What to Do If You Find Someone’s Credit Card In Canada

Imagine you're walking to school, or to the grocery store, and you spot a credit card on the sidewalk. What should you do? You might think, “Can I keep it? Maybe even use it?” The answer is no. Using someone else’s credit card without their permission is against the law in Canada, and it can get you into big trouble.

But don’t worry. This article will show you exactly what to do if you find a lost credit card. It’s not difficult, and doing the right thing helps protect the person who lost the card as well.

Why It’s Important to Act Fast

When someone loses their credit card, fraudsters may try to use it for online or in-store purchases. That’s why acting quickly is essential. Every minute counts.

By acting immediately, you can help to:

• Stop crooks from making fraudulent purchases
• Keep the card owner’s money safe
• Protect their credit score 
• Let the bank cancel the card

In Canada, using a card that isn’t yours (even if you found it) is considered fraud.

So, what should you do?

Step 1: Never Use the Card

This is the most important rule:

• Do NOT use the card.
• Do NOT try to guess the PIN.
• Do NOT make any purchases either online or in-person.

Even if you think the card is old, using it is against the law.

Why is this serious?

If you use someone else’s card, you could face:

• Fines (money you must pay)
• Criminal charges
• Trouble getting a job in the future

It’s not worth the risk. Always do the right thing and try to get the card back to the original owner, unused.

Step 2: Look for Clues (But Don’t Dig Too Deep)

Sometimes, a credit card is inside a wallet with other things like:

• A driver’s license
• Business cards
• Receipts with names

Check gently. If you see the person’s name, that’s a clue.

Step 3: Call the Card Issuer or Bank Right Away

Most credit cards have a 24-hour customer service number listed on the back. Here’s what to say:

1. “Hi, I found a credit card.”
2. Tell them where you found it (example: “on the bus” or “near the park on West 2nd Street”). Be as specific as you can.
3. Give them the card number or just the last 4 digits.

The card issuer or bank will:

• Cancel the card
• Alert the owner
• Tell you what to do next (like mail it or drop it off)

It all begins with contacting the card issuer. Just call the customer service number on the back of the card and report the credit card as found.

Step 4: Don’t Post It Online!

Some people think, “I’ll just post a picture on Facebook to help find the owner.” While the sentiment is correct, it’s actually not the best idea.

Crooks constantly monitor social media. If they see the card number or name, they could steal the information and spend money on the card quickly.

To maintain the safety of the cardholder’s information, never share the following online:

• Photos of the credit card
• The credit card number
• The owner’s name

Instead, talk only to the card issuer or bank. Or, consider taking it to a police station.

Step 5: Think About Where You Found It

Where you found the card can help you decide what to do next.

Quick action on your part means less time for fraudulent activity to take place on the card.

Step 6: Keep the Card Safe Until You Can Turn It In

Don’t leave the found credit card lying around. Instead, put it in your pocket or another secure place until you can:

• Call the bank
• Give it to a trusted adult
• Hand it over to the police

Step 7: What Happens If You Don’t Do the Right Thing With The Credit Card?

Let’s say you found a credit card, but didn’t report it. Then someone else uses the card. Even if you didn’t use it yourself, you might still get questions from the bank or the police.

In this case:

• The real owner of the credit card could lose money.
• Their credit score could drop if the fraudulent activity isn’t reported fast enough.
• Banks often only give unauthorized charge refunds if the card is reported missing quickly. 
• Doing nothing can hurt others. And it can even harm you.

Step 8: Call the Police If Needed

If you can’t reach the card issuer or bank right away, or if the situation feels strange (like finding 10 lost credit cards at the same time), call the local police.

Filing a police report:

• Provides proof that you acted honestly and did your part
• Helps protect you and the cardholder in case there’s fraud later on

The police may ask you to bring the card to their station or give you clear instructions on what to do next.

Step 9: What If You Find a Wallet?

If you find a full wallet:

1. Look for ID to help find the owner
2. Call the card issuer or bank about the credit card
3. Turn over the card to the issuer/bank or police
4. Hand over the entire wallet, including the credit card and any other items that you found, to the police so they can return it safely to the owner.

But remember:

• Don’t read personal letters
• Don’t check text messages
• Don’t use anything in the wallet

Step 10: Teach Others What to Do

Tell your friends and family:

• Never use a found credit card
• Always call the bank
• Keep the card safe until you can hand it over

Being a good citizen means doing the right thing. Even when no one is watching.

What Happens After You Turn A Credit Card In?

Once the bank gets the card, they will:

• Cancel it immediately
• Send a new card to the owner
• Turn on fraud alerts
• Make sure the owner doesn’t get blamed for fraudulent charges on the card

If the lost card is reported fast, the owner usually won’t lose any money.

And your job is now done! Good job helping!

Can You Get a Reward?

Some banks or stores give small rewards (like gift cards) for returning lost cards or wallets.

But:

• Never ask for money
• Don’t try to return the card to the person yourself
• Always go through the bank or police for extra security and to maintain your safety

Remember, you did a good thing. Reward or not!

Why Doing the Right Thing Matters

When you return a lost credit card, you:

• Help someone avoid additional stress and financial loss
• Protect yourself
• Help banks fight crime
• Keep Canada’s financial system safer for everyone

It’s a small act, but it makes a big difference.

Conclusion

Finding someone else’s credit card comes with responsibility. The right thing to do is simple: don’t use the card. Instead, keep it safe and take steps to return it properly. If possible, look for basic identification without snooping, contact the card issuer or bank listed on the card, or give the card directly to the police. Also, be sure to never post about the card online, as this can put the owner at risk. The safest option is to turn the card in to a bank branch, the store where it was found, or the police, and follow their instructions.

By acting honestly, you can help to protect the cardholder from fraud and yourself from legal trouble. Small actions like these make a big difference and set a good example for others. 

Are you the one who lost their card? Check out FinlyWealth’s blog on what to do if you lose your credit card in Canada.