You want to withdraw money from an ATM or pay at a supermarket checkout, but you can’t remember your bank card code. Don’t panic, it is possible to find it.
Forgetting your secret code happens to everyone. Please note, however, that you are only allowed 3 tries before rendering your bank card useless. After the third attempt with an incorrect code, the card is automatically blocked or even swallowed by the distributor. Whether it is a simple oversight or a card blocking, the procedures and deadlines vary. So if you are faced with a memory lapse, it is better not to rush and study your options.
1 – Card not blocked: consult the code on the application
As a reminder, the confidential code is strictly personal and sent by mail in a separate cover, when the card is sent. In case of forgetting, your bank advisor will never be able to communicate this to you by email or telephone, for the simple reason that he does not have access to this information.
On the other hand, many banks today allow their customers to consult the code themselves for free four digits of their card, directly from their mobile application. After authentication (application secret code, facial recognition, etc.), the secret code is then displayed for a few seconds. This is particularly the case for BoursoBank, La Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne. Better yet, some even offer secret code personalizationin order to be able to memorize it easily and avoid forgetting it.
2 – Card not blocked: request a redaction of the code
Another option if the card is not already blocked: request a copy of the bank card code. If this solution possibly allows you to continue to benefit from contactless payment while waiting to receive the new code, it is chargeable in most cases. Free in certain establishments such as Boursorama Banque or Hello bank, you must count on average nearly 9.19 eurosaccording to the MoneyVox comparison.
You can request it either by email or telephone from your advisor, or from your personal space online or on the application. Allow an average time of five days to obtain the precious sesame by mail. note that certain establishments also allow you to receive the new card code directly by SMS. Some establishments also offer an urgent request procedure with a shorter deadline of between 2 and 3 days. For this, around twenty banks apply a different rate, for a price varying from 12.50 to 75 euros per shipment.
3 – Card blocked after three false codes
You were sure you remembered the correct code, and you couldn’t help yourself. Result: you have entered the wrong code three consecutive times and your bank card is blocked. To avoid theft and fraud, this blocking is in theory unfortunately definitive. You go have to order a new card. This incurs fees in the vast majority of banks. The average cost of this operation is 13.13 euros, according to our comparison.
Do you suddenly remember your code after three wrong codes? Good news, all is not necessarily lost. In certain banks, such as Crdit Mutuel Arka, it is possible to unlock the card after three false codes on a payment terminal. Simply go to an ATM and make a withdrawal by entering the correct confidential code.
4 – Card swallowed by an ATM
On the other hand, after dialing three wrong codes in an ATM, the card is swallowed. If the distributor is backed by an agency that is open, you can contact this agency directly (and not your bank). To recover your card, you will then need to prove your identity, explains the website of the Ministry of Justice. If the agency is closed or the distributor is isolated, it is then imperative to object as soon as possible to prevent any fraudulent use of your card. In this case, your establishment may charge you opposition fees. As of April 22, 2023, out of 137 banks examined by MoneyVox, 106 do not charge chargebacks for misuse. Of the 22 who do so, the fees are on average 27.17 euros.
Do not write down your secret code
To avoid finding yourself in this situation, it may be tempting to write down your code and slip it into your wallet. Forget that. You could be held liable in the event of loss or theft of the card. Likewise, do not communicate it to anyone, not even a loved one.
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