Will turning off my debit card impact recurring payments? (2024)

FAQs

Will turning off my debit card impact recurring payments? ›

Turning your card off will not stop card transactions presented as recurring transactions or the posting of refunds, reversals, or credit adjustments to your account. Any digital card numbers linked to the card will also be turned off.

If a recurring payment has already received authorization it will be processed and paid. However, if a recurring payment has not received authorization and is activated while your debit card is turned off, the recurring payment will be declined.

Locking will typically prevent new transactions but leave automatic payments, such as bills, bank fees, and subscriptions, enabled. It also won't stop transactions that you initiated before locking the card. After locking, you may still be able to pay with the card using a digital wallet.

When you turn the card off, it's immediately locked and new purchases, cash advances and balance transfers are blocked. This way, if the card falls into the wrong hands, fraudulent purchases can be prevented.

If you are attempting to cancel a subscription service and are not confident the merchant will follow through, close the card, and Privacy will block all further charges. Setting spending limits will prevent overcharging and hidden fees, which are unfortunately common with subscription services.

You can contact your bank and place a stop payment order on the recurring transaction. Generally, a stop payment order is only good for six months. To stop payment, you will need to notify your bank at least three business days before the next payment is scheduled to be made. Notice may be made orally or in writing.

Stopping a card payment

You can tell the card issuer by phone, email or letter. Your card issuer has no right to insist that you ask the company taking the payment first. They have to stop the payments if you ask them to. If you ask to stop a payment, the card issuer should investigate each case on its own merit.

The full freeze instantly blocks transactions on your card, including: online and in-person payments made with your card. online and contactless payments using Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Federal law grants you the right to cancel an automatic debit card payment, or stop ACH payments, even if you previously permitted them. There are generally no fees or penalties for canceling an automatic payment preference.

Contact your bank

If your bank is one that allows you to report a lost or stolen card via its app, or temporarily turn your card off, start there. It may be a quicker option than calling customer service and waiting to speak to a representative. If you can't use the bank's mobile app, call customer service ASAP.

Can we temporarily disable debit card? ›

Go to the nearest bank branch with the ATM card number and account number. The cardholder can request the bank executive to block his / her card.

Note: For stop payments on recurring debit card transactions call us at 1-800-TO-WELLS (1-800-869-3557) or speak to a banker at any Wells Fargo branch.

Your recurring payments may post correctly, but it is best to update your card information with all applicable vendors to ensure payments are not interrupted or declined.

When a card is turned off, your account number can't be used to make purchases in-store, online, or by phone. Your account also can't be used for cash advances or balance transfers.

First, you should know that you'll continue receiving statements until your balance is paid off, and that interest will continue accruing on your revolving debt. You'll be required to pay at least the minimum payment on your closed credit card each month until the card is paid off.

You can call the issuer of the debit card and tell them not to allow charges by the specific company. Usually, they'll do this for you.

Some activity will continue to be allowed such as debit transactions that you authorized before you locked your account, monthly maintenance fees, transactions crediting your account, ACH debit transactions that use your account and routing number (i.e. Direct Deposit), recurring bill payments, mobile check deposit, ...