Losing your credit cards in SC doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Top tips to keep your identity safe

If you have ever had the unpleasant experience of reaching into your wallet and noticing one of your cards is missing, you know that the instant settling of panic is practically unforgettable.

Your mind races, shuffling through purses, pant pockets and those tiny crevices between the seats of the car to figure out where that little piece of plastic could have gone.

With so much of our personal information packed into those cards, it can be easy to panic and not think straight when one goes missing.

Here is a guide of what you should (and should not) do in the event of a lost credit card, ID or even grocery store loyalty card.

What to do if you lose a credit card

1. Lock your card

The first thing to do once you recognize your card is missing is to lock or freeze it.

Most card issuers allow you to lock your card through their website or mobile app to prevent unauthorized charges. Major issuers that offer this service include:

• American Express

• Bank of America

• Barclays

• Capital One

• Chase

• Citi

• Discover

• Wells Fargo

Locking the card temporarily blocks new purchases but doesn’t cancel it, so you can unlock it later if you find it.

Locking your credit card is like hitting the pause button on your remote, telling the card issuer to temporarily block new purchases without canceling the card until you unlock it. This prevents thieves from making fraudulent purchases. If you find the card, you can unlock it and start using it again right away.

2. Track your card and check for unauthorized charges

Check on your recent transactions to see where you made your last purchase. Sometimes, it’s possible to locate your missing card by retracing your steps and where you have been.

If you notice a charge that was not from you, report it to your issuer.

3. Report your lost card

If you can’t find your card, report it to your issuer as soon as possible. Many issuers allow you to report a lost card online or by phone. This will help protect you from further unauthorized charges and prompt a replacement card.

Many credit card issuers have phone numbers you can call from both the U.S. and when traveling abroad. Here are the numbers for some of the major issuers.

When you report the lost credit card, the issuer will most likely cancel your old card number to prevent any unauthorized charges and then send you a new card with a new number.

Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you’re liable for up to $50 in fraudulent charges if reported promptly. Some issuers offer zero-liability policies and waive all unauthorized charges.

4. Request a replacement card

Once you report your card as lost or stolen, the issuer will cancel your old card number and send you a new one.

It may take a few days to arrive, depending on the issuer. In the meantime, monitor your account for any suspicious activity.

Once you receive your replacement card, here’s what to do to make sure you keep everything in check:

• Update any linked accounts.

• Check your next statement closely.

• Safeguard your new credit card information.

How much does it cost to replace a lost credit card?

Many issuers offer free card replacement, though you may be responsible for unauthorized charges depending on when you report the loss.

Does replacing a lost credit card affect your credit?

Replacing your card won’t impact your credit score. Even if you get a new card with a new 16-digit number, the card account and the age of that account remain the same for credit reporting.

However, if your account is closed when requesting a replacement, it could affect your credit.

Still, if one of your cards goes missing, there are a few prudent steps you can take after reporting the lost card to ensure your credit isn’t negatively affected:

• Be sure you pay what you owe on the old card.

• Monitor and protect your identity.

• Check your credit report for any errors.

• Report any fraudulent activity.

What happens to recurring payments?

If you get a replacement card, you’ll need to update your recurring payments with your new card number to avoid issues.

If your original card is locked, it won’t interfere with any recurring payments you’ve set up, but you should confirm this with your issuer so you don’t accidentally miss a payment.

What’s next?

If you do need a replacement card, here’s what to do in the meantime to keep your account safe:

• Consider using mobile payment methods or cash.

• Monitor statements.

• Limit the cards you carry every day.

• Destroy old cards.

What to do if you find your missing credit card

If you locate your missing card, contact your card issuer. Depending on the timing, they may ask you to destroy the replacement card and continue using the original.

What if I’ve found somebody’s credit card?

Call the issuer using the number on the card. They are responsible for contacting the owner and handling the situation.

What if I lose my ID?

Contact the agency that issued the ID to report it lost or stolen and request a replacement. You should also ask the agency to put a note in your file so no one else can get a license or identification in your name.

For a South Carolina driver’s license, visit SCDMV for details.

A replacement license or ID card costs $10, and a beginner’s permit is $2.50.

What if I lost my grocery store loyalty card?

Visit your local store’s guest services desk or call customer care to request a new card and link it to your account.

What not to do in the event of a lost or stolen card

• Don’t post the card information or your last purchase location on social media.

• Don’t wait to report it; it’s better to do it early and protect your identity.

• Don’t stress yourself out. Stay calm and take a breath to ensure you follow all the right steps to recovering your missing cards.

This story was originally published February 25, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

Anna Claire Miller

The Island Packet

Anna Claire Miller is a former journalist for the Island Packet