Imagine the scene: you’re going about your daily business when suddenly you need cash. Nothing very exceptional so far. So you go to the nearest ATM to withdraw money, but that’s the drama: your card has just been swallowed by the ATM. Panic on board! You are trapped, without a means of payment or withdrawal. A situation as embarrassing as frustrating that we would like to do without, isn’t it? But faced with such cases, many are taken aback, choose to act out of spite. In this article, we will explain the procedure to follow and the mistakes to avoid when your card is swallowed by an ATM.
You’ve probably gotten used to everything going like clockwork when you go to an ATM to withdraw cash. It is true that the process is extremely simple: insert the credit card, type the code, then choose the amount to withdraw and let the ATM take care of the rest. But sometimes things don’t go as planned and instead of giving you your tickets, the machine decides to keep your card. Few people are prepared for such an eventuality and end up making a mistake that can have serious consequences.
What not to do if your credit card is swallowed by the ATM?
Seeing your bank card swallowed by an ATM can be very stressful. What to do in such a situation? How do I retrieve this card? What are the mistakes to avoid? Here are as many questions as one can reasonably ask oneself on this subject. But rather than panicking or indulging in wacky tricks to retrieve your card, there are some simple steps to follow to avoid any additional complications.
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What drives the ATM to hold a bank card?
There are several reasons why an ATM can capture your credit card during a banknote withdrawal operation. Including:
- The entry of 3 successive confidential codes;
- Exceeding the validity date of the card;
- The opposition of the card or in case of misuse;
- Too long a waiting time after a withdrawal operation or account consultation;
- A technical failure of the ATM.
What happens when you do the wrong code 3 times?
Like all devices that require increased security, ATMs are very picky about the accuracy of the confidential information you provide. As a result, if the ATM allows you to enter your PIN incorrectly twice, a third consecutive error and your card is automatically swallowed. This is a security measure put in place to protect users from fraud and account hacking attempts.
What to never do if your credit card has been swallowed by an ATM
When an ATM captures your card, you may be tempted to turn on your heels, especially if you have urgent errands to run. However, this knee-jerk reaction can cause you more trouble than you think. Indeed, the blocking of your card can for example be temporary, if it is a technical failure. And in this case, it is not excluded that the ATM expels your credit card after a few minutes… it could end up in malicious hands. However, if you wait a while and your card still hasn’t reappeared, here’s what to do before you leave.
Report the problem to your bank immediately
Two scenarios arise here, depending on the geographical location of theu ATM.
- If the ATM is backed by a bank branch: This is the ideal case since you will only have to enter to address directly the counter of the bank branch concerned. Upon presentation of a valid identity document such as a national identity card, passport or driver’s license, the agency’s staff may return your credit card, if the reason for the confiscation allows it. Only downside, this is only possible during opening hours.
- If the ATM is isolated: There, it is already a bit more annoying. However, you must immediately contact your bank advisor to oppose your credit card as soon as possible. This will block its use and prevent fraudulent transactions until the problem is resolved. Banks have specific procedures to follow in case of loss or theft of a credit card, and your advisor will be able to guide you effectively. But in some situations, the capture of your card may occur following a decision of the bank itself.
Can my bank decide to block my credit card? If so, why?
Yes, your bank has the right to block your bank account in certain cases, which includes your credit card. In this kind of situation, she can do it without warning you, but this is rare and must be justified. Here are some examples:
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- NSF cheque issuance;
- Exceeding the authorized overdraft;
- Exceeding the withdrawal or payment limit;
- At the request of the public treasury for non-payment of taxes;
- Suspicious movements of funds;
- Misuse of the bank card.
Whatever the reasons behind the capture of your credit card, the only solution is to contact your bank directly to find out the steps to follow to solve the problem. Indeed, each bank has its own procedures for unblocking a bank card. It is therefore preferable to contact the issuing agency. You can do this by phone, email, via the online customer area or by going directly to the agency if possible.
In conclusion, if your credit card is swallowed, no need to panic, solutions exist! However, it is essential to react quickly and contact your bank immediately before leaving the ATM. The reasons for the block can be diverse and varied, and by following the advice of your bank advisor, you will be able to quickly recover your card and have access to your money.
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