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Steps to take when your travel card is lost, damaged or stolen

Here’s what to do if your travel money card is lost, damaged or stolen.

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Leah Fallon
Updated
Fact checked

Maybe you’ve misplaced the card or forgotten your PIN — or maybe it was stolen from right under your nose. Don’t panic. Unlike cash, the beauty of losing a travel money card is that it can be replaced.

What do I do if my card is lost, damaged or stolen?

The first thing you should do when you realize your card is missing is call your card provider. Reporting the theft or loss immediately will help protect the funds on your card. Most of the card companies provide 24/7 customer service emergency numbers. Some even accept reverse charges, so it can be as simple as dialing an operator to connect your collect call. If you dial the number directly, you may be charged for the call.Back to top

What else should you consider?

  • Additional card. If your travel card comes with a complimentary card, make sure to keep them in separate places so they are not lost or stolen together.
  • Have more than one travel money option. In the same vein, it may be wiser to keep your options open when it comes to travel money. What works for you may be a combination of debit, credit and travel money cards.

Having your travel money card lost, stolen or damaged is stressful enough without having to scramble to find your bank’s emergency contact details. Before you travel, enter the relevant contact details in your phone and familiarize yourself with the report process.

Compare Travel Cards here

Compare travel cards

Data updated regularly
Name Product Foreign transaction fee Welcome offer Rewards Filter values
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
None
80,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, a value of up to $1,000 through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Plus up to $50 statement credit towards groceries
5x points on Lyft, 2x points on up to $1,000 on groceries until April 30, 2021, 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases
Earn a signup bonus worth $1,000 plus up to $50 statement credit towards groceries with this popular travel card.
Apply now
View details
American Express® Gold Card
American Express® Gold Card
None
60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months
4x at restaurants including delivery and Uber Eats; 4x at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 annually (then 1x points), 3x points on directly-booked flights and 1x points on all other purchases

Rose Gold is back

 Earn up to 4x points on select purchases, a bevy of travel perks, and a welcome offer worth up to $600 based on our valuation with this upper-mid tier travel card. Terms apply, see rates & fees
Apply now
View details
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
None
75,000 points after spending $5,000 in your first 6 months, plus 10x points at US gas stations and US supermarkets on up to $15,000 in combined purchases in the same timeframe
10x points at US gas stations and US supermarkets on up to $15,000 combined in the first 6 months, 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 5x points on directly-booked flights on up to $500,000 annually, then 1x points after that and on other purchases
One of the most valuable premium travel cards, featuring two welcome offers worth up to $4,500 based on Finder's valuation, multiple travel credits and unrivaled lounge access. Terms apply, see rates & fees
Apply now
View details
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