Over 1.1 million Brits have lost their card at a Christmas or New Year's Eve party.

In addition, banking customers could have to wait up to an average of 11 days for a replacement card from other high street banks.

Three in 10 Brits (29%) have lost, misplaced or had a bank card stolen within the last five years, losing on average two cards per year, up 7% on last year.

Of those, a total of 850,000 people lost their card between Christmas and New Year, over 670,000 were at a Christmas party, and more than 1.2 million did so when out Christmas shopping.

Craig Donaldson, CEO at Metro Bank, said: “Losing a card at any time of the year is frustrating, but losing one at Christmas can be downright painful, especially when you add in the number of bank branches that are closed and a reduced postal service over the bank holidays.

“With 40% of Brits using their cards more over the Christmas period, waiting an average of 11 days to receive a replacement just isn't on.”

“We do things differently at Metro Bank.

“Customers can choose to temporarily block and unblock their cards using our app, so they're not unnecessarily cancelling their card only to find it again.

“Plus, if they have lost it, then unlike other banks, we print new and replacement MasterCard debit and credit cards instantly in store and we're even open on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve.”