CardGuard

CardGuard is a mobile + web app that gives consumers real-time, merchant-level control over card transactions across their existing bank accounts and cards. Instead of generic “freeze card” toggles, users set simple rules: allow only specific merchants, block risky merchant categories, cap per-transaction amounts, restrict by country, and require step-up approval for unusual purchases. The app connects via open-banking aggregators to monitor transactions and pushes instant alerts with one-tap actions: approve, dispute, or temporarily lock. It also provides a “safe mode” for travel and a privacy mode that blocks recurring charges unless explicitly approved. This is not magic: it won’t prevent all fraud (especially ACH and account takeover), and coverage depends on bank/card integrations. But for card-present and card-not-present misuse, it can materially reduce losses and stress by shrinking the window between fraud and response.