How long do you have to report card misuse to your bank in Denmark?
Deadlines that decide your refund
Short answer
You must contact the provider of the card, usually your bank, as soon as possible after you discover the misuse. A complaint within 14 days counts as soon as possible. The final deadline is 13 months, and if you miss it, the money is lost for good. The deadline runs from when you actually know about the misuse, and an account statement alone does not count as knowing.
Why
- Fast complaints make it easier for the bank to act.
- Waiting too long can raise your own share of the loss.
- The 13 months are an absolute limit.
Details
If the bank refuses your claim, you can complain to Det Finansielle Ankenævn.
Tip
Check your account regularly, also after a trip abroad, because card details can be misused weeks later.
What may differ
The rules can change, so check the current deadlines with your bank or on forbrug.dk.
Common misconception
You have only a few days to complain about card misuse.
What actually happens
Within 14 days counts as soon as possible, and the last deadline is 13 months.
People also ask
- Who pays if my card is misused?
- Where can I complain about my bank?
- How do I block my card?
Sources
- forbrug.dk: Misuse of payment cardsChecked at:
- forbrug.dk: Payment cards when travellingChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Payment rules, limits and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.
Practical infoRelated questions
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What is the Danish Payments Council?
The Danish Payments Council is a forum for cooperation on retail payments in Denmark, set up by Danmarks Nationalbank in 2012.
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Can you pay by card in Denmark if the payment system goes down?
Often yes.
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When did Apple Pay and Google Pay come to Denmark?
Apple Pay was launched in Denmark in 2017, Google Pay in 2018 and Samsung Pay in 2022.
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How much of Danish card spending is online?
In 2025 e-commerce accounted for 30 % of total card turnover in Denmark, up from 22 % in 2019.