Losing an ATM or debit card can expose your bank account to unauthorized withdrawals and purchases, so the first priority is not the affidavit—it is blocking the card immediately. An Affidavit of Loss is usually prepared afterward to document what happened and support the bank’s cancellation and replacement process. The exact requirements vary by bank, account type, and replacement channel, but the process generally involves reporting the loss, completing the bank’s form or preparing an affidavit, appearing before a notary public, and submitting the required documents to the bank.

What to Do Immediately After Losing Your ATM Card

Do not spend hours searching for the card before contacting the bank. A lost card may already be in someone else’s possession.

Lock or block the card immediately. Use the bank’s mobile app, online banking portal, official hotline, or branch. A temporary lock may be useful while checking whether the card is merely misplaced, but request permanent blocking once you reasonably believe it is lost or stolen.
Record the report details. Save the date and time of your report, the channel used, the name of the bank representative, and the case or reference number.
Check your recent transactions. Look for unfamiliar ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale purchases, online transactions, balance inquiries, or fund transfers.
Change related credentials when necessary. Change your online banking password or mobile banking PIN if the card disappeared together with your phone, written passwords, IDs, or other sensitive information.
Ask the bank about replacement requirements. Specifically ask whether it requires:
- Its own Affidavit of Loss form;
- A separately drafted and notarized affidavit;
- A police report;
- Personal appearance at the branch of account;
- An original notarized copy rather than a scan;
- A replacement fee; and
- Additional documents for payroll, pension, corporate, or government-issued cards.

Under the Access Devices Regulation Act, a cardholder should notify the issuer of the loss as soon as the cardholder becomes aware of it. Compliance with the issuer’s reporting procedure is especially important because the law connects the timing of the report with the cardholder’s potential liability for later fraudulent use. (Lawphil)

What Is an Affidavit of Loss?

An Affidavit of Loss is a written statement in which a person declares under oath that a document, card, or item has been lost and explains the circumstances of the loss.

For a missing ATM card, the affidavit commonly states:

The cardholder’s identity;
The bank and account connected to the card;
When and where the card was last seen;
When the cardholder discovered that it was missing;
The efforts made to locate it;
When and how the loss was reported to the bank;
A request to cancel and replace the card; and
An undertaking not to use the old card if it is later recovered.

The affidavit does not block the ATM card by itself. It is evidence supporting the bank’s administrative process. Only the bank can deactivate the card in its system.

An affidavit is normally notarized through a jurat. In a jurat, the person making the affidavit, called the affiant, personally appears before a notary public, proves identity, signs the document in the notary’s presence, and swears that its contents are true.

Is an Affidavit of Loss Legally Required for Every Missing ATM Card?

There is no single Philippine law requiring every bank and every cardholder to use exactly the same affidavit procedure. The requirement usually comes from:

The bank’s deposit account terms and conditions;
The bank’s cardholder agreement;
The bank’s internal fraud-control procedures;
The type of account or card involved; or
A special agreement covering payroll, pension, government, or institutional accounts.

This is why two people who lose cards issued by different banks may receive different instructions.

For example:

BDO’s published debit card terms require the cardholder to report the loss immediately and file BDO’s prescribed affidavit personally at the branch of account. If the branch is closed because of a weekend or holiday, the affidavit is to be filed on the next banking day. BDO also publishes an Affidavit of Loss form stating that notarization is required. (BDO)
BPI allows customers to permanently block and request replacement of certain debit cards through its app, a branch, or its contact center. Its general terms nevertheless refer to an affidavit of loss and replacement request executed by the cardholder. Customers should therefore confirm the requirement applicable to their account and chosen replacement channel. (Bank of the Philippine Islands)
LANDBANK’s published procedure for certain lost or stolen cards requires a Customer Request Form, a valid government-issued ID, and an original notarized Affidavit of Loss with Deed of Indemnity. Special institutional arrangements may create exceptions; one published form, for example, notes a specific exemption for qualifying DepEd payroll accounts.

Always follow the issuing bank’s current instructions rather than relying solely on a generic affidavit downloaded from the internet.

