How to Block an ATM Card for All Banks in Nigeria (Stolen or Missing) [Block ATM Card 2023 Guide]

How to Block an ATM Card for All Banks in Nigeria (Stolen or Missing) [Block ATM Card 2023 Guide]

How to Block an ATM Card for All Banks in Nigeria (Stolen or Missing).

Imagine if you had to go inside the bank every single time you needed cash. Stressful, right? 

Some people still do this, and I find it funny that they avoid getting an ATM card for fear of fraud.

 While there have been cases of fraud involving ATM cards, the first thing you should do if you notice any suspicious activity on your bank account is to block your ATM card (if you have one). 

As technology has advanced, using ATM cards has become one of the easiest and most convenient ways to access money. ATM cards allow users to withdraw cash, check their account balance, and perform other financial transactions. 

Unfortunately, one of the downsides to using ATM cards is that they can be lost, stolen, or damaged. When this happens, it’s important to block your card to prevent unauthorised access to your funds. 

Blocking your ATM card is a simple process that can be done in a matter of minutes. Whether you’ve misplaced your card, had it stolen, or suspect unauthorised use, blocking it immediately can prevent any further damage to your account.

There are several ways to block your ATM card, including contacting your bank directly, using your bank’s mobile app, or visiting an ATM to disable the card. Whatever method you choose, it’s crucial to act quickly to minimize the risk of fraud or theft.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step process for blocking your ATM card for all banks in Nigeria, so you can rest assured that your finances are secure. We’ll cover everything from identifying suspicious activity on your account to the different methods of blocking your card, as well as some frequently asked questions to help you understand the process better. 

So if you want to know how to block your ATM card in Nigeria, keep reading to learn more about this essential security measure.

Block ATM Card – What Does It Mean?

Blocking an ATM card is the process of deactivating the card to prevent any unauthorised access or usage of the card. When you block your ATM card, it cannot be used to withdraw cash or perform any other transactions until it is unblocked. This is an important step to take if your card is lost, stolen, or if you suspect that someone else may have access to your card.

How to Block Your ATM Card in Nigeria

If you lose your ATM card, it’s important to act quickly to prevent any unauthorized access to your funds. The following are the steps to block your ATM card for all banks in Nigeria:

Step 1:

 Contact Your Bank

The first thing you need to do to block your ATM card is to contact your bank and inform them that your card is missing or stolen. 

You can do this by calling your bank’s customer care service number or visiting any of their branches. You will need to provide your account details and some personal information to confirm your identity.

Step 2:

 Hotlist Your Card

After you have contacted your bank, the next step is to hotlist your card. Hotlisting your card means deactivating the card and placing it on a blacklist to prevent any unauthorized transactions. 

You can hotlist your card by calling your bank’s customer care service number or by sending a text message to a specific number. You will need to provide your account details and some personal information to confirm your identity.

Step 3:

 Confirm the Hotlist

Once you have hotlisted your card, you will receive a confirmation message from your bank. This message will contain a reference number, which you should keep safe as proof of the hotlist request. You should also confirm with your bank that the hotlist request has been successful.

Step 4:

 Apply for a Replacement Card

After you have blocked your ATM card, you can apply for a replacement card. Your bank will issue you a new card, which you will need to activate before you can use it. The activation process will vary depending on your bank, so you should follow the instructions provided by your bank. 

1. How to Block GT Bank ATM Card

To block your GTBank ATM card, also known as hotlisting your debit card, you can take various simple steps. If you suspect that your debit card has been stolen or lost, it is important to block it immediately to prevent unauthorized access and usage. With GTBank, you can block your debit card either through their mobile banking app or online banking portal if you have access to them.

To block your GTBank ATM card using their mobile banking app, simply log in to the app and follow the prompts to block the card. If you do not have access to the mobile app, you can log in to your online banking page and deactivate the card manually by following the prompts.

Alternatively, you can also block your GTBank ATM card manually using their ATM or by texting “HOTLIST NUBAN ” to 08076665555 from the mobile number that is registered to your account. In the message, replace “NUBAN” with the last ten digits of your card account.

2. How to Block Stanbic IBTC Bank ATM Card

To block your Stanbic IBTC Bank ATM card in case of loss or theft, you can easily deactivate it using the bank’s mobile banking USSD code, *909#. Firstly, select “My Bank” from the options available, followed by “Service Request”. You can then proceed to “Block Card”, and your card will be hotlisted immediately.

