Key highlights
It’s a moment of panic… you just realized you’ve lost your Visa credit, debit or prepaid card. Your first thoughts are likely about security and fraud followed by “How can I replace my card quickly to continue to pay for things?”
The good news is that Visa Global Customer Assistance Services is here to help you with blocking your card and requesting a new one.
Let's explore the steps
- Contact Visa Customer Care.
The first step is to immediately contact Visa Customer Service, to report that your card is missing.
When you contact customer service, be prepared with your name, the number of the lost card (if you have it) and — if required — other identifying information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth and address. The representative may also ask you to provide answers to your pre-selected security questions. Secure your account.
When you report a lost or stolen card, Visa takes action to block fraudulent transactions. Additionally, the representative may provide advice on how to monitor your account for any suspicious activity while you await your new card.
Request a replacement card.
After reporting your card as lost, you will be asked if you’d like an emergency replacement card. Traditionally, emergency card replacement meant that your card company would create and send a physical credit, debit, or prepaid card. Today, however, a growing number of consumers embrace digital payment methods. For example, digital wallets have become an essential part of the travel experience for many, with 74% of U.S. travelers now using them, according to Visa research.¹
Update any recurring payments after receiving your new card.
If you have automatic payments set up with your lost card, remember to update these with your new card information as soon as you receive it. This will help you avoid missed payments and any potential fees, as well as subscription and service interruption. Visa Subscription Management capabilities can help make it easier to navigate recurring payments by allowing cardholders to conveniently view and manage them from a single location.
Consider changing login information for your Visa card account.
Updating your passwords not just for your credit, debit or prepaid card accounts, but for any linked accounts as well, is wise if your card was lost or stolen.
Review your statements and stay vigilant.
After reporting your lost Visa card, it's important to review recent statements for any suspicious activity. If you discover unauthorized charges, contact your card issuer immediately. A representative will guide you through the dispute process and help you secure your account.
Committed to keeping pace with customer expectations, Visa offers cardholders two options for emergency card replacement:
- Rapid physical card replacement across 197 countries and territories,² with cards typically arriving within 1-3 days from approval³.
- Digital card replacement, which arrives in minutes. Digitally issued replacement cards can be sent via email or text or direct to a cardholder’s mobile digital wallet, with no app or download required.
Tips to help keep your Visa card safe in the future
Looking ahead, consider these steps you can take to help keep your Visa card safe.
- Always store your Visa card in a secure place.
- Avoid carrying multiple cards unless necessary, as this can increase the risk of loss.
- Be mindful of where you use your card; stick to reputable retailers and avoid sharing your card information over unsecured connections.
- Consider a digital card as an alternative to a physical card.
- If available, set up Visa Purchase Alerts to quickly identify suspicious charges to your card.
Visa Customer Care is here to help you when you need it most. The team is just a call or click away and ready to provide the information and assistance you need to get back to your life. Contact Visa Customer Care.
- Visa Global Travel Intentions Study, U.S. Edition (2023).
- Data as of April 2025.
- Results may vary.