Lost or Stolen MyBalanceNow Card: What to Do Immediately
If your MyBalanceNow Visa or Mastercard gift/prepaid card is missing, speed matters. The safest path is: call the card issuer right away, ask them to block the card, and request a replacement (if eligible). This page gives you a clear, practical checklist and explains what happens next, including common issuer rules and “why you may see pending holds.”
On this page
1) What to do in the first 10 minutes
When a card is lost or stolen, treat it like cash. Your goal is to stop new transactions and protect the remaining balance.
What you should write down (before or during the call)
Card type (Visa/Mastercard), last 4 digits (never share full number publicly), and any reference numbers from receipts or emails.
Original receipt or order confirmation. Some issuers can only help with a replacement if you can prove purchase and identify the card.
Suspected unauthorized charges, and any pending holds you don’t recognize (see “holds” section below).
Agent name/ID, date/time, and the case number. Save it like a password.
2) How to contact the issuer (fast & correctly)
Best option: call the phone number printed on the back of your card. That number routes to the specific issuer that can actually block and replace your card.
If you have a Target-issued Visa/Mastercard gift card
Target’s help guidance for Visa/Mastercard gift cards points to the MyBalanceNow support path and a dedicated phone number for replacement requests.
Phone (Target Visa/Mastercard gift cards): 1-877-867-4873
Global network “backup” contacts (if you can’t find the issuer)
Visa and Mastercard offer consumer support lines that can help you locate the right issuer contact or guide next steps. These are backup options—your issuer is still the one who blocks/replaces the card.
Visa consumer support | Mastercard consumer support
3) Replacement card & balance transfer: what to expect
Replacement rules vary by issuer and by card type (gift card vs reloadable prepaid vs payroll). In many cases, the issuer can cancel the missing card and, if records show funds remaining, issue a replacement card (sometimes after verifying purchase details).
Common issuer steps (typical flow)
4) If you see unauthorized charges
If a transaction appears that you didn’t make, treat it urgently—especially if your card is still missing. Call the issuer and say: “I’m reporting unauthorized transactions and I need the card blocked.”
What to ask the issuer
- Confirm the card is blocked (and the exact time it was blocked).
- List the suspicious charges and ask which are pending vs posted.
- Ask how to submit a dispute (phone, web form, or email) and what documents they need.
- Ask about a replacement card and whether remaining funds can be moved.
5) Why holds happen (hotels, gas stations, tips)
Even when nothing is “wrong,” some merchants place temporary authorization holds that reduce available balance until the final amount is confirmed. This can look scary right after a card goes missing because it may resemble an extra charge.
Common hold situations
- Hotels & rentals: may pre-authorize an amount for incidentals.
- Gas stations: may authorize a set amount at the pump, then finalize the real purchase amount.
- Restaurants: may authorize extra to account for a tip (the tip is still your choice; the authorization is just a placeholder).
These behaviors are widely documented for gift/prepaid cards. If you’re unsure, call the issuer and ask whether a charge is a temporary authorization or a final posted transaction.
6) Avoid scams & fake “support” numbers
When people lose a card, scammers often try to intercept them through ads, fake “help” pages, or look-alike domains. Keep it simple:
- Use numbers printed on your card or paperwork.
- If you don’t have the card, use trusted brand references (e.g., Target help or network support pages).
- Never install remote-access apps because “support” asked you to.
- Never share OTPs or full card details publicly.
If your wallet was stolen (with ID inside), consider protective steps like a credit freeze to reduce identity theft risk.
Need help right now?
Go to Customer Service for the safest contact checklist, then review Transaction History and Check Balance to spot suspicious activity quickly. If you’re seeing declines or pending authorizations, read Fees & Limits (holds explained) and Troubleshooting for quick fixes.
FAQs: Lost or Stolen Card
Can I recover the balance if my MyBalanceNow card is lost?
Sometimes, yes—if the issuer can identify the card and verify you’re the rightful holder (often using the card number and/or purchase proof). The issuer may cancel the old card and issue a replacement with the remaining value (after accounting for legitimate pending transactions and merchant settlement timing).
What if I don’t have the card number anymore?
Use the original receipt, order confirmation, or packaging if available. These may contain enough information for the issuer to locate the card record and help you report the card missing.
How fast should I report a missing card?
Immediately. Prompt reporting helps prevent additional losses and can reduce your responsibility for unauthorized transactions.
Why do I see a pending charge that I don’t recognize?
It may be a temporary authorization hold (common with hotels, gas stations, rentals, or tipping). Ask the issuer whether it’s pending or posted and whether it is expected to drop off if not finalized.
Is there a fee to replace a lost or stolen gift card?
Policies vary by issuer and card program. Some programs state there is no fee for replacement when value remains, but your issuer’s terms are the final authority—confirm directly with the issuer handling your specific card.
What’s the safest way to find the right support number?
The phone number printed on the back of your card is the safest. If you don’t have the card, use trusted references and avoid ads or look-alike support sites.