How to Unblock an ATM Card?

ATM cards may get blocked due to incorrect PIN entries, suspicious activity, or voluntary security measures. Once the issue is resolved, most banks offer simple ways to unblock ATM cards. You can unblock an ATM card through internet banking, mobile apps, SMS, customer care, or by visiting your bank branch.

This step-by-step guide explains how to unblock ATM card online and offline.

Ways to Unblock an ATM Card

If you are wondering how to unblock ATM card, there are several convenient methods you can use to unblock the ATM card depending on your bank’s available services. Below are the most common ways:

How to Unblock an ATM Card Through a Bank?

You can unblock an ATM card by visiting the bank where you have an account. The initial process is to go to your bank’s nearest branch and ask the officials about the cause of the block. After knowing the reason, you must request them to unblock your ATM card. 

The bank officials may ask you to submit some identification documents for identity confirmation and process your request. 

How to Unblock an ATM Card Through SMS?

Several banks even allow you to unblock ATM card using your bank’s SMS banking facility. You can follow this simple process to unblock a debit card via the SMS facility:

• Check if your bank facilitates the unblocking of your ATM card via SMS banking services. In addition, you must check the particular format to send the instructions to unblock your ATM card.
• Next, you must send an SMS to your bank from your registered mobile number with relevant information like card number, account number and cause for blocking your card.
• After verifying your information and processing the request, the bank will send you a message confirming the unblocking of your ATM/debit card.

How to Unblock an ATM Card Automatically?

Below are some situations when the bank automatically activates or unblocks your ATM card:

• An instance when your bank may block your card temporarily is when you enter your ATM PIN up to three times incorrectly. This leads to a temporary block of 24 hours. Eventually, the bank will automatically activate your ATM card so you can use it again. 
• In some scenarios, the bank can block ATM cards for security purposes, especially when they see suspicious transactions. Once the bank completes the required security check, your ATM card will be unblocked automatically. 

How to Unblock an ATM Card via Call?

Apart from the above methods, you can unblock ATM cards by contacting the bank’s customer care. You can follow this process to unblock ATM cards via call:

• Contact the bank’s customer care by calling from your registered mobile number.
• Follow the IVR instructions or talk to the bank’s representative.
• Give the required details for identity confirmation, like your card number, account number and other relevant details. 
• Ask them about the cause of card blocking and request them to unblock it.
• In some scenarios, the authorities may require further details, or you may need to go to the nearest branch to unblock your ATM card. 
• Once they confirm your identity, they will unblock your card for use.

How to Unblock an ATM Card Online?

Some banks permit you to unblock ATM cards online. To do this, you must open your bank’s net banking portal or the mobile application and log into your account. After logging in, you must follow their directives to unblock your ATM card. 

Overall, there are multiple methods to unblock ATM cards. Nevertheless, if the bank temporarily blocks your card, you must request them to unblock it. However, if your ATM card is expired or deactivated, you cannot unblock it to start using the card again. In such scenarios, you must apply for a new ATM card. 

Reasons for Blocking an ATM Card

Your ATM card may be blocked automatically or manually, depending on the situation. Here are some common reasons:

• Incorrect PIN Attempts: Entering the wrong PIN three times in a row leads to automatic blocking for 24 hours as a security measure.
• Suspicious Transactions: Banks may block your card if they detect unusual or fraudulent activity.
• Card Misplacement or Theft: If you report your card lost or stolen, it is blocked to prevent misuse.
• Inactive Card: If you haven’t used your ATM card for a long time, the bank may deactivate it as a precaution.
• KYC Issues or Account Freeze: Non-compliance with KYC guidelines or account-related issues may result in card deactivation.
• Manual Request by Customer: You may request the bank to block the card due to personal reasons, like limiting spending or temporarily disabling access.

Depending on your bank’s services, you can unblock ATM card through net banking, SMS, customer care, or by visiting the branch. Always identify the reason for the block first and then follow the right method to unblock ATM card. You must apply for a new card instead of trying to reactivate it if the card is permanently blocked or expired.

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