How to Block Your ATM Card in Nigeria: Steps for All Banks (Lost or Stolen)

Are you searching for information on how to block ATM cards for all banks in Nigeria? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to block a lost, stolen, or compromised ATM card. You’ll also find contact details (social media handles, phone numbers, and email addresses) of Nigerian banks to help you secure your card quickly.

Why You Should Block Your ATM Card Immediately

Credit and debit cards are essential for daily transactions, from paying utility bills to transferring funds and recharging mobile devices. If your ATM card gets stolen, lost, or compromised, it can be used for unauthorized transactions, putting your money at risk.

Some sites process payments using only your card details: 16-digit card number, cardholder name, expiry date, and the CVV code without requiring a password or OTP. This makes it important to block your card immediately if it goes missing.

Without further ado, let’s jump right into this article on Naijaknowhow!

Steps to Take When You Lose Your ATM Card

Step 1: Contact Your Bank Immediately

Most banks offer various ways to block your ATM card without visiting a physical branch. Below are the fastest options:

• Via Internet Banking: Some banks allow you to block your ATM card online. For example, GTBank users can log in to Internet Banking, select Cards, then choose Hotlist, enter card details, select the reason for blocking, and confirm the request.
• Via USSD Code: Some banks provide USSD codes for quick card blocking. For instance, FCMB users can dial *329#, select Self Service, then Block Card, choose the card, provide a reason, and confirm with their PIN.
• Via Mobile Banking App: Open your bank’s mobile app, navigate to the Cards section, select the card, and tap Block Card to disable it immediately.
• Via Customer Support: Contact your bank via phone, email, or social media (X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or WhatsApp) for assistance.

Step 2: Transfer Funds Immediately

If you have another active bank account, transfer your funds immediately to prevent unauthorized withdrawals. You can use USSD codes, mobile banking apps, or online banking to move your money before the scammer does.

Step 3: Apply for a New ATM Card

Once your lost card is blocked, apply for a new one at your bank. This ensures you can continue making seamless transactions without interruptions. However, some banks allow you to block and unblock your card at your discretion. Zenith Bank users, for example, do not need to apply for a new card after blocking.

Step 4: Unlink Your Old ATM Card from Online Accounts

If your card was linked to online payment platforms like PayPal, Netflix, or other subscription services, remove it to prevent unauthorized transactions. This is not a compulsory step because a blocked card won’t work regardless, but you may consider doing so.

Block ATM Card: How-to Guides & Contact Info of Banks

Here’s a list of major Nigerian banks, a step-by-step guide to block or deactivate cards and their contact details:

1. Access Bank

How to block an Access Bank card

1. USSD: If you have your phone with you, dial *901*911# and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Mobile App: Alternatively, log in to the Access Bank mobile app and navigate to the “Card Management” section. Select the affected card and choose “Block Card.”

If you are unable to access these options, contact customer support immediately.

Access Bank Contact Info.

2. Ecobank

How to block an Ecobank card

1. USSD: Dial *326*911*2*your registered phone number# on any phone line (e.g. *326*911*2*08012345678#) and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Mobile App: Log in to the Ecobank mobile app and navigate to the “Card Management” section. Find the section to manage your ATM cards and choose “Block Card.”
3. Live Chat: Visit the Ecobank website and initiate a Live Chat with customer support, enter your country and answer the live prompt. Select block Debit Card

Kindly note that a card blocked cannot be unblocked as you will be required to visit the nearest Ecobank branch to request for a new card.

If none of the methods above work, please contact Ecobank support. You will find social media accounts, telephone numbers, email, website, etc., below.

Ecobank Contact Info.

3. Fidelity Bank

How to block a Fidelity Bank card

1. USSD: Dial *770*911# to instantly block your Fidelity Bank ATM card. Follow the steps provided to confirm.
2. Mobile App: Alternatively, log in to the mobile app, locate “Card Services,” and select “Block Card.”

If you are unable to access these methods, contact customer service. You will find social media accounts, telephone numbers, email, website, etc, below.

Fidelity Bank Contact Info.

4. FCMB

How to block FCMB card

1. USSD: Dial *329#, select Self Service, select Card Management, select Block Card, choose the card, select a reason, and enter your PIN to confirm.
2. Mobile App: Open the FCMB Mobile App, locate Card Management on the app menu, and select the card to block.

If none of those methods work, contact First City Monument Bank customer support via social media, phone, email, or their website.

FCMB Contact Info.

5. First Bank

How to block First Bank card

1. USSD: Dial *894*911# from your registered phone number. Follow the instructions to confirm card blocking.
2. Mobile App: As an alternative, log in to the First Bank mobile app, navigate to “Self-Service,” and select “Block Card.”

If necessary, contact customer support via phone or email. You will find social media accounts, telephone numbers, email, website, etc., below.

First Bank Contact Info.

6. GTBank (Guaranty Trust Bank)

How to block GTBank card

1. USSD: Dial *737*51*10# to immediately block your card. Confirm the action by following the prompts.
2. Mobile App: Alternatively, open the GTBank mobile app and navigate to “Cards & Cheques.” Select your card and choose “Block Card.”
3. Internet Banking: Sign in to your Internet Banking account, navigate to the Cards section, and select Hotlist. Choose the card you want to block, enter the required details such as card number and expiry date, and specify the reason for blocking. After submitting the request, wait for confirmation that your card has been successfully blocked.

