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

Misplacing a credit card—or potentially becoming a victim of credit card fraud—can be stressful. And it could lead to fraudulent or unauthorized charges.

Luckily, there are tools and features at your fingertips that can help you manage your credit card and prevent others from using it without your permission. One of those features is card lock, which typically enables you to lock and unlock your credit card from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Capital One makes it easy for customers to lock and unlock their credit cards directly from the Capital One Mobile app.

Sound interesting? Learn more about credit 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 into the Capital One Mobile app to lock and unlock credit 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.

A credit 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.”

Locking a credit card prevents the card from being used to make most new purchases. 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 a simple process. In most cases, you can lock your card using your mobile app, but the process can vary depending on your credit card company. 

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.

According to sources like Experian and Bankrate, 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.