Misplacing your ATM card can be a stressful situation, especially in Nigeria. To protect your funds from unauthorized access, blocking your card immediately is crucial. Here’s a quick guide on how to block your ATM card in Nigeria, depending on your bank’s offerings:

1. Through Your Bank’s Mobile App:

Many Nigerian banks now offer mobile banking apps that allow you to block your ATM card directly. Here’s the general process (check your specific bank’s app for exact steps):

1. Login to your mobile banking app using your username and secure PIN.
2. Navigate to the card management section (this may vary by bank).
3. Locate the option to block ATM cards.
4. Choose the specific card you want to block.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the blocking request.
6. You’ll typically receive a confirmation message on your phone once the card is blocked.

2. By Calling Your Bank’s Customer Care Line:

If you don’t have your bank’s mobile app or can’t access it, you can always call their customer care hotline. When you contact them, provide all your account details for verification purposes. Here’s what to expect:

1. Dial your bank’s customer care number. These are usually toll-free numbers readily available on your bank’s website or ATM card.
2. Explain to the customer service representative that you need to block your ATM card.
3. Be prepared to provide your account information and answer security questions to verify your identity.
4. Once verification is complete, the representative will block your card and provide you with a confirmation reference number.

Customer Care line of Nigeria banks

1. Access Bank – 07003000000, 01-2802500, 01-2712005-7.
2. GTBank – 0700GTConnect (0700482666328), 01-4480000, 08039003900, or 08029002900.
3. UBA – 07002255822 or Email: [email protected].
4. Zenith Bank – 012787000, 012927000 and 014647000.
5. Unity Bank – 07057323227, 07080666000 or 07057323226. Or Email: [email protected].
6. Sterling Bank – 070078375464 or you can also reach them through their Social media handles.
7. Fidelity Bank – 070034335489 or email them via [email protected] or [email protected].
8. Keystone Bank – 070020003000 or send them mail via [email protected].

Can’t find your Bank customer care line? You can get the bank’s customer service phone number on the back of your debit or credit card, on your bank’s website, or on your account statement.

3. By Dialling USSD Code:

You can also block your stolen ATM card by dialing the dedicated USSD code in case of an emergency.

1. Go to your phone call log
2. Dial your bank USSD code – which will be given below.
3. Follow the prompts on the screen.
4. Your Bank will automatically block your debit card once you follow the prompts correctly.

USSD code for each bank.

1. Access Bank: *901*911#
2. Zenith Bank: *966*911#
3. GTBank: *737*51*74#
4. WEMA Bank: *945*911#
5. FirstBank: *894*911#
6. Keystone Bank: *7111*911#
7. UBA: *919*911#
8. FCMB: *329*911#
9. Sterling Bank: *822*911#
10. Stanbic bank: *909*29#
11. Fidelity bank: *770*911#
12. EcoBank *326*911#

4. By Sending SMS

You can also block your ATM card by sending an SMS to the issuing bank.

1. First bank card – send “BLOCK” as an SMS to 30012 after sending a text message.
2. GTbank card – Send HOTLIST NUBAN to 08076665555 using the phone number you linked to your bank account. NUBAN means your account number, so when sending, replace it with your account. For example, HOTLIST 0573776746 and send it to this number 08076665555 as an SMS.
3. Union Bank – send “BLOCK CARD NUBAN” to 20123.  For example, if your account number is 0773987675, you will write on your SMS box, BLOCK CARD 0773987675, and send it to 20123.
4. Wema Bank – send “CARD ATM OFF” to 33352
5. Stanbic Bank – Block card NUBAN and send to 30909. For example, Block card 7730047765 to 30909. The 77300047765 should be your account number.

Remember:

• Keep your bank’s customer care number handy in your phone or wallet for easy access in an emergency.
• Never share your ATM card details or PIN with anyone over the phone, even if they claim to be from your bank.
• Report a lost or stolen ATM card to the police as soon as possible.

Losing your ATM card can be very stressful but by following these quick steps, you can take control of the situation and protect your finances. Remember each issuing bank has its ATM card blocking solution as they see fit, and that immediate action is essential to prevent any unauthorized access to your bank account.