Can An Inactivated Credit Card Be Used if It’s Not Activated?

When your credit card is inactivated, its usability is significantly impacted. This guide will explain the risks and potential consequences of using an inactive card, as well as how to reactivate it.

The Consequences of Using an Inactive Credit Card

One of the most important things to understand is what happens when you use an inactivated credit card at a merchant. If your card is not activated, any attempt to make a purchase will result in a denial of the charge. However, it's not uncommon for a merchant to clear the transaction successfully, especially in situations where the card is attached to a primary account as an authorized user. This can happen when the merchant's system processes the transaction as a regular card payment instead of a deactivated one.

The Reasons Behind Credit Card Deactivation

There are several reasons why a credit card might get deactivated. Typically, the primary cardholder, the person who is authorized to use the card, might stop making timely payments, leading to an irregular billing scenario. In such cases, the credit card provider has the right to deactivate the card to avoid further financial losses. Other reasons for deactivation may include unauthorized card use, expiration, or simply just inactivity.

How to Reactivate an Inactivated Credit Card

Reactivating a credit card is a straightforward process but requires attention to detail. If your card is deactivated due to inactivity or any other reason, you must take the following steps to reactivate it:

Visit the Card Activation Portal:
Sign onto the website associated with your card's issuing bank. Look for the section that deals with card activation or reactivation. Enter Your Card Details:
Provide the necessary information, such as your account number, card number, and other identification details. Select Reactivation:
Choose the 'Reactivation' option and complete the process according to the instructions. Confirm the Reaction Process:
Check your registered email address and phone number for a notification confirming the reactivation process has been completed.

If you are unable to reactivate your card online, you can always contact the bank or credit card issuer in person. Most issuers have branches where you can visit to reactivate your card.

The Importance of Card Activation

It's worth noting that even if you do not use your card, your account remains active for a certain period, generally found on the terms and conditions provided by the credit card issuer. However, some banks have strict guidelines for inactivation, often setting a time period, like a year, during which the card must be used to prevent inactivation. Beyond that, if the account is not used, it might face closure, and there could be associated fees for inactivity.

If your card is inactivated, it is not possible to make any transactions until it is reactivated. This ensures the security of your financial information and prevents unauthorized usage.