Back to Cards and ATMs
7-10banking-basics

If your card is lost

Explore why contactless payments do not require a PIN for small amounts.

In this lesson

If your card is lost is part of Cards and ATMs. This preview shows how banking-basics connects to everyday family decisions such as earning, saving, spending choices, goals, approvals, or parent-guided money conversations inside Progress Penguin.

Today’s money mission

Imagine this situation: You realise your debit card is missing. You are not sure if it is lost or just at home.

What you need to know

Contactless payments do not require a PIN for small amounts. A stolen card can be used at shops immediately. The faster you block it, the less exposure you have.

Real-life example

Real-life money moment: Your card is stolen at 2pm. You report it at 8pm. In those 6 hours, the thief made 15000 in local currency in contactless transactions (under 5000 in local currency each, no PIN required).

Progress Penguin connection

Open your account settings and look at every security option available. If you suspected unauthorized access, what would your first step be? What can you do immediately to limit damage? Knowing the answer before it happens is the preparation this lesson describes.

Activity preview

Try one real money action

Open Tasks and submit proof for one task, or open Requests and make a deposit request. Parent approval can happen later.

Quiz preview

If your card is lost or stolen, first step is:

Wait and see
Tell strangers
Wait 24 hours to see if it turns up before reporting it
Block via app or call

You realise your debit card is missing. You are not sure if it is lost or just at home. What is the safest first action?

Wait 24 hours to check if it turns up
Call your bank immediately to temporarily block the card — it can be unblocked if found at home
Only act if you see an unauthorised transaction
Ask friends if they have seen it