What locking your credit card does
Locking your credit card through your bank's app or website freezes the card so no new charges can go through — but the card stays open and active. You can unlock it again whenever you need to use it, usually in seconds. This is different from cancelling the card, which closes the account.
A locked card stops someone from using the physical card or the card number for purchases online or in stores. Recurring charges you already set up (like subscriptions or automatic bill payments) will usually still go through, depending on your bank. Pending charges that haven't posted yet may still process.
Locking is useful if you've misplaced your card, suspect fraud, or want to prevent accidental charges while you're traveling. It gives you time to locate the card or investigate suspicious activity without having to order a replacement when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks let you lock and unlock your card when ready through their mobile app or online portal without calling customer service.
- A locked card stops new purchases but usually allows recurring charges you already set up to continue processing.
- Locking is reversible and keeps your account open, unlike cancelling, which closes the card permanently.
- You can lock individual cards if you have multiple cards from the same bank, or lock all of them at once.
- If you find unauthorized charges after locking, report them to your bank within the timeframe in your cardholder agreement, usually 60 days.
Lock your card through your bank's app
Open your bank's mobile app and sign in. Look for the card you want to lock — most apps show all your cards on the main screen or under a "Cards" or "Accounts" tab. Tap or click on the card itself.
You should see a lock icon or a toggle switch labeled "Lock Card," "Card Lock," or "Freeze Card." Tap it. The app will ask you to confirm — this is a safety step to prevent accidental locks. Confirm, and the card locks when ready. The app will show the card as locked, usually with a padlock icon or a message saying "Card Locked" or "This card is currently locked."
To unlock, go back to the same card and tap the lock icon again. Confirm the unlock. You can lock and unlock as many times as you need.
Lock your card through your bank's website
Log into your bank's website from a computer or mobile browser. Find the card management section — this is usually under "Accounts," "Cards," "Services," or a similar heading in the main menu.
Click on the card you want to lock. Look for a lock option, which may appear as a button, a toggle, or a link that says "Lock Card," "Freeze Card," or "Card Controls." Click it and confirm when prompted. The lock takes effect when ready.
If you don't see a lock option on the main card page, check for a "Card Settings," "Card Preferences," or "Security" section within the card details. Some banks nest the lock feature one level deeper.
What happens to recurring charges when you lock your card
Recurring charges — subscriptions, automatic bill payments, gym memberships — usually continue to process even when your card is locked. This is because the merchant has already stored your card information and your authorization to charge it regularly. The lock typically blocks only new, one-time transactions.
However, this varies by bank. Before you lock your card, check your bank's policy in the app, on the website, or by calling the number on the back of your card. Some banks do block recurring charges when you lock; others don't.
If you want to stop a recurring charge, you'll need to cancel it with the merchant directly — contact the company and ask them to remove the card from your account. Locking the card alone won't stop it.
Report unauthorized charges after locking
If you locked your card because you noticed fraudulent charges, contact your bank as soon as you see them. Call the number on the back of your card or use the "Report Fraud" or "Dispute a Charge" option in your app or website.
Tell the bank which charges are unauthorized. Your bank will open a dispute and investigate. During the investigation, the charges are usually removed from your account temporarily, and you won't owe them. If the bank confirms the charges were fraudulent, they stay removed. If the bank determines the charges were authorized, they go back on your account.
Federal law gives you up to 60 days from the date the charge appeared on your statement to report it. Some banks allow longer, but don't wait — report it as soon as you notice it. Keep records of when you reported the fraud and what the bank told you.
When to lock versus cancel your card
Lock your card if you think you've misplaced it but might find it, if you suspect fraud but want to keep the account open, or if you want a quick way to pause spending. Locking is temporary and reversible.
Cancel your card if you no longer want the account, if you've confirmed the card is lost and don't want to search for it, or if you're closing the card for security reasons after fraud. Cancelling closes the account permanently, and you'll need to order a new card if you change your mind.
If you're unsure whether to lock or cancel, lock first. You can always cancel later if you decide you don't want the card anymore.
Lock a card if it's still in the mail
If your bank mailed you a new card and you're worried it might be intercepted, you can lock it as soon as it arrives — before you even set up it. Log into your app or website, find the new card in your account, and lock it. This prevents anyone who finds the card in the mail from using it.
Once you receive the card and confirm it's yours, unlock it and set up it according to your bank's instructions. set up usually involves calling a number on the card or confirming it in the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lock my card if I'm traveling?
Yes. Locking through your app or website works from anywhere as long as you have internet access. This is useful if you're worried about theft or loss while traveling. You can unlock it when ready when you need to make a purchase, then lock it again afterward.
Will locking my card hurt my credit score?
No. Locking a card doesn't close the account or change your credit history. Your credit utilization and payment history remain the same. Your credit score is not affected.
What if I can't find the lock option in my app?
Not all banks offer card locking through their app or website. Call the number on the back of your card and ask a representative to lock it for you. They can lock it over the phone and unlock it when you call back. Some banks may require you to order a replacement card instead.
Can someone use my locked card if they have the number?
No. A locked card blocks charges whether someone uses the physical card or just the card number. Online and in-store purchases will be declined. Recurring charges you set up before locking may still go through, depending on your bank's policy.
How long does it take to unlock my card?
Unlocking is when ready. As soon as you confirm the unlock in your app or website, the card is active again and ready to use. There is no waiting period.