Philippine Laws That Apply to a Lost ATM Card

Republic Act No. 8484: Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998

Republic Act No. 8484 treats an ATM or debit card as an access device. The definition also covers account numbers, personal identification numbers, codes, and other means used to access an account or obtain money, goods, or services.

A lost or stolen card may become an “unauthorized access device” when possessed or used without the cardholder’s authority. Fraudulent use of an access device with intent to defraud is punishable under the law.

Most importantly for the cardholder, Section 15 requires the holder to notify the issuer of the loss, theft, or unauthorized use upon becoming aware of it. A holder who fully complies with the issuer’s reporting procedure is protected from financial liability for fraudulent use occurring from the time the loss or theft is reported, subject to the applicable facts and account agreement. (Lawphil)

This makes the report date and time critical. A notarized affidavit prepared the following day cannot replace an immediate hotline, app, or branch report made when the loss was first discovered.

Republic Act No. 11765: Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act

Republic Act No. 11765 recognizes financial consumers’ rights to:

Fair and equitable treatment;
Disclosure and transparency;
Protection of consumer assets against fraud and misuse;
Data privacy and protection; and
Timely handling and redress of complaints.

Banks and other regulated financial institutions must maintain a Financial Consumer Protection Assistance Mechanism for complaints and disputes. A customer should generally raise the issue with the bank first. If the bank does not resolve the matter satisfactorily, the customer may escalate it through the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Consumer Assistance Mechanism. (Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprises)

Notarial Rules and Truthfulness of the Affidavit

A notary public must require personal appearance and competent evidence of identity. The notary must not notarize a blank or incomplete document. The 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice generally recognize a current official identification document bearing the holder’s photograph and signature as competent evidence of identity.

The statements in the affidavit must be truthful. Knowingly making a materially false statement under oath may constitute perjury under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 11594. (Lawphil)

How to Get an Affidavit of Loss for a Missing ATM Card

1. Report and block the card

Contact the issuing bank through an official channel. Do not rely on a message sent to an unofficial social media account or an unverified phone number.

Ask for a reference number and confirm whether the card is:

Temporarily locked;
Permanently blocked;
Scheduled for replacement; or
Still capable of processing recurring or card-not-present transactions.

BSP consumer guidance consistently advises customers to report suspicious or unauthorized transactions immediately. (Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprises)

2. Ask whether the bank has a prescribed form

A bank-prescribed form is usually preferable because it may contain required language on:

Indemnity;
Card cancellation;
Replacement authority;
Surrender of the recovered card;
Disputed transactions; and
Release of the bank from specified risks.

Download the form only from the bank’s official website or obtain it directly from a branch.

3. Gather the facts before drafting

Write down:

Your complete name as reflected in the bank’s records;
Residential address;
Nationality and civil status, if required;
Bank name and branch of account;
Account type;
The last four digits of the card, if known;
The approximate date, time, and place of loss;
The circumstances surrounding the loss;
The date and time you reported it;
The reporting channel and reference number; and
Any unauthorized transactions discovered.

Do not place your PIN, CVV, one-time password, online banking password, or full card credentials in the affidavit.

4. Prepare the affidavit

You may:

Complete the bank’s prescribed form;
Ask the bank branch to provide a form;
Have a lawyer or notary’s office prepare it; or
Draft it yourself and have the bank confirm whether the wording is acceptable.

A simple affidavit may follow this structure:

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES [City or Municipality] ) S.S.

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS

I, [complete name], of legal age, [civil status], [nationality], and residing at [complete address], after having been duly sworn, state:

I am the holder of a deposit account with [bank name and branch], for which an ATM/debit card ending in [last four digits, if known] was issued in my name.

On or about [date], I discovered that the card was missing. The card was last known to be in my possession at [place]. [Briefly and truthfully explain the circumstances.]

I made diligent efforts to locate the card but was unable to recover it.

I reported the loss to the bank on [date and time] through [hotline, app, or branch], under reference number [reference number], and requested that the card be blocked.

I execute this affidavit to attest to the loss and to support the cancellation and replacement of the missing card.

