Reporting a Lost Bank Card in Germany: What to Do

Losing your bank card in Germany is stressful enough without a language barrier on top. You need to block the card fast, contact your bank, and possibly order a replacement. The good news: the process is straightforward once you know who to call and what to say. Here are the steps and the German phrases for reporting a lost bank card in Germany.

Reporting a lost bank card in Germany means calling the nationwide blocking hotline (116 116) or your bank directly, providing your account details, and requesting a replacement card. Acting quickly limits your liability for unauthorized transactions.

Step 1: Block Your Card Immediately

Germany has a central card-blocking service called the “Sperrnotruf” (emergency blocking hotline). The number is 116 116 from within Germany. It works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and covers most German bank cards and credit cards. From abroad, dial +49 116 116.

You will need your “IBAN” or “Kontonummer” (account number) to identify your account. If you do not have these memorized, check your banking app or a recent “Kontoauszug” (account statement). For a refresher on banking terms, see our German banking vocabulary guide.

• “Ich möchte meine Karte sperren lassen.” - I would like to have my card blocked.
• “Meine Karte ist verloren gegangen.” - My card has been lost.
• “Meine Karte wurde gestohlen.” - My card was stolen.

Step 2: Contact Your Bank

After blocking the card through the hotline, call your bank directly during business hours. The hotline blocks the card, but your bank handles the replacement. Most banks have a dedicated service number printed on your account paperwork or listed in their app.

• “Ich brauche eine Ersatzkarte.” - I need a replacement card.
• “Wie lange dauert es, bis ich eine neue Karte bekomme?” - How long until I receive a new card?
• “Kann ich in der Zwischenzeit Geld abheben?” - Can I withdraw money in the meantime?
• “Muss ich in die Filiale kommen?” - Do I need to come to the branch?

Replacement cards typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks let you pick up a temporary card at the branch. Others can issue a new PIN separately by post. Ask what options are available.

What to Say If Your Card Was Stolen

If your card was stolen rather than just lost, you should also file a report with the police. This is called an “Anzeige” (police report). You can do this at any “Polizeidienststelle” (police station). Having the report number helps if you need to dispute unauthorized charges later.

• “Mir wurde die Karte gestohlen.” - My card was stolen.
• “Ich möchte eine Anzeige erstatten.” - I would like to file a report.
• “Es gab unautorisierte Abbuchungen auf meinem Konto.” - There were unauthorized charges on my account.

Your bank may ask for the police report number when you dispute transactions. Keep a copy of the report in your records.

How to Limit Your Risk Before It Happens

A few simple steps save you panic later. Store your IBAN somewhere accessible (a note in your phone, not just on the card itself). Save the “Sperrnotruf” number 116 116 in your contacts. If your bank has an app, you can often block and unblock your card from there instantly.

• “Kann ich die Karte über die App sperren?” - Can I block the card through the app?
• “Gibt es eine Gebühr für die Ersatzkarte?” - Is there a fee for the replacement card?

Some banks charge a small fee for a replacement “Girokarte” (debit card), while others include it for free. Credit card replacements usually take longer because they are issued by a separate provider.

For a complete overview of the German banking system, from opening an account to managing transfers, see our banking in Germany guide. To practice a bank conversation in German, try the Bank Appointment scenario on EverydayDeutsch.