Traveling with a prepaid card can be convenient as saying from my personal experiences.
But what happens if you lose it or it gets stolen?
Unlike credit cards, prepaid cards have fewer fraud protections and usually take longer to replace.
If your walmart money card and mainly used for payment, being stranded without access to funds can turn a fun trip into a bad experience.
In this guide, I’ll guide step-by-step actions to take when your prepaid card is lost or stolen, as well as safety tips to ensure it never happens again.
1. Stay Calm and Confirm the Card is Missing
Before assuming your card is stolen, double-check all possible locations where you might have misplaced it.
Many times, travelers leave their cards at restaurants, hotel check-ins, or ATM machines. Use the following constraints at priority.
- Checking inside travel pouches.
- Rental car glove boxes or seat gaps.
- Any store or restaurant you visited last.
If your prepaid card issuer has a mobile app, check for recent transactions. If there’s activity you don’t recognize, someone else may be using it.
2. Lock or Freeze Your Card Immediately
Most prepaid card issuers allow you to temporarily lock or freeze your card to prevent unauthorized transactions. This gives you time to locate the card before reporting it as lost.
If your prepaid card doesn’t have a lock feature, call customer service immediately to put a hold on it.
3. Report the Loss to Your Card Issuer
If your card is truly lost or stolen, report it as soon as possible. The faster you report, the lower the risk of fraudulent charges.
- Look for the customer service number on your card’s app or website.
- Some issuers have 24/7 customer support for lost cards.
- Be prepared to verify your identity (name, recent transactions, account number).
4. Check for Unauthorized Transactions & File a Dispute
Even if your card is locked, it’s important to check your transaction history. If someone used your prepaid card, you might be able to dispute the charges.
- What to Do If You See Fraudulent Charges:
- Take screenshots of suspicious transactions.
- Call customer support and request a dispute form.
- Submit the form along with any required proof.
5. Get Emergency Cash While Waiting for a Replacement Card
Losing your prepaid card while traveling is frustrating, but there are ways to access cash while you wait for a replacement.
- If your prepaid card was added to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, you might still be able to make purchases.
- Always carry a second debit or credit card in case of emergencies.
- If you don’t have another card, ask a family member to send you money via a wire transfer.
- If you have a mobile banking app, you might be able to transfer funds to another account and withdraw cash.
6. Request a Replacement Card & Expedite Shipping
Most prepaid card providers can issue a replacement, but shipping times vary.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Replacement Card?
- Standard Shipping: 7-10 business days
- Expedited Shipping: 1-3 business days
- International Shipping: Not always available
Prevent Future Prepaid Card Issues While Traveling
- Always bring a second prepaid card, debit card, or credit card.
- Some prepaid cards offer virtual numbers for safer transactions.
- Enable transaction alerts on your mobile number, to get instant notifications of every purchase.
Conclusion
Losing a prepaid card while traveling doesn’t have to ruin your trip.
By acting quickly, locking your card, and arranging for a backup payment method, you can stay in control of your finances.
That’s all in this blog. Thanks for reading 🙂 Happy travelling.