Should the card be recovered, I undertake not to use it and to surrender or dispose of it in accordance with the bank’s instructions.

[Signature over printed name]

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN before me on [date] at [place], the affiant exhibiting [identification document and details].

The notary will complete the jurat and notarial details. Do not copy a notary’s name, commission number, seal, or signature from another document.

5. Bring identification to a commissioned notary public

Bring at least one current government-issued identification document bearing your photograph and signature. As a practical precaution, bring two IDs and photocopies because some notaries or banks request an additional ID.

Commonly presented identification documents include:

Philippine passport;
Driver’s license;
Philippine Identification Card;
Unified Multi-Purpose ID;
Professional Regulation Commission ID;
Postal ID, when valid and accepted;
Senior citizen ID; or
Alien Certificate of Registration identity card or foreign passport for a foreign national.

The notary must personally verify your identity. Identification requirements may be stricter when names, signatures, or personal information do not match.

6. Sign in front of the notary

Do not sign the affidavit in advance unless the notary specifically instructs you under an authorized electronic notarization procedure. For an ordinary paper affidavit, the affiant must sign and take the oath before the notary.

Review every statement before signing. Correct any errors concerning the date, location, bank, branch, or card details.

7. Pay the notarial fee and obtain the required copies

There is no single nationwide retail price for notarizing an Affidavit of Loss. Fees vary by locality, the complexity of the document, and whether the notary prepared the affidavit.

Ask for an official receipt. Obtain enough originals or certified copies for:

The bank;
Your personal records; and
Any related police, insurance, employer, or fraud-dispute process.

8. Submit the affidavit and replacement requirements

Bring the affidavit to the branch or submit it through the channel specified by the bank. You may also need:

A bank customer request form;
One or more valid IDs;
Photocopies of the IDs;
A passbook, if applicable;
A police report in theft or fraud cases;
A replacement fee;
A letter or endorsement from an employer for a payroll account; or
A Deed of Indemnity.

Obtain a stamped receiving copy, transaction slip, email acknowledgment, or reference number proving submission.

9. Track the replacement card

Ask:

Where the replacement card will be delivered or collected;
Whether branch pickup requires personal appearance;
Whether a representative may collect it;
What authorization documents are required;
How the new PIN will be issued; and
Whether the old card has been permanently disabled.

Replacement timelines vary. BPI’s published guidance gives approximate pickup periods of two banking days in Metro Manila, two to four banking days in other parts of Luzon, and around six banking days in the Visayas and Mindanao for covered replacement requests. LANDBANK’s published form gives an indicative period of five banking days in Metro Manila and ten banking days in provincial areas for certain cards. These are bank-specific estimates, not universal legal deadlines. (Bank of the Philippine Islands)

Typical Documents, Costs, and Processing Times

Item	What to Expect
Affidavit	Bank-prescribed form or a separately drafted affidavit
Identification	At least one current official ID with photograph and signature; bringing two is prudent
Notarization	Personal appearance before a commissioned notary, unless valid electronic notarization is used
Police report	Usually not required for a simple loss, but may be requested for theft, robbery, fraud, or disputed transactions
Bank form	Customer request, replacement, indemnity, or dispute form, depending on the bank
Notarial fee	Varies by notary and locality
Replacement fee	Depends on the bank, card type, and account arrangement
Processing time	From same-day processing to several banking days, depending on inventory, location, and delivery method

As current published examples, BPI lists a ₱200 debit card replacement fee for covered requests. LANDBANK lists a regular replacement fee of ₱150 for certain cards and a different fee for some specialized products. BDO states that a replacement fee may apply but the amount depends on the applicable account and card terms. Fees can change, so verify the amount directly with the bank before paying. (Bank of the Philippine Islands)

When a Police Report May Be Necessary

A police report is not automatically required whenever an ATM card is misplaced. It becomes more useful when:

The card was stolen during a robbery, snatching, or burglary;
The missing wallet also contained IDs, checks, or other bank cards;
Unauthorized withdrawals or purchases occurred;
CCTV footage or a formal criminal investigation may be needed;
The bank’s fraud unit specifically requests it;
An insurance claim will be filed; or
The loss is connected to identity theft.

