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Most major credit card issuers offer a card lock feature that lets you temporarily block new transactions if your card is misplaced. Locking your credit card can help prevent unauthorized transactions while allowing recurring payments and other previously authorized transactions to process normally. Here's what happens when you lock your credit card.
What Is Card Lock?
Card lock is a security feature that prevents most new transactions from being approved on your credit card. You can usually lock or unlock your card instantly through your card issuer's website or mobile app or by calling customer service.
After your card is locked, most new purchases, cash advances and balance transfers will be declined.
Some transactions may still be approved even while your card is locked. Depending on your card issuer, these can include:
- Recurring and automatic bill payments
- Pending transactions that were authorized before you set the lock
- Refunds, merchant credits and reward redemption
- Fees and interest
- Digital wallet transactions
- Purchases made with a stored payment at certain merchants (varies by issuer)
- Overdraft protection from a linked bank account
Tip: Don't expect a card lock to cancel subscriptions or stop merchants you've already authorized from charging your account. To stop recurring payments, you'll need to cancel them with the merchant.
Card Lock and Authorized Users
Depending on the card issuer, locking the primary credit card may also prevent authorized users from making purchases. Some card issuers allow you to separately lock authorized-user cards. Check with your card issuer to confirm how card locking affects authorized users.
Credit Card Lock vs. Credit Freeze
In addition to a credit card lock, you have the right to utilize a credit freeze. A credit card lock and a credit freeze both protect you from fraud, but they serve different purposes. A card lock helps prevent use of an existing credit card, while a credit freeze helps prevent identity theft by limiting access to your credit report.
| Credit Card Lock | Credit Freeze | |
|---|---|---|
| Protects | An individual credit card | Your credit reports and identity |
| Limits | Most new purchases, cash advances and balance transfers | New credit applications that require a credit check |
| Placed with | Your credit card issuer | Each credit bureau separately |
| Best for | A misplaced card or suspected fraud | Identity theft or a data breach |
| Reversal | Instant | Instant if requested online or via phone; can take a few days if requested by mail |
Learn more: How to Freeze Your Credit At All Three Bureaus
When Should You Lock Your Credit Card?
There are several situations where locking your credit card can benefit you.
- You misplaced your card. Card lock is a great option when you've left your card behind but you know you'll get it back soon. You don't need to replace it but want to prevent misuse until you get it back.
- You believe your card has been lost or stolen. Lock your credit card as soon as you notice it's missing to prevent unauthorized charges. Then, report the missing credit card to your card issuer to have a replacement sent to you.
- You learn your card information was compromised. If you receive a data breach notification or a credit monitoring alert, you can lock the card quickly to avoid misuse. Contact your card issuer for a replacement credit card with a new card number.
- You rarely use the card. Locking a rarely used card in between purchases can reduce the risk of unauthorized use. If your goal is to keep the account active, make sure to use it periodically or set up a small recurring payment to avoid having it closed for inactivity.
- You want to temporarily limit authorized user spending. If your card issuer locks both primary and authorized-user credit cards, locking your credit card can pause spending for authorized users without removing the user from the account.
Which Credit Card Issuers Offer Card Lock?
Card lock is available from many major credit card issuers, including:
- American Express
- Bank of America
- Capital One
- Chase
- Citibank
- Discover
- Navy Federal Credit Union
- State Employees Credit Union
- U.S. Bank
- Wells Fargo
How to Lock Your Credit Card
The exact process for locking a credit card can differ between credit card issuers, but the general steps are the same.
- Access your credit card account through the card issuer's website or mobile app.
- Select the credit card you want to lock, if you have multiple credit cards.
- Look for an option to manage your credit card. The exact phrasing varies by card issuer, but may be something like "Manage," "Account Services" or "Card Controls."
- Find the option to lock or freeze your card and toggle it on.
- Look for confirmation. This may appear as an on-screen notification or status change.
You can also lock or unlock your credit card by calling the customer service phone number on the back of your card or your credit card statements.
Does Locking Your Credit Card Hurt Your Credit?
No, locking your card doesn't hurt your credit. A card's lock status isn't reported to the credit bureaus and isn't factored into your credit score. Locking your credit card could indirectly help protect your credit score by preventing unauthorized charges that might temporarily raise your credit utilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Free to Lock Your Credit Card?
Yes. Locking your card is a free feature offered by many major credit card issuers. You can access the feature through the card issuer's website or mobile app, or by calling customer service.
Does a Card Lock Block All Transactions?
No. Some transitions will still be processed, including:
- Recurring payments like memberships and streaming subscriptions
- Pending transactions
- Digital wallet transactions (varies by card issuer)
The Bottom Line
Locking your credit card is a quick, free way to prevent unauthorized transactions if you need time to locate a misplaced credit card, suspect fraud or you aren't using the card regularly. Important transactions, like subscriptions, will still go through while most other online and in-person transactions are declined.
For broader identity theft protection, monitor your credit reports regularly with Experian and consider placing a credit freeze if your personal information has been compromised.