Losing your ATM card can be scary, but it’s not the only concern. Imagine having your debit or credit card added to various online shopping or social media platforms with automated subscription plans. Suddenly, your money gets deducted without you even knowing it. That can feel just as stressful as it sounds. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there (your author included) and panicked because we didn’t know how to block our ATM card!
Recently, there have also been cases of fraud, with Meezan Bank customers reporting unauthorized charges on social media platforms. Situations like this highlight why it’s so important to deactivate your card to safeguard your money.
The good news is that controlling your card’s use is simple. Whether your card is lost, stolen, or being misused online, blocking it quickly is the safest way to protect your money. In Pakistan, banks like HBL, Meezan, and JazzCash make this process easy with apps, helplines, and branch support.
Watch the Step-by-Step Guide
For a quick guide on how to block an ATM card in Pakistan, check out our video tutorial below. It provides simple instructions to get it done in no time.
Deactivate in 4 Steps (30 Seconds)
Table of Contents Show
Why You Should Block Your ATM Card
This really happened in Lahore: One of our team members lost his wallet but didn’t know it right away. Someone found it, took the ATM card, and used it online where no OTP or PIN was needed. Worse, they guessed the PIN, which was something simple like 1111, 1234, or 0000, and withdrew money from an ATM!
Similarly, there have been recent cases of fraud involving Meezan Bank customers. Unauthorized charges were made on their cards through social media platforms, highlighting how easily your money can be misused even when your card isn’t physically lost.
This shows why you should block your card right away if it’s lost or stolen. Blocking your card will:
- Keep your money safe from bad people.
- Stop others from using your card.
- Let you get a new card quickly from the bank.
If your card goes missing, tell your bank right away to keep your money safe!
How to Block Your ATM Card in Pakistan
Each bank has its own way to block cards. Here’s how you can do it for popular banks:
Meezan Bank
- Call Helpline: Dial 111-331-331 or 111-331-332 to block your card.
- Branch Visit: Go to your nearest Meezan Bank branch if you can’t call.
- Mobile App: Open the Meezan Mobile App, Click for Step-by-Step Guide
HBL (Habib Bank Limited)
- Call Helpline: Dial 111-111-425 to block your card.
- Mobile App: Open the HBL Mobile App, Click for Step-by-Step Guide
- Branch Visit: Visit an HBL branch if you need help.
UBL (United Bank Limited)
- Call Helpline: Dial 111-825-888 for instant card blocking.
- Mobile App: Use the UBL Digital App to block your card.
JazzCash eWallet
- Call Helpline: Dial 4444 (Jazz users) or 111-124-444 (other networks).
- Mobile App: Open the JazzCash app, go to Card Services, and block your card.
Zong PayMax
- Call Helpline: Dial 310 or contact customer service for help.
What to Do After Blocking Your Card
- Ask for a New Card:
- Visit your bank and request a replacement card.
- You might have to pay a small fee for the new card.
- Check Your Account:
- Look at your bank statements or app for any unusual transactions.
- Report anything suspicious to your bank.
- Update Your Subscriptions:
- If your old card was used for things like Netflix, update your payment info with the new card.
How to Block Meezan Bank ATM Card Using the App
Meezan Bank makes it super easy to block your ATM card with its mobile app. Just follow these simple steps:
1: Log In to the Meezan App
- Open the Meezan Bank app on your phone.
- Enter your username and password or use your fingerprint (TouchID) to log in safely.
2: Go to the Debit Card Section
- On the main screen, tap on the Debit Card icon.
3: Block Your Card
- Find the toggle switch that says Deactivate Your Card. Slide it to turn off your card.
4: Confirm the Block
- A message will pop up asking if you’re sure. Tap OK.
- You’ll see another message that says: “Your card has been deactivated successfully.”
Now your card is blocked, and no one can use it. This keeps your money safe!
How to Block Bank Alfalah ATM Card Using the App
If you lost your Bank Alfalah ATM card or need to block it, don’t worry! Follow these super easy steps to block it using the app.
1: Open the App
- Tap on the Bank Alfalah app on your phone.
- Enter your PIN or use Face ID to log in.
2: Find the “More” Button
- On the home screen, look at the bottom right corner. Tap on More to see more options.
3: Tap on “Cards”
- In the menu, scroll down and find Cards. Tap on it to open your card options.
4: Press “Lock Card”
- Under your card, find the button that says Lock Card. Tap on it to start blocking your card.
5: Confirm to Lock Your Card
- A message will pop up asking if you want to lock the card. Tap Lock Card again to say yes.
6: Card is Locked!
- A happy message will appear saying, Card locked successfully! Your card is now blocked, and no one can use it.
Now your Bank Alfalah ATM card is safe and blocked.
How to Block HBL ATM Card Using the App
HBL makes it super easy to block your ATM card with their app. Just follow these steps to keep your account safe:
1: Log In to the HBL App
- Open the HBL Mobile App on your phone.
- Enter your login ID and password, or use the fingerprint login for quick access.
2: Open the Menu
- Tap the three lines in the top left corner to open the menu.
3: Go to Management & Services
- Scroll down and tap on Management & Services.
4: Find Card Management
- Tap on Card Management in the list.
5: Select Your Card
- In the Debit Cards section, pick the card you want to block.
6: Block Your Card
- Tap the Block button below your card details.
- Select a Block Type (like Permanent Block).
- Choose a reason from the list.
