If your card is broken, your first choice should be to call your bank's Customer Contact Center and request a card renewal. Since the card number usually stays the same after renewal, this will make things easier for you.
If you will keep using your card, do not close it with a Closed or Cancelled status. Otherwise, you may need to visit a branch for the new card. (This is generally how banks operate.)
Should I keep using a broken card?
If only the plastic part of the card is cracked and the chip is intact, the card may still work for a while. However, using a broken card at an ATM can cause it to get stuck in the machine or be retained by the ATM. On POS devices, if the chip cannot be read, the transaction cannot be completed. For this reason, it is recommended that you avoid using the broken card as much as possible until your new card arrives.
What can I do until the new card arrives?
Most banks offer a virtual or digital card option that can be used through their mobile app. You can use these cards for online purchases until your new card arrives. Also, if your card is linked to a digital wallet on your phone, you can continue to make contactless payments without the physical card.
What to check when your new card arrives
- The card number usually stays the same on the renewed card, but the expiration date and security code (CVV) may change. You may need to update this information on the shopping sites and automatic payment instructions where your card is registered.
- Complete the activation steps required by your bank before you start using your new card.
How should I destroy the old card?
After receiving your new card, destroy the old one by cutting it into several pieces in a way that cuts through the chip and the magnetic stripe. This prevents the information on the card from being read by others.
