Every year millions of people are victims of identity theft. One way to prevent this from happening to you is by locking your debit card.
Chase debit card is among the most popularly known and used debit cards. You, therefore, must protect your Chase debit card information because it could be used to spend money on your accounts without your permission.
If you have a Chase debit card, you should follow this guide to keep your credit and savings accounts safe from thieves and hackers.
How To Lock Chase Debit Card
If you’ve recently misplaced your debit card, follow these steps to prevent unauthorized use;
Step 1: Log on to the Chase website or the mobile app and sign in to your account.
Step 2: Click on “Account Services” and then “Card Services.”
Step 3: Select “Debit Card”
Step 4: Select “Lock and Unblock”
Step 5: Click on “Lock My Card.”
What Is A Chase Debit Card?
Chase Bank is one of the biggest banks in America. It is also the third-largest debit card issuer in the USA after Visa and MasterCard.
The Chase debit card has an online application facility, allowing customers to apply for their debit cards online.
The online application process of Chase debit cards is very simple and hassle-free. You will have to fill up a small application form, which takes only a few minutes to complete.
Once you have submitted your application, they will send you a response within 24 hours via email or text message.
Banks issue debit cards linked to your checking bank account; it’s essentially a pre-paid credit card.
The money on the card comes out of your checking account, so you can only spend what you have in your checking account.
In that way, you can use your debit card to pay for items in stores, withdraw money from an ATM, or buy things online as well as offline purchases.
Users can make payments using this card at any store or ATM capable of processing Visa transactions. The card is also accepted at most website stores such as iTunes, Netflix.
Chase offers debit cards with several benefits, including:
- Free ATM withdrawals at any ATM in the US and abroad (up to $5 per transaction)
- Free online bill payments
- Signup bonus of USD 200 when you spend USD 500 in the first three months after account opening.
What Is Card Lock?
Card Lock is a security feature requiring users to enter a PIN before using their card. This is used to prevent credit card fraud. If someone steals your card, they will not be able to use it.
The main purpose of the card lock feature is to combat crooks using their debit cards to make online purchases or withdraw money from an ATM.
But it’s also a good way to stop thieves from simply taking your card and running up charges on whatever they feel like. They won’t be able to use the card in any way.
Why Does The Debit Card Need To Be Locked?
Most people in the US are worried about identity theft, and for a good reason. Every day, hundreds of people fall victim to identity theft.
When you look at the numbers, it’s not surprising that 80% of Americans report feeling threatened by the possibility of having their identities stolen.
- If you’re like most people, you don’t feel safe knowing that your debit card information can be compromised at any time. The biggest concern is that savvy thieves will find a way to steal your personal information and get a hold of your debit card number.
- For years, banks have been struggling with the fact that some debit cards are used for fraud. These fraudulent transactions come from stolen cards and lost or stolen cards still being used.
Unfortunately, the costs of these fraudulent transactions are passed on to all customers in the form of higher fees and lower interest rates.
- This procedure also locks out your family members from accessing your debit cards and making any unnecessary and unauthorized payments without your knowledge.
- Another reason is to stop shopaholics from over-spending. This is a form of self-discipline in purchasing, especially for people who like to shop online on Amazon.
What Happens After You Lock Your Account?
You still receive money if your card is locked. You cannot get cash advances, balance transfers, or make new purchases.
Only recurring auto-payments such as monthly subscriptions will still be paid. On the bright side, you can make payments through your digital wallet.
Debit Card Vs. Credit Card
Most people are familiar with credit cards. They use them to buy items and services, which they pay off later.
These cards come with a preset spending limit, the maximum you can spend before making payments.
If you want to purchase more than your limit allows, you will have to request an increase from your credit card company.
Most people don’t know that there is another option: debit cards. Although they work similarly to credit cards, they offer distinct differences and features that can be advantageous depending on your needs.
Paying attention to these differences can help you make informed financial decisions.
A debit card is a plastic card that enables you to pay for items and services using your own money from your bank account. Most often, debit cards are issued by banks or credit unions.
A credit card is different from a debit card. A financial institution usually issues a credit card with the intention that you will pay it back at a later date.
You can use a credit card to pay for items and services today and then make payments to the issuer at a later date.
Credit cards offer rewards and may have lower interest rates than cash or checking accounts.
Pros Of Credit Cards
- You can build a credit history
- It has many purchases protections
- It has fraud protection
- Has rewards
Cons Of Credit Cards
- Too much spending could eventually lead to debt
- Late payments could result in loss of credit score
- High-interest rates and fees
Pros Of Debit Cards
- Has no annual fees
- You can avoid debt with instant payments
Cons Of Debit Cards
- No rewards
- You won’t build a credit history
- Have hidden fees such as overdraft fees and monthly maintenance
Similarities
Debit and credit cards are, essentially, the same thing.
- They both act as a way to pay for your purchases without having to carry around wads of cash.
- Debit and credit cards are both forms of plastic money that let you make purchases at the store.
Differences
Debit vs Credit cards: Which is better? The answer depends on your situation. While debit and credit cards may seem like similar payments methods, there are some key differences between the two that you should know before purchasing.
1. The Biggest Difference Between Debit And Credit Cards Is How You Pay For Them.
The main difference between debit and credit cards is that you’re spending money you already have when you use a debit card.
That’s why it’s very important to keep track of your spending with a debit card because if you spend more money than you have, you could bounce checks or overdraw your account.
With credit cards, you don’t pay for what you buy; you borrow money from a financial lending institution.
Credit cards allow you to pay for purchase later after you’ve paid a hefty interest rate-and. If you don’t offset the balances on time, the bank can charge late payment fees.
2. Purchase Limits
If you have a credit card, it comes with a limit. These cards come with a preset spending limit, the maximum you can spend before making payments.
If you want to purchase more than your limit allows, you will have to request an increase from your credit card company.
On the other hand, debit cards have no limits unless, of course, the money is depleted in your account.
3. Fees
Credit cards charge many interest fees, especially when you are late on your payments. Debit cards do not charge interest fees other than the monthly maintenance fees for overdraft and foreign ATM charges.
Other Financial Institutions That Offer Card Locks
- American Express
- Discover
- Citi
- Capital One
- Bank Of America
- Wells Fargo
- Barclays
Conclusion
For security reasons, debit cardholders should keep an eye on their account balance and lock the card when lost or stolen. While Chase debit cards are convenient to use, they cannot be used to build a credit history which is important in the United States to get loans.
In today’s world, it’s important to be smart about the way you handle your finances. With these tips for protecting your debit card information, you’ll never have to worry about someone taking over and using your card without your permission.