Many users keep more Cards than those who really use it. Between personal, joint or business accounts, it is common to have one or two cards standing in the wallet, ready for emergencies or occasional purchases. What few know is that these inactive cards can pose risks of safety and unexpected blocks.
According to the Leak Portal, several banks operating in Portugal, such as Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Santander and Millennium BCP, have internal policies that determine automatic blockade of inactivity cards. This procedure may occur between six to twelve months without any use, without notice to the user.
Automatic lock may arise without warning
According to the same source, automatic block is a security measure and also a form of resource management by banking institutions. Although understandable from an operational point of view, it may surprise customers when they need the card more. Situations, such as the urgent need to raise money or make a travel payment are often reported as times when the blockade proves to be problematic.
In addition, cards that are forgotten for long periods are also the most likely to be ignored in case of loss or wallet theft. Write what, unlike daily cards, stops are not carefully monitored, and their absence may take days until noticed.
A distraction that criminals know well
Adds the publication that there are recurring patterns exploited by burns, precisely because they know that many users maintain forgotten cards, often with the PIN code written on a paper stored next to the card itself. This combination is particularly critical in case of theft, allowing quick transactions before any block is triggered by the holder.
Another pointed risk is the use of MB Way and digital wallets. According to the same source, some users maintain inactive cards associated with these platforms without remembering this, which opens doors to unauthorized movements that are difficult to detect in a timely manner.
Prevention begins with a conscious choice
To reduce the risks, you should evaluate which cards are really justified. The recommendation is to limit the wallet to two cards: one main and one of reserve. The reserve card should be used at least once a month, even if it is for a symbolic purchase, which helps keep the activity registered and prevents automatic lock.
It is equally important to never store the PIN code with the card. Although this practice is often considered outdated, it continues to occur, facilitating improper access in the case of loss.
Less is more: control is security
What is certain is that fewer cards result in more control. Maintaining only essential means of payment reduces exposure to safety risks and facilitates the monitoring of bank movements. Forgetting a card may seem harmless, but it may have greater consequences than its simple loss.
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