February 17, 2026 · 5 mins read
Santosh Kumar
Because of the emergence of Digital Payments Systems (DPSs), it has become quicker and easier for people to pay by credit card, especially with the emergence of credit cards linked to a UPI payment method. While these transactions are frictionless and have the potential to create a seamless transaction experience for customers, it also creates potential security concerns and potential for Unauthorised Access to data via fraudulent activity. Consumers often worry that they will not be able to immediately stop access to their credit card account once fraudulent activity has occurred. However, the knowledge of both the timeframe and process for blocking access to a UPI credit card allows consumers to make prompt and informed decisions when attempting to protect their financial information.
UPI is an instant payment system created by India’s National Payments Corporation that enables users to connect bank accounts and credit cards to mobile payment apps. Once connected, you can tap to pay instantly using a safe authentication method like a UPI PIN.
UPI credit card payments, while fast and convenient, could be fraudulent if an unauthorised person accesses the user’s mobile device or payment credentials. In these cases, immediate action must be taken to halt any additional abuse.
UPI credit cards can almost always be blocked immediately if fraud is suspected. The majority of banks and payment platforms offer instant actions to block or disable a linked credit card via mobile apps, online banking, or customer support.
Once the card is blocked, no additional transactions via UPI can take place. This limits the risk of further unathorized charges and safeguards the user’s credit line. Instant blocking is intended as an emergency security tool and is usually offered on-demand.
How fast it blocks depends on how fast the user reports it and how the card is disabled.
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A lot of banks let users block cards via mobile banking apps. From the card controls or security setting, you can block or pause the card.
This process generally kicks in immediately. Most banking apps also enable users to block transaction types like online transactions or UPI transactions without having to completely cancel the credit card.
Mobile banking apps offer one of the quickest and most convenient methods to protect an account in the event of suspicious activity.
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Users may also unlink / deactivate their linked cards from UPI payment apps. The majority of UPI apps also feature a tab to manage payment methods and disconnect cards.
Deactivating the card prevents it from being utilized for additional UPI transactions. This is handy if they believe the payment app itself was compromised or accessed without permission. You can relink the card later once security issues are addressed.
If you don’t have mobile access or need immediate assistance, users can simply call up their bank’s support service. Banks have dedicated anti-fraud and credit card blocking help-lines
Customer service reps are able to instantly block the card and walk users through next steps, such as filing a fraud complaint or requesting a new card. This is a great option if the phone is lost or stolen.
Once a UPI credit card is blocked, future transactions are refused. The bank can initiate an investigation into any suspicious activity reported by the user.
The cardholder can be prompted to authenticate transactions, update security credentials, or file a fraud dispute request. If unauthorized transactions are indeed verified, the bank can typically reverse those charges per its policies and issue a replacement card.
Card blocking has no impact on the user’s credit score but any balance still needs to be examined.
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Most banks and other payment platforms will let customers immediately block their credit cards through mobile banking apps or by calling their customer service.
Yes. Once the card is blocked, there can no longer be any further UPI transactions or credit card payments until the card has been reactivated or replaced.
Your credit score will not be affected if you block a credit card to prevent future fraudulent activities, but you must still pay any outstanding balances before their due date.
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