Will my ATM card be blocked if it runs out of money?

A person can own many ATM cards from different banks because opening an account is very simple these days; it's even possible to open one online without going to a branch, and you can receive the card in a short time.

However, typical users usually only use 1-2 bank cards regularly, resulting in other cards going unused for extended periods. Therefore, many people wonder how long an unused ATM card can be held before the account is closed, or whether an ATM card will be locked if it runs out of money.

Most banks have a policy of blocking cards that have not been used for a long time, usually after 6-18 months when the account balance runs out. Even if the card is not used, customers may still be charged fees such as SMS Banking fees, account maintenance fees, etc., until the balance is depleted.

ATM cards will be blocked if they run out of money within 6-18 months, depending on the bank.

For example, Vietcombank stipulates that it will close a customer's account if the balance is zero for more than 12 consecutive months. After closing the account, Vietcombank will notify the account holder. After closing the account, the customer must go through the procedure to open a new account if they wish to use VCB's account services.

VietinBank also has a similar regulation, closing customers' accounts when the balance reaches zero and no transactions occur for a period of one year.

BIDV will close a customer's payment account when the account runs out of balance and there are no transactions for a continuous period of 6 months for VND accounts, and 12 months for foreign currency accounts (except for some products with separate regulations and agreements with customers).

When closing an account, BIDV will notify the customer using one of the following methods: sending a written notice, email, text message, phone call, or publicly posting a notice at the branch's transaction counter.

Customers pay account closure fees as stipulated in BIDV's fee schedule, which is publicly displayed at the transaction counter.

The bank will automatically debit the account to pay other fees according to BIDV's fee schedule and other financial obligations of the customer at BIDV (if any).

After closing a payment account, customers who wish to use a payment account must follow BIDV's procedures and regulations to open a new one.

Techcombank stipulates that accounts with balances below the minimum balance set by Techcombank and without any active transactions from the customer for a continuous period of one year (365 days) will be closed (except for accounts contributing capital to purchase shares by foreign investors). Techcombank will cease providing services and notify the customer 30 days in advance from the expected account closure date.

When an account is closed, the bank simultaneously terminates all services associated with that account, including the ATM card. Customers have several ways to verify whether their bank card is still active, such as checking at an ATM, bringing the card to a branch to have it checked by a staff member, calling the bank's hotline, or logging into online banking services.

Many people also wonder if money will be deducted from their unused bank cards. This depends on the card you are using and the services you have subscribed to. If you don't use your card for a long time and there is still money on it, you may still be charged fees such as SMS Banking and account maintenance fees.

Hao Nhien (compiled)

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