You can freeze a Chase credit card through the mobile app, online account, or by calling customer service

A credit card freeze (sometimes called a card lock) temporarily stops your card from working for new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers. Chase calls this feature "Card Lock." It does not close your account, lower your credit limit, or hurt your credit score. The freeze stays in place until you turn it off, which takes seconds.

This is different from a security freeze on your credit file. A Card Lock stops only that specific Chase card. You use it when you want to prevent fraud on one card but keep other accounts active, or when you want to stop yourself from using a card without permanently closing it.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Card Lock stops new charges on your card but does not affect recurring bills, pending charges, or your credit score.
  • You can turn the freeze on or off instantly through the Chase mobile app, Chase.com, or by calling 1-800-935-9935.
  • Recurring payments (subscriptions, insurance, utilities) will still go through even when your card is locked.
  • A locked card still reports to credit bureaus and counts toward your available credit, so it does not harm your credit history.

Freezing your card through the Chase mobile app

Open the Chase mobile app and sign in to your account. Find the card you want to freeze by tapping on it in your wallet or accounts list. Look for the card settings or options menu — this is usually a gear icon or three dots in the upper right corner of the card view.

Tap "Card Lock" or "Lock Card." The app will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the card is frozen immediately. You will see a message saying the card is locked, and the app may show a lock icon on that card's image. You can unlock it the same way by tapping "Card Lock" again and confirming.

Freezing your card on Chase.com

Log in to your Chase account at Chase.com. Go to your account dashboard and select the card you want to freeze. Click on the card details or settings section. You should see an option labeled "Card Lock" or "Lock This Card."

Click the toggle or button to turn Card Lock on. Chase will ask you to confirm. Once confirmed, the card is locked. You can turn it back on by returning to the same section and clicking the toggle again.

Freezing your card by phone

Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. Have your card number and account information ready. Tell the representative you want to lock your card. They will confirm your identity and turn on Card Lock for you.

You can also ask the representative to unlock the card during the same call if you change your mind. Some representatives may ask why you want to lock the card, but you do not have to explain — it is your choice to use this feature.

What still works when your card is locked

Recurring charges continue to go through. If you have a subscription, insurance payment, or utility bill set to auto-pay from this card, those charges will still post even when Card Lock is on. This is by design — the lock prevents new, one-time charges but not pre-authorized recurring payments.

Pending charges that were already approved before you locked the card will also still process. For example, if you swiped your card at a restaurant and locked it before the charge posted, the restaurant's charge will still go through. Card Lock only stops new transactions you initiate after the lock is turned on.

How Card Lock affects your credit and account

Freezing your card does not close the account. Your credit limit stays the same, and the card continues to report to the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Your credit score is not affected by turning Card Lock on or off.

The card still counts as an open account in your credit mix, which can help your credit history. If you want to actually close the card, you would need to call Chase and ask to close the account — Card Lock alone does not do that.

When to use Card Lock instead of closing your card

Use Card Lock if you want to pause using a card without losing the account history or credit limit. This is useful if you are worried about fraud, trying to stop impulse spending, or traveling and want to prevent unauthorized use. You can turn it back on whenever you want.

Close the card only if you never plan to use it again and want to remove it from your wallet. Closing a card can slightly lower your credit score because it reduces your total available credit and shortens your average account age. If you are just taking a break, Card Lock is the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Card Lock stop a charge I already made?

No. Card Lock only stops new charges you make after turning it on. Charges that already posted or are pending will go through. If you need to dispute a charge, you would contact Chase separately to file a dispute or chargeback.

Can I lock my card if I am not the primary account holder?

If you are an authorized user on someone else's Chase card, you may be able to lock the card through your own app or account view, depending on your permissions. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm what you can control as an authorized user.

Does Card Lock work internationally?

Yes. Card Lock works the same way whether you are in the United States or abroad. You can lock or unlock your card from anywhere using the app or website, as long as you have internet access.

What if I forget to unlock my card before I need to use it?

You can unlock it instantly through the app, website, or phone. There is no waiting period. If you are at a store and realize your card is locked, you can unlock it on your phone right then and try the transaction again.

Is Card Lock the same as reporting my card stolen?

No. Reporting a card stolen or lost tells Chase to cancel that card and send you a replacement. Card Lock just pauses the card temporarily. If your card is actually lost or stolen, call Chase immediately at the number on the back of your card or 1-800-935-9935 to report it.