How to Block or Deactivate Bank USSD Code in Nigeria.
As mobile banking continues to gain widespread adoption in Nigeria, many banks have introduced USSD codes to make banking easier and more convenient for customers. USSD codes are short codes that allow customers to perform basic banking transactions, such as checking account balances, transferring funds, and paying bills, directly from their mobile phones.
However, there may be instances where customers need to block or deactivate their bank’s USSD code for security reasons, such as a loss or theft of their mobile phone, or simply to prevent unauthorised access to their bank accounts.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to block or deactivate bank USSD codes in Nigeria.
What is a USSD code?
A USSD code is a short code that allows customers to perform basic banking transactions on their mobile phones. These codes are usually in the format “*XXX#”, where “XXX” represents the unique code for each bank. For example, the USSD code for GTBank is “*737#”, while the code for Zenith Bank is “*966#”.
USSD codes are very convenient because they allow customers to perform basic banking transactions from the comfort of their homes without the need for internet connectivity or a smartphone.
However, the security risks associated with USSD banking cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is important to know how to block or deactivate your bank’s USSD code in case of any security breach.
Why is it important to block or deactivate a bank USSD code:
Blocking or deactivating a bank’s USSD code is essential for various reasons, including:
1. Security:
Blocking or deactivating a bank’s USSD code helps prevent unauthorised access to your bank account. It helps to protect your funds from fraudsters who may try to gain access to your account through the USSD code.
2. Loss or theft of phone:
If you lose your phone or it gets stolen, anyone with access to your phone can use the USSD code to gain access to your bank account. Deactivating the USSD code prevents unauthorised access to your account, even if your phone falls into the wrong hands.
3. Peace of mind:
Knowing that your bank account is secure can give you peace of mind, especially if you frequently use mobile banking.
How to Block or Deactivate a Bank USSD Code
The process for blocking or deactivating a bank’s USSD code may vary slightly from bank to bank, but the general steps are as follows:
Step1:
Dial the USSD code for your bank.
The first step in blocking or deactivating your bank’s USSD code is to dial the code on your mobile phone. This will take you to the main menu for the USSD service.
Step2:
Select the option for blocking or deactivating the USSD code.
Once you are on the main menu for the USSD service, look for the option to block or deactivate the USSD code. This option is usually located under the “Security” or “Settings” menu.
Step3:
Follow the prompts to complete the process.
Once you have selected the option to block or deactivate the USSD code, follow the prompts to complete the process. You may be asked to enter your mobile banking PIN or provide other forms of identification to confirm your identity.
Step4:
Contact your bank After blocking or deactivating the USSD code,
it is important to contact your bank to inform them of the situation. This will allow the bank to take additional security measures to protect your account.
How to Deactivate the USSD Code for Different Nigerian Banks
The following are the steps to deactivate USSD codes for some of the major banks in Nigeria:
1. How To Deactivate Access Bank USSD Code:
To deactivate your Access Bank USSD code, dial “*901*911#” on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
2. How To Deactivate Ecobank USSD Code:
To deactivate your Ecobank USSD code, dial “*326*911#” on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
3. How To Deactivate FCMB USSD Code:
To deactivate your FCMB USSD code, dial “*329*911#” on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
4. How To Deactivate Fidelity Bank USSD Code:
To deactivate your Fidelity Bank USSD code, dial “*770*911#” on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
5. How To Deactivate First Bank USSD Code:
To deactivate your First Bank USSD code, dial “*894*911#” on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
6. How To Deactivate GT Bank USSD Code:
To deactivate your GT Bank USSD code, dial “*737*51*10#” on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
7. How To Deactivate Heritage Bank USSD Code:
To deactivate your Heritage Bank USSD code, dial “*745*7#” on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
8. How To Deactivate Key Stone Bank USSD Code:
To deactivate your Key Stone Bank USSD code, dial “*7111*911#” on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
9. How To Deactivate Sterling Bank USSD Code:
To deactivate your Sterling Bank USSD code, dial “*822*911#” on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
10.How To Deactivate UBA USSD Code:
To deactivate your UBA USSD code, dial “*919*911#” on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
11. How To Deactivate Union Bank USSD Code:
To deactivate your Union Bank USSD code, dial “*826*6#” on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
12. How To Deactivate Unity Bank USSD Code:
To deactivate your Unity Bank USSD code, dial “*7799*911##” on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
13. How To Deactivate Wema Bank USSD Code:
To deactivate your Wema Bank USSD code, dial “*945*911#” on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
14. How To Deactivate Zenith Bank USSD Code:
To deactivate your Zenith Bank USSD code, dial “*966*911#” on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
How to Deactivate all USSD codes
There is a universal code to block or deactivate all banks’ USSD codes in Nigeria. To deactivate all USSD codes, follow these steps:
- Dial *966*911# or *945*911# from your registered phone number.
- Enter your Bank Verification Number (BVN).
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the deactivation process.
Note:
Deactivating the USSD code will prevent anyone from accessing your bank account through the code, including yourself. So, make sure you have an alternative means of accessing your bank account, such as through the bank’s mobile app or online banking platform, before deactivating the USSD code.
If you encounter any challenges while deactivating the USSD code, you can contact your bank’s customer care for assistance.
FAQs
Q: Can I reactivate my bank’s USSD code after blocking it?
Yes, you can reactivate your bank’s USSD code after blocking it. Simply dial the USSD code for your bank and follow the
Q: Why would I need to block or deactivate my bank’s USSD code?
You may need to block or deactivate your bank’s USSD code for security reasons, such as the loss or theft of your mobile phone, or to prevent unauthorized access to your bank accounts.
Q: Will blocking or deactivating my bank’s USSD code affect my account?
No, blocking or deactivating your bank’s USSD code will not affect your account. You will still be able to access your account through other channels, such as internet banking or visiting the bank’s branch.
Q: Can I block or deactivate my bank’s USSD code without contacting the bank?
It is recommended that you contact your bank after blocking or deactivating your USSD code to inform them of the situation and allow them to take additional security measures to protect your account.
Q: Is it possible to block or deactivate my bank’s USSD code if I don’t have my mobile phone?
No, you cannot block or deactivate your bank’s USSD code without access to your mobile phone. If you have lost your phone, you should contact your bank immediately to inform them of the situation.
Q: How long does it take for my bank’s USSD code to be blocked or deactivated?
The time it takes for your bank’s USSD code to be blocked or deactivated may vary depending on your bank’s internal processes. However, it is usually done within a few minutes.
Conclusion
Blocking or deactivating a bank’s USSD code in Nigeria is a simple process that can help protect your bank account from unauthorised access. If you suspect any unauthorised access to your account, don’t hesitate to block or deactivate the USSD code immediately.
It’s also important to note that while USSD codes make banking more convenient, they can also pose a security risk. Therefore, it’s essential to be cautious when using them and keep your bank details safe and secure at all times.