How do I prevent charges on my card after iPad is stolen?

Read this support article about what to do if a iPhone or iPad is lost or stolen -->

Find your lost iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

- The Find My service described in the article is the only recovery feature Apple offers. It must be set up before the device is lost.

- Note that if you remotely erase your device as instructed in this article, if you subsequently remove it from your account as in this article --> Check your Apple Account device list to find where you’re signed in - Apple Support , then according to this article --> How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support you remove activation lock from the device. Do not remove it from your account. If you do then a finder or thief will have an unlocked device that can be used by another person.

I am not clear how a thief could use your card to pay for items unless maybe they stole it from you in an unlocked state and they haven't put it down since.

What I would try to do is use Find My to wipe the iPad and report your card as stolen and get another. Just to be sure change your apple account passwords.

Always thought the device would be bricked after a wipe. Never thought the device could then be a freebie to someone else. Thanks for the info.