While you are in front of an ATM, your card is swallowed by the machine and you wonder what to do? Do not panic. There are many reasons why your card may be held. You may be able to get your card back under certain conditions.
Why can my bank card be swallowed?
If your credit card is swallowed by the distributor, you need to understand why: in the majority of cases, it is a question of security. This can happen if you typed the wrong code too many times or waited too long to retrieve it after an operation. Perhaps your card has been reported stolen or has expired. Your card can also be swallowed following a request from the bank itself. Finally, the distributor may have a technical problem. What will differ for the recovery mode is the location of the ATM.
What should I do if my bank card is swallowed and the distributor is backed by a bank?
If the ATM is in a bank and the bank is open, then you have a chance of getting your card back. “You must contact this directly agency (and not to your bank). You will need to prove your identity to collect your card“, explains the website of the Ministry of Justice. Act as quickly as possible to have the best chance of recovering your card. On the other hand, “for security reasons, some bank branches do not have access to ATMs and will not be able to collect your card“, adds the site.
What happens if my card is swallowed by an isolated ATM?
If your credit card was swallowed by an ATM which is at a station or even which is backed by a closed bank, then it will be more complicated. In case the card is swallowed because you entered the wrong code too many times or because the ATM has a technical problem, then “do immediately opposition to prevent fraudulent use of your card. To do this, call your bank’s opposition service or the interbank opposition server“, indicates the website of the Ministry of Justice.
What should I do if my bank card is swallowed because it is expired or at the request of the bank?
If your card was swallowed following a request from the bank or because it has expired, then you will not be able to recover it. It is still better to contact your banking institution to be sure. If it is expired, then you will receive a new card quickly. If it was the bank that wanted to withdraw your card, then you will have to make an appointment with your advisor.