The police report and the affidavit serve different purposes. A police report records an incident reported to law enforcement. An affidavit is the cardholder’s sworn statement. One does not automatically replace the other.

Special Situations

The card was retained by an ATM

Report the incident immediately using the number displayed on the ATM or the issuing bank’s official hotline. Note:

The ATM location;
The machine or terminal number;
The date and exact time;
Whether the ATM belongs to your bank or another bank; and
Whether the transaction was completed.

Do not assume the card will simply be returned. The bank may destroy captured cards for security reasons and issue a replacement. An affidavit may not be required if the bank can confirm that its own machine retained the card, but this depends on bank policy.

There are unauthorized transactions

Blocking the card and submitting an Affidavit of Loss do not automatically complete a fraud dispute. File a separate written dispute and request:

A transaction list or statement;
A dispute form;
The applicable investigation timeline;
Provisional credit rules, if any;
ATM terminal information for questioned withdrawals; and
A written decision explaining the bank’s findings.

Preserve screenshots, text alerts, emails, receipts, location records, and the reference number of your original loss report. If the bank’s response is unsatisfactory, use its consumer assistance mechanism before escalating the matter to the BSP. (Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprises)

The cardholder is abroad

A cardholder outside the Philippines should first ask whether the bank allows replacement through its app, contact center, overseas branch, or authorized representative without a paper affidavit.

When a notarized document is required, possible routes include:

Signing before a Philippine embassy or consular officer;
Signing before a local foreign notary and obtaining an apostille when the document originates from a country covered by the Apostille Convention; or
Following the authentication procedure applicable in a non-Apostille country.

Confirm with the bank before choosing a route. Some banks require the original document to be couriered to the Philippines, while others may initially accept a scan subject to later presentation of the original.

The Supreme Court’s 2025 Rules on Electronic Notarization also permit electronic notarization under prescribed conditions. Remote electronic notarization performed for a person abroad is subject to special rules, including the person’s presence within designated Philippine embassy, consular, or honorary consul premises. Traditional paper notarization remains valid. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

The cardholder is a foreign national

A foreign cardholder generally follows the same process but should bring:

A current passport;
An Alien Certificate of Registration identity card, when applicable;
A secondary ID accepted by the bank or notary; and
Documents explaining any difference between the name in the passport and the name in the bank’s records.

The affidavit should state the affiant’s correct nationality and Philippine or overseas address. A foreign national should also confirm whether the bank requires an updated customer information record before issuing the replacement card.

The account is joint

The person whose name appears on the lost card should normally execute the affidavit because that person has personal knowledge of the card’s possession and loss. A co-depositor should not swear that another person’s card was lost unless the bank expressly accepts such an arrangement.

BPI’s published terms, for example, state that the affidavit of loss and replacement request should be executed by the accountholder to whom the card was issued. (Bank of the Philippine Islands)

Someone else will submit or collect the replacement

A representative may sometimes submit documents or collect the new card, but the representative ordinarily cannot take the cardholder’s oath about facts known personally to the cardholder.

The bank may require:

A Special Power of Attorney;
The representative’s valid IDs;
Copies of the cardholder’s IDs;
The original notarized affidavit; and
Additional verification by phone or video call.

Because an ATM card and PIN provide direct access to funds, many banks require personal pickup despite a Special Power of Attorney.

The lost card is a payroll, pension, or government-issued card

Special account agreements may impose different requirements. The employer, pension agency, school division, or government office may need to endorse the request. Some institutional arrangements may waive an affidavit while others require an Affidavit of Loss with Deed of Indemnity.

Do not assume that the procedure for an ordinary savings account applies to a payroll or benefits card.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting for the affidavit before reporting the card

The card should be blocked first. The legal significance of timely notice under Republic Act No. 8484 makes delay risky. (Lawphil)

Going to the barangay instead of a notary

A barangay may issue a certification or record an incident, but it does not ordinarily notarize an Affidavit of Loss. The affidavit must be sworn before a duly commissioned notary public or another officer legally authorized to administer oaths.

