5 Ways Debit Card Controls Prevent Fraud

Debit card fraud can happen when you least expect it. Whether your debit card is misplaced, stolen, or compromised through an online scam, acting quickly can help reduce unauthorized purchases and protect your checking account.

Fortunately, you don't have to wait on hold or visit a financial center to take action. With debit card controls in the Hancock Whitney mobile app, you can manage your debit card directly from your smart device, giving you greater control over how and when your debit card is used.¹

From instantly turning your card off to monitoring purchases in real time, debit card controls put powerful fraud prevention tools at your fingertips. Here are five security features built into our mobile app that can help protect your debit card from fraud while giving you greater control over everyday purchases.

What Are Debit Card Controls and How Do They Work?

Debit card controls are built-in security and management features found in the Hancock Whitney mobile app that help you manage how, when, and where your debit card is used. With debit card controls, you can:

• Turn a debit card on or off

• Set personalized spending controls

• Monitor transactions in real time

• Change a debit card PIN

• Report a lost or stolen debit card

• Activate a new debit card and access a digital version

Instead of relying on customer service for routine card management, you can update your debit card’s status anytime and from almost anywhere. That means greater convenience, faster response times, and more control over your debit card.

How Do Card Controls Protect Your Debit Card from Fraud?

Whether debit card fraud is successful often comes down to speed: The faster you can respond to a lost card, a suspicious charge, or a compromised PIN, the less damage it can do. Debit card controls give you the ability to deal with these threats quickly and effectively.

1. Instantly Turn Your Debit Card On or Off

Rather than worrying about unauthorized purchases, you can temporarily turn your debit card off in the Hancock Whitney mobile app. If you find your card, simply turn it back on and continue using it.

This simple feature adds an extra layer of security and greater peace of mind if you’ve misplaced your debit card, are traveling, or are waiting for a replacement to arrive.

2. Set Personalized Spending Controls

Not every transaction should be automatically approved.

Debit card controls allow you to customize how your debit card is used by creating spending limits based on:

• Merchant category

• Geographic location

• Transaction type

For example, if you primarily use your debit card for everyday local purchases, you can limit certain transaction types or purchases that fall outside the spending controls you've established. These personalized settings can reduce unauthorized activity before it happens.

3. Monitor Debit Card Transactions in Real Time

Keeping an eye on your debit card activity is one of the simplest ways to detect fraud early.

Debit card controls let you view detailed transaction information, including:

• Merchant name

• Business logo

• Location

• Contact information

Reviewing this information makes it easier to recognize legitimate purchases and quickly spot suspicious activity.

4. Change Your PIN at Anytime

If you suspect your PIN has been compromised or can't remember it, you don't have to wait for a replacement card.

Debit card controls let you securely update your debit card PIN directly in the mobile app so you can instantly secure your account without unnecessary delays.

5. Quickly Report a Lost or Stolen Card

When your debit card goes missing, every minute matters.

With debit card controls in the Hancock Whitney mobile app, you can report a lost or stolen debit card directly within the mobile app and connect with a Hancock Whitney representative. Whether you're at home or on the go, you can get help immediately without having to search for or remember the customer service phone number. Acting quickly can reduce the risk of unauthorized purchases.

What Else Can You Do with Debit Card Controls?

Debit card controls in our mobile app do more than protect against fraud. They also simplify everyday debit card management.

You can:

• Activate a new debit card

• Access a digital version of your card before the physical card arrives

• Add your debit card to Apple Pay or Google Pay without leaving the app

• Manage many common card services directly within the app

These convenient tools allow you to spend less time managing your card and more time focusing on what matters most.

Take Control of Your Debit Card Security

While no one can prevent every attempt at fraud, the right tools can help you respond quickly and confidently.

With debit card controls in the Hancock Whitney mobile app, you have greater insight into your debit card activity and the ability to take immediate action if something doesn't look right.

Whether you're traveling, shopping online, or managing everyday purchases, debit card controls help you stay connected to your account and in control of your debit card.

Learn more about debit card controls or download the Hancock Whitney mobile app to start managing your debit card with greater confidence and control.