Card lock: What is it, and how and when should you use it?

Misplacing a credit card can be stressful. And it could lead to fraudulent or unauthorized charges. Luckily, many credit card issuers, including Capital One, provide a card lock feature, which enables you to lock and unlock your credit card from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Sound interesting? Learn more about card locks, including how and when to use them. 

What you’ll learn:

• Locking your credit card generally allows you to prevent the use of your (or your authorized user’s) credit card for new purchases.
• Capital One cardholders can log in to the Capital One Mobile app to lock and unlock credit cards and debit cards as needed.¹
• You may decide to lock your credit card for a number of reasons, including theft or fraud.
• Keep in mind that while you can lock your card at any time, your card balance will continue to accrue interest.

Card lock is a security feature that lets you lock certain aspects of your credit card account and prevent new transactions. Often, you can lock a card from your online banking portal or mobile app. Credit card issuers may have different names for this feature, sometimes incorporating the term “freeze” as opposed to “lock.” Depending on your financial institution, card lock may also be an option for debit cards.

Capital One makes it easy for cardholders to lock and unlock their credit cards and debit cards directly from the Capital One Mobile app.

Locking a credit card prevents the card from being used to make most new purchases.² But your credit card company will likely continue to authorize any recurring charges you already approved, like subscription payments or automatic bill pay. This can help prevent you from losing access to services or falling behind on bills while preventing authorization of other new charges.

Some card locks may be indefinite—meaning they remain in place until you unlock the card. You can usually unlock the card whenever you want, providing you with more control over your money. But some card locks may lift automatically after a certain period of time. Capital One customers will need to unlock their credit card to start using it again.

The effects of locking your credit card may vary depending on your credit card issuer. Some of the most commonly blocked transactions include:

• New online or in-store purchases

• Cash advances

Locking a credit card is typically simple, but the process can vary depending on your credit card company. In most cases, you can lock your card using your mobile app.

To lock or unlock your Capital One credit card in the Capital One Mobile app, select the card you want to lock and navigate to the Protect and replace your card section. From there, you can lock or unlock your card as needed.

As with physical cards, the process of locking or deleting a virtual card can vary by issuer. To lock or delete a virtual card from Capital One, sign in to your Capital One account, select Get your virtual card from your credit card account and select Virtual card manager. From there, select the virtual card you want to manage and choose to lock, unlock or delete it without affecting your ability to make purchases with your physical card.

You may choose to lock your credit card for a number of reasons, including a lost card, potential credit card fraud or to prevent impulse purchases. Card locks can also be a way to keep an old account active without worrying about accidental charges.

Take a closer look at some of the scenarios where you may decide to lock your card:

• You lost your credit card. If you misplaced your card or left it behind, locking it can prevent others from using it until it’s back in your possession.
• You’re concerned about credit card fraud. Think your account has been compromised? A card lock might prevent fraudsters from making purchases until you resolve the problem. Just remember to promptly report any fraudulent activity to your credit card company and request a new card.
• You want to curb impulse spending. A credit card lock can be a good way to reduce impulse buying or minimize credit card debt, especially if you’re trying to save money or pay off your existing balance.
• You want to minimize another person’s access to your account. Depending on your credit card issuer, locking an authorized user’s card could prevent them from making purchases while still allowing them to remain on your account. For instance, you can add a child as an authorized user to your account to help them establish credit. But locking their card could prevent them from making purchases without your permission while still allowing you to use your credit card as normal. 
• You want to safely keep an old account active. Setting up a card lock may allow you to keep an old credit account active without running up an unpaid balance, which could help boost your credit score by increasing your average account age. Typically, your credit card company will still authorize previously approved charges, but you can’t make any new charges unless you unlock your card.

Still curious about locking a credit card? Check out these frequently asked questions for more information.

A credit card lock can be a quick and convenient way to prevent others from using your credit card without your permission. It can also be a strategic tool to maintain old accounts without accidentally building up a balance or to help manage spending and credit card debt.

Download the Capital One Mobile app today to lock a card, manage users, track balances and monitor spending from your smartphone or tablet.