If you can’t access these options, contact GTBank’s customer service for assistance.

GTBank Contact Info.

7. Jaiz Bank

How to block a Jaiz Bank card

One of the fastest ways to block or deactivate a missing Jaiz bank card is to put a call through. Here are all Jaiz Bank contact details to apply for blocking of a lost ATM card. You will find social media accounts, telephone numbers, email, website and location.

Jaiz Bank Contact Info.

Alternatively, if you think nothing has been done, kindly follow the steps below to lodge a complaint about your lost card.

• Visit the Jaiz Bank website’s Lodge Your Complaint portal or through this link: https://complaints-enquiries.jaizbankplc.com:8084/Complaints/LodgeComplaints (you can copy and paste it on your browser to visit).
• Under the Complaint Category tab, select “Cards”
• Select “Missing Card” under the Complaint Type section and fill in all other details carefully on the form.
• Make sure to enter your email address and telephone number, and leave a comment for additional information on your complaint.
• As soon as you are done with the details of your complaint, select Submit.

8. Keystone Bank

How to block a Keystone Bank card

1. USSD: Dial *7111*911# from any phone, then follow the prompt to block the Keystone Bank card.

Alternatively, you can call, email or message Keystone Bank customer support through their official social media pages. Below is a list of all their contact information.

Keystone Bank Contact Info.

9. Polaris Bank

How to block a Polaris Bank card

1. USSD: Dial *833*13*registered mobile line# from any mobile line to instantly block your card.

In case you misplaced or lost your Polaris ATM card (Verve, Visa or Master card) and the USSD method did not work for you, please contact customer support through any of the channels listed below:

Polaris Bank Contact Info.

10. Stanbic IBTC Bank

How to block Stanbic IBTC card

1. Dial *909*10# from your registered number.
2. Confirm blocking your card by following the steps.
3. Alternatively, log in to the Stanbic IBTC mobile app and find “Card Management.”
4. Choose “Block Card” and confirm the action.

If necessary, call or email customer care for assistance. Contained below is a list of official social media accounts, telephone numbers, email, website, etc.:

Stanbic IBTC Bank Contact Info.

11. Sterling Bank

How to block a Sterling Bank card

1. USSD: Dial *822*911# to block all transactions on the card.
2. Internet Banking: From the Internet banking dashboard, go to “Cards,” select the card to block, click “Block Card,” and confirm with your PIN or password; to unblock later, choose “Unblock Card.”
3. Mobile App: On your Sterling mobile app, go to “Cards,” select the ATM card to block, and click “Block Card.”

If none of the options above work, you should proceed to reach out to customer support for assistance. You will find social media accounts, telephone numbers, email and website below:

Sterling Bank Contact Info.

12. Union Bank

How to block Union Bank card

1. Dial *826*21# on your phone. Follow the prompts to complete the process.
2. Alternatively, use the Union Bank mobile app under “Card Management.”

If you need assistance, contact customer support. You will find social media accounts, telephone numbers, email, website etc below;

Union Bank Contact Info.

13. Unity Bank

How to block Unity Bank card

1. USSD: Dial *7799*9*phone number# to block the bank account; this instantly prevents unauthorised transactions through the linked card. This can be activated on your phone or a third-party device.
2. Mobile App: Log in to the app, go to “Cards” at the bottom, tap the red button next to “Card is On,” and confirm to turn off your card.

Alternatively, contact Customer Care or your Branch to hotlist the Card, thereby preventing unauthorized transactions and requests for a new one. Here are all of Unity’s contact details. You will find social media accounts, telephone numbers, email and website below.

Unity Bank Contact Info.

14. UBA

How to block a UBA card

1. USSD: Dial *919*10# from your registered mobile number. Follow the instructions to confirm blocking your card.
2. Mobile App: Alternatively, log in to the UBA mobile app and go to “Cards.” Select “Block Card” and confirm.

For further assistance, call or email United Bank of Africa customer support. Below, you will find social media accounts, telephone numbers, email, website, etc.:

UBA Bank Contact Info.

15. Wema Bank/ALAT

How to block Wema Bank card

1. Mobile App: Log in to the ALAT by Wema mobile app and go to “Cards.” At the bottom menu, select “Debit/Credit card,” choose the card to manage, and then select the “Turn-off” option to confirm the block.

Alternatively, you can contact Wema Bank customer support through the following channels below:

Wema Bank Contact Info.

16. Zenith Bank

How to block Zenith Bank card

1. Dial *966*60# and select “Card Management.”
2. Follow the steps to block your card.
3. Alternatively, log in to the Zenith Bank mobile app and locate “Card Management.”
4. Select the affected card and block it.

If in doubt, contact customer service for support. You will find social media accounts, telephone numbers, email addresses and website below:

Zenith Bank Contact Info.

Additional Banks

• Opay: To block your Opay card, dial *955*132# to block your card or *955*131# to block your account.

Conclusion

Losing your ATM card can be stressful, but acting quickly can prevent unauthorized transactions or local card scams. This guide on how to block your ATM card for major banks in Nigeria explains what you need to know in the event of a misplaced card. To recap, always report a lost or stolen card immediately. Use your bank’s official channels, such as the USSD method, mobile app, and internet banking, to block cards and prevent fraud. If your bank is not listed, check their website or contact customer support for directions.