Anyone who does this will lose their bank card – not because of the wrong PIN.
Losing a bank card is one of the most frustrating experiences for account holders, and it is not always due to entering the PIN incorrectly. While entering the PIN incorrectly three times at the ATM results in the card being held for security reasons, there are several other actions or circumstances that can lead to the same outcome.
Using a card that has already been blocked, whether because it has been reported lost or stolen or for other banking reasons, can automatically lead to the card being confiscated by the ATM. This ensures the protection of the account and the cardholder from unauthorized use. Similarly, lingering at the ATM for too long can also lead to the card being retained. Some machines dispense cash before returning the card, and a delay in time may prompt the system to secure the card.
Technical issues can also lead to the card being retained by the ATM. Device malfunctions or chip damage may cause the card to be retained, as confirmed by banks like Deutsche Bank. This precautionary measure prevents cards from being taken by mistake or falling into the wrong hands.
Criminal activity is another factor that can lead to card loss. Tampered devices, hidden cameras, or strange attachments may trigger the ATM's security logic, causing the machine to retain the card. Banks and police advise reporting any suspicious devices immediately to avoid data theft or financial losses.
In some cases, a bank's internal restrictions can lead to the card being retained. Accounts that have been blocked due to overdraft, compliance issues, or other reasons may result in the card being left inside the ATM. Once the card is retained, it usually reaches the bank where it can be retrieved after identity verification or replaced with a new one. Cardholders in Germany can immediately block a lost or retained card by calling the 24-hour emergency hotline at 116 116.