My card has been lost or stolen and used to purchase goods

Lost or stolen credit cards

If you’ve had your credit card stolen or discover that you’ve lost it, you should report it missing straight away as it could affect where you stand legally if the card is subsequently used by a thief.

Your card provider should always refund you in full for any unauthorised transaction that takes place after you've reported your card missing, in accordance with the Consumer Credit Act. 

If you don't realise for a number of days that your card has been lost or stolen, you should still be able to get your money back.

You can only be held responsible for the first £35 and should be refunded the rest of the overdrawn balance, including any charges incurred as a result.

If your credit card provider thinks you're responsible for the transaction or that you've authorised someone else to buy the item using your card, then it needs to prove this - you don't need to prove you weren't responsible. 

If you were responsible for the transaction or authorised someone else to use your card, your card provide won't refund you anything. 

Lost or stolen debit cards

The Payment Services Regulations state that if your debit card provider can show you've failed to take reasonable measures to keep your debit card and/ or card details (including your PIN) safe, then it the most it can charge you is the first £35 of an unauthorised transaction (previously £50). 

If your card provider can demonstrate that the disputed transaction was a result of you acting fraudulently or with gross negligence, then it can refuse to refund you. 

If your card provider thinks you've failed to take care of your card or bank details - or worse, that you've been fraudulent or grossly negligent - then it's for them to prove this.