Have you ever felt panicked all of a sudden when you couldn’t find your wallet? Or did you see a transaction on your bank account that you don’t remember making?
These situations are not only common in today’s fast-paced world, they also require quick action to protect your financial security.
Most of the time, blocking your debit (ATM) card is the first thing you should do to protect yourself from scam or theft.
You might need to stop your debit (ATM) card for more than one reason. You might have lost it or, even worse, had it taken. It’s not always about loss; strange activities like transactions or withdrawals that you can’t explain are major signs that your card’s security may have been broken. In other cases, you may have entered your PIN wrong more than once, locking your card and needing to be temporarily blocked to stop more problems.
We will show you the steps you need to take to quickly block your debit card in Nigeria, so you can protect your funds quickly and easily.
Whether you’ve lost your card or noticed strange behavior on your account, knowing what to do can save you money and a lot of stress. Stay tuned as we talk about the different ways you can protect your finances during times of uncertainty.
HOW CAN USSD CODES HELP IN BLOCKING CARDS?
When you need to stop a lost or stolen bank card, USSD codes are a quick and safe way to handle a banking emergency. Without an internet link or a banking app, these short codes let you connect directly to your bank’s services from any mobile phone.
Here are some ways that USSD codes can help block your cards:
- Quick Response: USSD service is very fast and doesn’t require an internet service to work. Other ways need you to log in to a website or app first, but USSD codes work right away. You can immediately block your card by dialing a certain code. This stops any fraudulent purchases.
- Accessibility: You can use USSD numbers on any cell phone, not just smartphones. This universal access is very important for times when you can’t connect to the internet or a smartphone app, like when you’re traveling or in a rural area.
- Convenience: Blocking a card through USSD is an easy process. You don’t have to go through a lot of screens or give a lot of information. To start the block, all you need is a simple order.
- 24/7 Availability: Since USSD services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you can block your card at any time, which is very important to stop someone else from using a lost or stolen card.
- Security: Because USSD meetings are encrypted and direct, they provide a safe way to talk to your bank without the chance of someone else listening in.Making use of USSD codes gives you the power to quickly protect your financial details. This method is not only useful, it’s also necessary for anyone who wants to keep control of their bank cards.
LIST OF USSD CODES TO BLOCK CARDS IN NIGERIA
| BANKS | USSD CODES | FROM YOUR REGISTERED PHONE NUMBER | FROM THIRD PARTY PHONE NUMBER |
| ACCESS BANK | *901# | *901*911# | *901*911# |
| ZENITH BANK | *966# | *966*911# | *966*911# |
| GTBANK | *737# | *737*51*10# | *737*51*74# |
| WEMA BANK | *945# | *945*911# | *945*911# |
| FIRSTBANK | *894# | *894*911# | *894*911# |
| KEYSTONE BANK | *7111# | *7111*911# | *7111*911# |
| UBA | *919# | *919*10# | *919*10# |
| FCMB | *329# | *329# | *329#, |
| STERLING BANK | *822# | *822*911# | *822*911# |
| STANBIC IBTC BANK | *909# | *909*36# | *909*29*Phone Number# |
| FIDELITY BANK | *770# | *770*911# | *770*911# |
| HERITAGE BANK | *745# | *745*11# | *745*11# |
| POLARIS BANK | *833# | *833*4# | *833*4# |
| STANDARD CHARTERED BANK | *977# | *977*911# | *977*911# |
| TITAN TRUST BANK | *922# | *922*102*Account Number# | *922*102*Account Number# |
| UNION BANK OF NIGERIA | *826# | *826*21# | *826*6*Mobile Number# |
| UNITY BANK | *7799# | *7799*9*Phone Number# | *7799*9*Phone Number# |
| PREMIUM TRUST BANK | *858# | *858*911# | *858*911# |
| OPTIMUS BANK | *930# | *930*911# | *930*911# |
| PARALLEX BANK | *1242# | *1242*911# | *1242*911# |
| JAIZ BANK | *773# | *773*911*Phone Number# | *773*911*Phone Number# |
| TAJ BANK | *898# | *898*911# | *898*911# |
| LOTUS BANK | *5045# | *5045*911# | *5045*911# |
USSD CODES FOR BLOCKING CARDS IN MAJOR NIGERIAN BANKS?
In Nigeria, each bank has its own USSD code that customers can use to quickly block their cards if they need to.
If your card is lost or stolen, you need to know these codes right away so you can take action. To stop a card at some of Nigeria’s biggest banks, use the following USSD codes:
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank):
To stop or block your GTBank card right away, use this USSD code *737*51*10# from your registered phone number. You can also use *737*51*74# from another phone to quickly block your GTBank MasterCard.
Zenith Bank:
To block your Zenith Bank Card, simply dial *966*911# from any cell phone, enter your nuban account number and then your phone number to stop all debit transactions from your account.
First Bank of Nigeria:
Dial *894*911# from any phone number to block your First Bank ATM card using the USSD code.
United Bank for Africa (UBA):
Use *919*10# from your registered phone number to immediately block your UBA card.
