no unauthorised individual is trying to use your account. Once your identity is confirmed, you will be asked to provide other details such as the reason for the block, the last transaction made, and the last-known location where the card was used, among other details.
3. Resolve the Issue
There are several reasons why your ATM card might have been blocked, and it is crucial to know the exact reason before trying to unblock it. If you exceeded your daily withdrawal limit or entered the wrong PIN multiple times, you could try to resolve the issue by waiting for 24 hours until the block has been lifted.
4. Receive a confirmation
After resolving the issue, you will be asked to receive a confirmation that your ATM card has been successfully unblocked. It could be through SMS, email, or a letter sent to your address. The confirmation would usually be accompanied by instructions on how to activate the card again and set a new PIN.
Ways to unblock an ATM Card
There are several ways to unblock your ATM card, depending on your financial institution's rules and regulations.
1. Contact customer service
The most common way to unblock an ATM card is by contacting the customer service or support line of your financial institution. Provide them with your account details and verify your identity before proceeding with the unblocking process.
2. Unblock through ATM
If your financial institution allows it, you can also unblock your ATM card through an ATM machine. Insert your blocked ATM card into the machine and follow the instructions displayed on the screen. Enter your PIN and select the option to unblock the card. Once the process is complete, collect your card and receive a confirmation.
Common reasons for ATM card blocking
ATM cards can be blocked for various reasons, often as a security measure to protect your account from unauthorised access or fraudulent activities. Here are some common reasons why your ATM card might be blocked:
- Incorrect PIN entries: Entering the wrong PIN multiple times in a row can trigger a security feature that blocks your card to prevent unauthorized access.
- Suspicious transactions: Unusual or suspicious transactions, such as large withdrawals or purchases in a different location, can lead to your card being blocked as a precaution against fraud.
- Expired card: If your ATM card has expired and you have not received or activated a new one, your bank may block the old card to ensure it is no longer used.
- Lost or stolen card: If you report your card as lost or stolen, your bank will block it immediately to prevent any unauthorized transactions.
- Inactive account: If your bank account has been inactive for a long period, the bank might block your ATM card as part of their security protocols.
- Exceeded transaction limits: Most banks set daily or monthly limits on ATM withdrawals and purchases. Exceeding these limits can result in your card being temporarily blocked.
- Technical issues: Sometimes, technical glitches or system errors can cause your ATM card to be blocked. This is usually resolved quickly once the issue is identified.
- Bank policies: Specific bank policies, such as those related to international transactions or account maintenance, can also lead to your card being blocked.
How to avoid blocking the ATM card?
Blocking an ATM card can be a frustrating experience, and the inconvenience can be easily avoided by following some simple guidelines.
1. Never share your PIN number
Never share your PIN number with anyone, including friends or family. Your ATM PIN is a secret code that only you should know and sharing it can lead to unauthorised access to your account.
2. Keep your information up to date
Make sure that your contact information such as phone number, email, and address, is up to date, so that your financial institution can reach out to you in case of any issues with your account.
3. Be careful of your online transactions
Use a secure internet connection and trusted websites for your online transactions. Avoid making transactions from public computers or unsecured networks.
