Chase offers a card lock feature that lets you turn your card on and off without closing the account
Chase calls this feature Card Lock, and it works through the Chase Mobile app or online banking portal. When you lock your card, new purchases are blocked — but recurring payments and pending transactions still go through. You can unlock it just as quickly if you need to use the card again. The lock stays in place until you remove it; it does not expire on its own.
This is different from freezing your credit or reporting fraud. Card Lock is a temporary control you manage yourself, useful when you misplace your card, suspect unauthorized use, or simply want to prevent accidental charges while you are traveling or not using the card.
Key Takeaways
- Card Lock blocks new purchases but allows recurring charges and pending transactions to post, so check your active subscriptions before locking.
- You can lock and unlock your card instantly through the Chase Mobile app or Chase.com without calling customer service.
- Locking your card does not close the account or affect your credit score, and the card remains active for online transactions you have already authorized.
- If you suspect fraud rather than just misplacement, report it to Chase directly so they can investigate and potentially issue a replacement card.
- Card Lock works only for that specific card — if you have multiple Chase cards, you must lock each one separately.
How to lock your card through the Chase Mobile app
Open the Chase Mobile app and sign in with your username and password. Find the card you want to lock in your accounts list, then tap on it to open the card details. Look for the option labeled "Lock Card" or a lock icon — the exact wording varies slightly depending on your phone type and app version. Tap it, and the card locks immediately.
You will see a confirmation message stating the card is now locked. The app will also show you a lock icon next to the card name in your accounts list so you can see at a glance which cards are locked. If you need to unlock it later, return to the same screen and tap "Unlock Card."
How to lock your card through Chase.com
Log into your Chase account at Chase.com and navigate to the card you want to lock. Click on the card to view its details page. You should see a "Lock Card" option near the top of the page or in a menu labeled "Card Controls" or "Card Services." Click it to lock the card immediately.
Chase will display a confirmation that your card is now locked. You can unlock it the same way by returning to the card details page and selecting "Unlock Card." Some versions of the website may also show the lock status in your card list view.
What happens to recurring payments and pending charges when your card is locked
Recurring charges — like subscriptions, gym memberships, or automatic bill payments — will still process even when your card is locked. Chase does not block these because they were authorized before the lock was activated. If you want to stop a recurring charge, you need to cancel it with the merchant directly; locking the card alone will not stop it.
Pending transactions that were already in process when you locked the card will also post normally. For example, if you made a purchase at a restaurant and the charge is still pending, it will go through even after you lock the card. Only new transactions you attempt after locking will be declined.
The difference between Card Lock and reporting fraud
Card Lock is a preventive tool you control. It stops new charges but does not investigate past ones or replace your card. Use it when you misplace your card, want to pause spending, or are concerned about future unauthorized use.
If you have already seen fraudulent charges on your statement, you should report fraud to Chase instead of just locking the card. Call the number on the back of your card or use the fraud reporting option in the Chase app. Chase will investigate the charges, remove them from your account, and send you a replacement card with a new number. Reporting fraud also creates an official record that protects you if the merchant disputes the charge removal.
What to do if you cannot find the Card Lock option
Card Lock is available on most Chase credit cards, but not all. If you do not see the option in the app or on Chase.com, your card may not support it. Older cards or certain product types sometimes lack this feature.
You can also call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your card and ask them to lock it for you. They can do this over the phone, though you will need to call again to unlock it. If your card does not support Card Lock and you need to prevent use immediately, ask Chase to temporarily freeze the card or issue a replacement.
Card Lock does not affect your credit score or account status
Locking your card is purely a spending control — it does not close the account, does not appear on your credit report, and does not change your credit score. The card remains open and active in Chase's system. Your credit utilization (the percentage of your credit limit you are using) is not affected because the card is still counted as an open account.
If you lock a card and forget about it for months, that is fine. There is no penalty for leaving it locked. You can unlock it whenever you need to use it again, and it will work normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lock my card if it is already reported lost or stolen?
Yes, but if your card is truly lost or stolen, you should report it to Chase rather than just locking it. They will cancel the card, investigate any fraudulent charges, and send you a replacement with a new number. Locking alone does not protect you if someone else has the physical card.
Will locking my card stop online purchases I have already made?
No. Locking your card only blocks new transactions going forward. Charges that are already pending or authorized will post normally. If you want to cancel an online order, you need to contact the merchant directly.
Can I lock my card while traveling?
Yes, and many people do this for peace of mind. Just remember that locking it will block new purchases, so unlock it before you try to pay. If you are worried about fraud while traveling, contact Chase before you go to let them know your travel dates — they can flag your account so legitimate charges are not declined.
What if I lock my card and then forget I locked it?
Your card will simply decline when you try to use it. You will get a message saying the transaction was not approved. Check the Chase app or Chase.com to see if your card is locked, unlock it, and try again. There is no penalty for this.
Do I need to lock each Chase card separately?
Yes. If you have multiple Chase credit cards, each one has its own lock setting. Locking one card does not lock the others. You must lock each card individually through the app or website.