Access Bank:
If you want block your Access Bank card, dial *901*911# from your phone number, then follow the on-screen instructions of the phone.
Fidelity Bank:
To block your Fidelity Bank cards or any other services connected to them, dial *770*911# from your registered phone number.
Stanbic IBTC Bank:
To block your Stanbic IBTC card, dial *909*361# from your registered phone number or dial *909*29*Phone Number# from any phone to stop or block your Stanbic IBTC Card now.
Sterling Bank:
To block Sterling Bank ATM card using USSD code, dial *822*911# from any mobile number.
HOW DO I USE USSD CODES TO BLOCK MY CARD?
In an emergency, blocking your bank card with USSD codes is a simple process that only needs a few steps.
This quick reaction can be very important for stopping theft and unauthorized access. To stop your card in an emergency, use these USSD codes:
- Quick Action: Do something right away if you think your card has been lost or stolen. Speed is very important to stop any fraudulent deals.
- Dial the USSD Code for your Bank: To use the USSD service, bring out your phone and enter the USSD code for stopping debit card transactions listed above. Make sure the request goes through smoothly, you should use the phone number that is linked to your bank account.
- Follow the Prompts: After dialing the USSD code, do what it says on the screen. You might be asked to enter your bank account number or some other form of identification to make sure you are who you say you are. To finish the blocking process, you may be asked to enter your PIN or the last four numbers of your card.
- Confirmation: As soon as you’re done with the steps, the bank will send you a confirmation message telling you that your card has been blocked/stopped. You should call your bank right away through a different method, like their customer service phone line, if you don’t get a confirmation or if the USSD code doesn’t work.
- Monitor your Account: Once you’ve blocked your card, keep an eye on your account for any strange activity and let your bank know about it. As an extra safety step, you might want to change your online banking PINs and passwords.
- Bank Emergency Contacts: It’s a good idea to keep a list of your bank’s emergency contacts, including USSD codes, customer service lines, and any other useful information. This will make sure you are always ready, no matter what.
ALTERNATIVES TO USSD CODES FOR BLOCKING CARDS?
When you need to quickly and easily block your bank card, USSD codes are one option. However, there are other options as well.
These options can be helpful if you can’t get to your registered cell phone number or would rather take a different route. One more choice is shown below:
Mobile Banking Apps:
A lot of banks now have powerful mobile apps that let you control your accounts and block cards right from your phone. These apps usually have an easy-to-use interface and may have extra safety features like biometric identification (like fingerprint or face recognition).
Internet Banking:
You can do many banking transactions, like blocking your credit card, by going to your bank’s online banking portal through a web browser. You can use this method if you have access to the internet and would rather use a computer or tablet.
Customer Service Helplines:
Another good way to stop your card is to call your bank’s customer service for help. Most banks have call centers that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The customer service number is useful to have saved in your phone or remembered.
Visit a Bank Branch:
If you are close to a bank branch, going there in person may be the safest way to handle the problem. The people at the bank can help you stop your card and walk you through any other safety steps you may need to take.
SMS Notifications:
You can send a certain message to a certain number to stop your card at some banks’ SMS options. You can use this if you can’t get to USSD, an app, or the internet.
Along with the USSD method, each of these other options is a good way to protect your bank card from being used without your permission.
You may find one of these choices more useful or convenient than the others, depending on your needs and preferences. This way, you can always act quickly to protect your money.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER BLOCKING MY CARD?
After blocking your bank card to stop anyone from using it without your permission, you need to take a few more steps to protect your money and make sure you can still get to it.
Once you’ve blocked your card, do these things:
- Confirm the Block: Make sure that your card has really been stopped. If everything goes well, your bank should let you know via text message, email, or their mobile app. If you don’t get proof, call your bank to make sure the block is real.
- Review Your Bank Statements: Look over your most recent account statements to see if there are any purchases that you didn’t make. If you see any deals that don’t seem right, you should tell your bank right away. This will make it easier to start any fraud investigations that are needed and probably get back any money that was lost.
- Get a New Debit Card: To get a new card, call your bank. A new card will be sent to you by most banks within a few business days at the latest. While you wait for your new card, some banks may give you a temporary digital card that you can use to buy things online.
- Change Subscription Payments: If your stopped card was linked to any subscriptions or bill payments that were set up to happen automatically, change these to use your new card as soon as you get it. This keeps service from being interrupted and funds from being missed.
- Protect Your Online Banking: If you think your information has been stolen, change your online banking passwords and PINs. This gives your accounts an extra layer of safety.
- Check Your Credit record: If you lose or have your debit/credit card stolen, you might want to check your credit record. This can help you catch any identity theft early on. Checking your credit is a service that some banks and services give as part of their customer service. You could ask about this.
- Learn theft Prevention: Use this chance to learn more about how to stop theft. A lot of banks have information on how to keep your financial information safe and spot scams.If you follow these steps after blocking your debit card, you will not only protect your account from more fraudulent activity, but you will also make sure that your financial life goes on as usual.
Taking this proactive step is important for keeping your money and peace of mind in good shape.