Alternatively, you can send a text message with the word “NUBAN” to the short code 30909 from your registered phone number linked to your account. Replace “NUBAN” in the text message with your account number, and the bank will deactivate your card in a matter of minutes.

3. How to Block Union Bank ATM Card

If you are a Union Bank customer and you have misplaced or had your debit card stolen, it is important to block the card to prevent unauthorized access to your funds. Blocking your Union Bank ATM card can be done quickly and easily by following these simple steps:

To hotlist your debit card, send a text message with the words “BLOCK CARD NUBAN” to 20123 using the phone number associated with your account. Be sure to replace “NUBAN” with your 10-digit account number. Your card will be deactivated within minutes, and you will no longer be able to use it for any transactions.

4. How to Block First Bank ATM Card

First Bank PLC is one of the leading and most reputable banks in Nigeria, with a wide network of branches across the country and its headquarters in Lagos. The bank issues different categories of debit cards to its customers, including Mastercard, Visa, and Verve cards. However, in the event that your First Bank ATM card is lost or stolen, it is important to take immediate action to prevent unauthorized access to your funds.

To block your First Bank ATM card (hotlist debit card), you can follow these steps:

  • Contact First Bank customer service: You can call First Bank’s customer service center at 01-4485500 or 0700FIRSTCONTACT (0700-34778-2668228) to report the loss or theft of your ATM card. The customer service representative will guide you through the process of blocking your card and issuing a replacement.
  • Use SMS to block your ATM card: If you prefer to use SMS to block your ATM card, simply send the word “BLOCK” followed by a space and your 10-digit NUBAN account number to 30012. For example, if your NUBAN account number is 1234567890, you would send “BLOCK 1234567890” to 30012. Your card will be automatically blocked and you will receive a confirmation message.

5. How to Block Wema Bank ATM Card 

If you are a Wema Bank customer and need to block your ATM card for any reason, whether it’s lost, stolen, or compromised, it’s important to take immediate action. The following guide provides steps to block your Wema Bank ATM card and hotlist your debit card to prevent unauthorized transactions.

To block your Wema Bank ATM card, you have two options: manually deactivate it using the bank’s mobile app or internet banking page, or send a text message to the number 33352 with the message ‘CARD ATM OFF’ from the mobile number linked to your account. The card will be deactivated automatically.

FAQs

Q: Can I block my ATM card using a mobile app?

A: Yes, many banks in Nigeria have mobile apps that allow you to block your ATM card in case of loss or theft. Check with your bank to see if they have a mobile app that offers this feature.

Q: Can I block my ATM card using a mobile app?

A: Yes, many banks in Nigeria have mobile apps that allow you to block your ATM card in case of loss or theft. Check with your bank to see if they have a mobile app that offers this feature..

Q: What should I do if I suspect that someone else has access to my ATM card?

A: If you suspect that someone else has access to your ATM card, you should contact your bank immediately to block the card and report the matter. You should also change your online banking passwords to prevent unauthorized access to your account.

Q: How long does it take to get a replacement card after blocking my ATM card?

A: The time it takes to get a replacement card varies depending on your bank. However, most banks issue replacement cards within 3-5 working days.

Q: What happens if I block my ATM card and then find it later?

A: If you block your ATM card and then find it later, you can contact your bank to request that the block be lifted. You will need to provide proof of identification to verify that you are the account holder before your card can be unblocked.

Q: What should I do if I notice any unauthorized transactions on my account after blocking my ATM card?

A: You should contact your bank immediately to report the unauthorized transactions. Your bank will investigate the matter and take appropriate action to resolve the issue.

Q: Will I be charged a fee for blocking my ATM card?

A: No, most banks do not charge a fee for blocking your ATM card. However, some banks may charge a fee for issuing a replacement card.

Conclusion

Blocking your ATM card is an essential security measure to protect your finances from unauthorized access and usage. With the advancement in technology, it has become easier to block your ATM card, whether by contacting your bank, using their mobile app or visiting an ATM.

It is crucial to act quickly and hotlist your card as soon as you notice any suspicious activity on your account, and to follow up with your bank to confirm that the hotlist request was successful.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your funds are secure and enjoy the convenience and benefits of using an ATM card.