There are occasions when your card can be blocked and there are a number of reasons why this can happen. If the bank or building society does want to block your card, they must contact you and tell you that they intend to do so and explain why.
Your card can only be blocked on reasonable grounds, such as the security of your account is at risk, if the bank or building society suspects unauthorised or fraudulent use, or if they believe there is an increased risk that you may not be able to repay an overdraft. Before you open your account, the bank or building society will explain in what circumstances it can block your card.
If the bank or building society cannot contact you before blocking your card, they must contact you immediately after doing so, using the means of communication agreed with you. However, this does not apply if providing this information would compromise security measures or would be unlawful.
If you are planning to go abroad, it is advisable to tell your bank or building society in advance, as this may stop them blocking your card for suspected unauthorised use.
Baines and Ernst Ltd