How to Block & Unblock Sharjah Islamic Bank Credit Cards In UAE

When Should You Block Sharjah Islamic Bank Credit Cards?

Sharjah Islamic Bank advises customers to block Sharjah Islamic Bank credit cards immediately when there is a risk of misuse. Acting quickly limits financial loss and reduces customer liability under bank security policies.

1. Unauthorised transactions: Any unknown or suspicious transaction is a clear reason to block Sharjah Islamic Bank credit cards immediately.
2. Physical Loss or Theft: If you lose, misplace, or your credit card gets stolen, you should immediately block it. 
3. Suspicion of Compromised Details: Blocking stops unauthorised online or card-not-present transactions when card number, CVV, PIN, or online banking credentials are suspected to be exposed.

Ways to Block Sharjah Islamic Bank Credit Cards

Sharjah Islamic Bank provides official and secure channels to block Sharjah Islamic Bank credit cards for customer protection.

Via Customer Care

1. Contact the SIB call centre, which operates 24/7 for emergency card-related services.
2. Call 06 599 9999 within the UAE or +971 6 599 9999 from outside the UAE.
3. Complete identity verification as requested by the representative.
4. Request an immediate block on the affected credit card.

Via Email Support

1. Send a request from the registered email address to info@sib.ae (general queries) or sibonline@sib.ae (for disputes).
2. 48-hour response is accurate, but prioritise phone/app for emergency.
3. Include full name, last four digits of the card, and the reason for blocking.
4. Confirmation may take up to 48 hours.

By Visiting a Branch

1. Visit any SIB branch with an Emirates ID or passport.
2. Submit a request to block Sharjah Islamic Bank credit cards.

How to Block SIB Credit Cards Online

Using the SIB Digital app is the fastest way to block Sharjah Islamic Bank credit cards.

1. Open the SIB Digital app.
2. Log in using PIN or biometric authentication.
3. Go to More > Service Requests > Cards.
4. Select “Block/Report Lost Card.”
5. Choose the card and confirm the request.

You receive instant confirmation and SMS alerts once you block Sharjah Islamic Bank credit cards online.

How to Block SIB Credit Cards While Abroad

If you are overseas, you can still block Sharjah Islamic Bank credit cards using official international support. Here are the details regarding the same:

• International Hotline: You can contact the 24/7 dedicated international customer care number +971 6 599 9999.
• Identity Verification: Make sure you are ready to answer the security questions for your identity verification
• Immediate Action: Ask for a blockage that will be effective immediately to make sure the card is deactivated all over the world
• Digital Alternative: If you can go online, the SIB Digital app is the quickest way to block the card while on the move and avoid international call charges.

Temporary vs. Permanent Blocking

Understanding the block type helps determine how to unblock Sharjah Islamic Bank credit cards.

Temporary Block (Card Lock)

• When to Use: Use this option if you have lost your card.
• How to Do It: In the SIB Digital app, under your card settings, switch the "Temporary Card Lock" toggle ON.
• Advantage: There is no necessity for a physical card replacement. You can switch it OFF any time, which means you would be able to use the card instantly again.

Permanent Block

• When to Use: This is only for situations when the card is stolen or lost in a public area, or compromised for online transactions.
• Procedure: The user can either report the lost or stolen card via the app by selecting "Report Lost/Stolen" or calling the customer support centre.
• Result: The card is permanently deactivated with no option for reactivation. A new card with a different 16-digit number will be mailed to the user.

Charges Applicable When You Block SIB Credit Cards

Blocking does not pause billing, even when you block Sharjah Islamic Bank credit cards.

1. Blocking Fee: Free of charge
2. Replacement Card Fees: AED 78.75 (VAT inclusive) applies if the card is lost or stolen
3. Dispute & Investigation Fees: A Sales Slip Retrieval Fee of AED 68.25 may be charged if a disputed transaction is confirmed as valid.
4. Late Payment Charges: A Late Payment Donation of AED 236.25 applies if dues are unpaid during the blocking period.

How to Unblock Sharjah Islamic Bank Credit Cards

Sharjah Islamic Bank allows customers to unblock Sharjah Islamic Bank credit cards only in specific scenarios.

• Temporary lock: Instantly reversed via the SIB Digital app.
• Payment-related blocks: Clear dues and contact customer care.
• Fraud review: Identity and transaction verification required.

Cards reported lost or stolen cannot be restored, so how to unblock Sharjah Islamic Bank credit cards applies only to eligible cases.

How to Unblock SIB Credit Cards After Temporary Blocking

Sharjah Islamic Bank allows instant restoration of card access when the Temporary Lock feature has been used, and the card has not been reported as lost or stolen.

1. Log in to the SIB Digital App using the registered PIN or biometric authentication.
2. Navigate to More > Service Requests > Cards from the main menu.
3. Select the affected credit card from the list.
4. Toggle the “Temporary Card Lock” switch to OFF to initiate unblocking.
5. Receive immediate confirmation through an in-app notification or SMS to the registered mobile number.

How to Reactivate SIB Credit Cards After Blocking

Reactivation applies only when the block was not due to loss or theft.

• Security blocks: Verify transactions via app or call centre.
• Financial blocks: Clear minimum dues or over-limit balances.
• Compliance blocks: Update Emirates ID or KYC documents.

Once resolved, customer care confirms the reactivation.

Replacement Process After You Block Sharjah Islamic Bank Credit Cards

When a Sharjah Islamic Bank credit card is permanently blocked due to loss or theft, a replacement card must be issued to restore card services.

1. Report and Request: Initiate the block and replacement request through the SIB Digital App by navigating to More > Service Requests > Cards > Block/Report Lost Card. Alternatively, contact 24/7 Customer Care at 06 599 9999 to place the request.
2. Replacement Fees: A standard replacement fee applies. For most Smiles and Cashback credit cards, the charge is AED 78.75 (VAT inclusive).
3. Dispatch: The replacement card is generally dispatched to the registered mailing address within 2–3 working days.
4. Activation Methods: Activate the new card via the SIB Digital App, at an SIB ATM by creating a new PIN using an OTP, or through the IVR service by calling customer care.

Tips to Avoid Fraud and Repeated Blocking

Sharjah Islamic Bank recommends the use of security measures constantly to avoid unauthorised transactions and continual card deactivation.

1. Real-Time Alerts Enable: Register for SMS and email notifications to monitor every transaction in real-time and immediately notice any suspicious activity.
2. Credentials' Confidentiality: The card's PIN, OTP, and CVV must always be kept secret. SIB representatives do not ask for personal information during phone calls, texts, or emails.
3. Secure Online Shopping: Make purchases only on reputable sites that provide secure HTTPS connections and do not store card information on public devices or use browser auto-fill for that purpose.

These practices reduce the need to block Sharjah Islamic Bank credit cards repeatedly.

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