In AUS it's much like chatmasta says: if its a CC linked a true "credit" account the issuer has the value entirely underwritten. If you can reasonably prove tha

In AUS it's much like chatmasta says: if its a CC linked a true "credit" account the issuer has the value entirely underwritten. If you can reasonably prove that someone stole it for example, then you'll get your money [credit] back. If it's linked to a savings account and it's a Visa/MC debit card, for example, then it's a different story. The funds are not insured and so if you loose it it's on you.