7: Confirm Blocking
- Tap the green Block button to finish.
- A message will pop up saying your card has been blocked successfully.
That’s it! Your HBL ATM card is now blocked, and no one can use it. This helps keep your money safe.
For more information, Visit HBL Mobile Banking App Guide
How to Block HabibMetro ATM Card Using the App
If you lost your HabibMetro ATM card or want to stop someone from using it, you can block it easily using the app. Follow these steps with pictures to help you!
1: Open the HabibMetro App
- Open the HabibMetro Insta App on your phone.
- Type your username and password or use your fingerprint to log in.
2: Tap on Menu
- Once you log in, find the Menu button at the bottom right of the screen and tap on it.
3: Select Cards
- In the menu, scroll down and tap on Cards to manage your ATM card.
4: Choose Card Management
- Under the Cards section, tap on Card Management to make changes to your card.
5: Check Your Card Status
- Tap on it to change the status.
- You will see your card’s current status, like Active.
6: Pick Temporary Block
- A box will open. Tap Select Status and choose Temporary Block from the list.
7: Enter Your PIN
- To confirm, type your security PIN (the secret number you use for your card).
8: See the Success Message
- After you confirm, you will see a message that says, “Card status successfully changed.”
That’s it! Your card is now blocked, and no one can use it.
How to Turn Off SadaPay Card Using the App
SadaPay makes it super easy to stop your card if you lose it or don’t want to use it. Just follow these steps:
1: Open the SadaPay App
- Tap on the SadaPay app on your phone.
- Enter your PIN code to log in.
2: Find Your Card
- On the main screen, tap on your Current Balance to see your card details.
3: Freeze Your Card
- Under the My Cards section, select your Physical Card or Virtual Card.
- Tap the Freeze Card switch to turn it off.
4: Confirm Card is Off
- You’ll see a snowflake (❄️) symbol on your card. This means your card is now off and can’t be used.
How to Turn Your Card Back On
- If you want to use your card again, go to My Cards.
- Tap the Freeze Card switch again to turn it back on.
- The snowflake will disappear, and your card will work like normal.
This is an easy way to keep your SadaPay card safe if you lose it or don’t need it for a while. If you want a new card, you can choose the Reissue Card option to get another one.
How to Block NayaPay Card Using the App
If you lose your NayaPay card or want to keep it safe, don’t worry! You can block it quickly with the NayaPay app. Just follow these easy steps:
1: Open the NayaPay App
- Open the NayaPay app on your phone.
- Enter your PIN code to log in.
2: Go to the Cards Section
- On the main screen, look for the Cards button at the bottom.
- Tap it to see your card options.
3: Freeze Your Card
- Find the Freeze Card option and tap it.
- A message will pop up saying, “Freeze Card?”
- Tap Freeze Card again to temporarily block your card.
- Your card will now show as Frozen and can’t be used until you unfreeze it.
4: Permanently Block Your Card (If Needed)
- If your card is lost or stolen, tap the Permanent Block button.
- A new message will appear asking, “Block Card?”
- Tap Block Card to permanently disable it.
5: Confirm Permanently Block Your Card
- Tap “Block Card”
- You’ll need to request a new card from NayaPay if you want to use their services again.
That’s it! These steps will help keep your money safe if your card is lost or stolen.
How to Stay Safe from Card Fraud
Card fraud can happen to anyone, but taking a few simple steps can keep your money safe. Follow these tips to protect yourself from scams.
1. Keep Your PIN a Secret:
- Don’t tell anyone your PIN.
- Use a strong PIN like “5824,” not easy ones like “1234” or “0000.”
2. Save Your Bank’s Phone Number
- Put your bank’s helpline number in your phone.
- This helps you call them quickly if you need help.
3. Turn On Alerts:
- Ask your bank to send you SMS or app notifications when you use your card.
- Alerts help you see if someone else is using your card.
4. Check Your Account Often:
- Look at your account balance and transactions regularly.
- Make sure no one is spending your money without your permission.
5. Tell Your Bank If Something Is Wrong:
- If you see a problem, call your bank right away.
- They can help stop any fraud and protect your money.
6. Get Extra Help Online:
- Visit the State Bank of Pakistan’s Consumer Protection page.
- They have tips to keep your money and information safe.
Be Smart and Careful: Keeping your money safe is easy if you follow these steps. Always be on the lookout and tell your bank if anything feels wrong!
FAQs About Blocking ATM Cards in Pakistan
Yes, call your bank or visit a branch to unblock it.
Blocking is free, but you may have to pay a fee for a replacement card.
Most banks take about 5–7 working days.
Yes, many banks let you block cards using their apps or websites.
Conclusion
Deactivating ATM card is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your money if your card details is lost or stolen. Banks in Pakistan, like Meezan, HBL, and UBL, offer a convenient procedure for blocking, such as mobile apps, helplines, and branch services to help you act fast.
You should make it a habit to regularly check your account for any suspicious transactions and keep your card blocked if not in used. If you notice anything unusual, contact your bank immediately to report the issue. Once your card is blocked, don’t forget to request a new one to continue enjoy living.
Your financial safety is a priority, and all your bank is always ready to assist. Take control of your account today and keep your money secure!
Umer Kureshi is a talented content writer with over two years of experience and a passion for creating engaging, conversational articles that connect with readers of all ages. He is the founder of Pakera.pk, where he oversees operations as the Administrator, SEO Manager, and Writer.
