SBI customers can block and reissue debit card with these simple steps
Recent data shows that as many as 3.5 crore debit card users of SBI lose their cards and the recently launched system has made life easy for them
Losing a debit card brings a torrent of worries to an average citizen and the first apprehension that grips an individual is the risk of losing money from the account.
Astronomical siphoning Your apprehensions are not misplaced. According to RBI data, in the 10 years between April 2009 and September 2019, fraudsters withdrew Rs 615.39 crore from 1.17 lakh instances of debit and credit card frauds. In fact according to reports the amount is much higher since losses of less than Rs 1 lakh were not maintained by the bank between April 2009 and April 2017.
In an effort to make life easier for those customers who might lose their debit card, State Bank of India recently changed its toll free IVRS (Interactive Voice Recording Systems) phone number for blocking and reissuance of debit card.
The new numbers are 1800-112-211 and 1800-425-3800.
During the pandemic it is not advisable for anyone to visit a branch. The system offers a customer the facility of blocking the lost card and reissuing a new one following some basic steps.
Lost and blocked First, SBI customers need to call SBI toll-free numbers 1800 112 211 or 1800 425 3800 from the mobile number registered with the bank.
After selecting the language, you should dial ‘0’.
This will lead to three options – blocking the card using the registered mobile number (RMN) and card number combination, or RMN and account number and blocking card through an agent.
If you select the first option, you will need to key in the last 5 digits of the card you want to block. You need to press 1 to confirm.
If you opt for the account number method, you have to key in the last 5 digits of the account number and then press 1 to confirm.
This will instantly block your card and prevent any possible misuse.
A blocking confirmation will be sent on the registered mobile number.
Reissuance procedure If you want to replace your card, then call any of the two toll free numbers.
After selecting the language you have to dial ‘1’ for replacing the card.
Then you need to enter the year of your birth. You have keyed in the year correctly, press 1 to confirm, or press 2 to cancel.
You should keep the last 5 digits of your account number handy and key them in. Then press ‘1’ to confirm it.
Once you confirm, your card replacement request has been successfully sent. A confirmation message will also be sent to your registered mobile number.
The debit card will be sent to customer’s registered address.
However, card replacement charges will be applied.
Lost cards According to Reserve Bank of India data till February, 2021 about 89 crore debit cards are in use. Out of these a little less than 30 crore cards are issued by SBI.
On an average about 12 crore debit cards are lost every year in India, of which about 3.5 crore are SBI cards.
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