Signing before meeting the notary

For a paper affidavit with a jurat, the affiant should sign and swear before the notary. A notary who notarizes without personal appearance violates the notarial rules.

Using a generic form without checking the bank’s requirements

A generic affidavit may omit a Deed of Indemnity, card surrender undertaking, branch information, or other bank-required wording. Use the bank’s form whenever one is available.

Writing sensitive security information

Never include your PIN, CVV, password, one-time password, or security answers. Usually, the last four digits of the card are enough for identification.

Giving an inaccurate date or invented explanation

Use approximate wording when necessary, such as “on or about July 10, 2026,” rather than inventing an exact date. A false material statement in a sworn affidavit can result in perjury liability. (Lawphil)

Trying to use the old card after it is found

Once the card has been reported lost and permanently blocked, do not attempt to use it. Surrender it to the bank or destroy it according to the bank’s instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Affidavit of Loss from the barangay?

A barangay may provide an incident record or certification, but an Affidavit of Loss is ordinarily prepared by the cardholder and sworn before a commissioned notary public. A barangay document is not automatically a substitute for a notarized affidavit.

Do I need a police report for a lost ATM card?

Usually not for a simple accidental loss. A police report may be necessary or advisable when the card was stolen, unauthorized transactions occurred, other IDs were taken, or the bank specifically requests one.

Can I write the Affidavit of Loss myself?

Yes. You may prepare it yourself as long as the statements are complete, accurate, and acceptable to the bank. However, use the bank’s prescribed form when available because it may contain required indemnity or replacement language.

How many valid IDs do I need for notarization?

The notarial rules generally allow identification through at least one current official ID bearing a photograph and signature, subject to the notary’s verification. Bringing two IDs and photocopies reduces the chance of delay.

Can I get an Affidavit of Loss online?

Electronic notarization is legally available under the Supreme Court’s 2025 rules when performed by an authorized electronic notary using the required platform and procedures. Before using it, ask whether the bank accepts an electronically notarized PDF or insists on an original paper affidavit or its own form. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

What if I do not know my ATM card number?

State that the number is unavailable and provide other identifying details, such as the bank, branch, account type, and last four digits if visible in the mobile app or an old receipt. Do not place a complete account number in unnecessary copies of the affidavit.

How long is an Affidavit of Loss valid?

An affidavit does not usually have a fixed statutory expiration date. However, a bank may require a recently executed affidavit, especially when the loss was reported months earlier. Submit it promptly after notarization.

Can another person execute the affidavit for me?

Generally, the cardholder should execute it because the cardholder personally knows how and when the card was lost. A representative may be authorized to submit documents or collect a replacement if the bank permits, but a Special Power of Attorney does not automatically allow the representative to swear to facts outside the representative’s personal knowledge.

What happens if I find the card after submitting the affidavit?

Do not use it. Once a card has been reported lost and permanently blocked, it should be surrendered to the bank or securely destroyed as instructed. Attempting to use it may trigger security controls or cause confusion during the replacement process.

Does an Affidavit of Loss protect me from unauthorized withdrawals?

The affidavit alone does not determine liability. Immediate reporting, compliance with the bank’s loss-reporting procedure, the timing of the disputed transactions, and the surrounding facts are critical. Republic Act No. 8484 provides protection from financial liability for fraudulent use from the time the loss or theft is properly reported in accordance with the issuer’s procedure. (Lawphil)

Key Takeaways

Block and report the card immediately; do not wait for the affidavit.
Ask the bank whether it requires its own form, an original notarized affidavit, a police report, or a Deed of Indemnity.
Prepare accurate details about the card, the loss, and the date and time of your report.
Do not include your PIN, CVV, passwords, or one-time passwords.
Sign the paper affidavit only in the notary’s presence and bring current government-issued identification.
Replacement fees and timelines differ by bank, card type, account arrangement, and location.
File a separate transaction dispute if unauthorized withdrawals or purchases appear.
Once the old card has been blocked, do not use it even if it is later recovered.