Hello Today we’ll be discussing On How to Block First Bank Account & ATM Card Using USSD Code on any Phone.
Having the ability to quickly block your First Bank account or ATM card can help protect you in the event your card is lost or stolen. In this comprehensive guide, we provide step-by-step instructions on how to easily block your First Bank account or debit card using USSD codes that work on any type of mobile phone.
First Bank of Nigeria offers customers the ability to instantly block their account or ATM card if needed through Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes. USSD codes work on any type of mobile phone and do not require an internet connection.
Blocking your account or card through USSD blocks all transactions and withdrawals until you unblock it. This prevents fraudulent use of your accounts or cards if they become lost or compromised.
The process only takes a minute and can provide crucial protection in the right circumstances. Read on for full step-by-step instructions.
Requirements
To block your First Bank account or card via USSD, you will need:
- A First Bank account and ATM card
- Your registered mobile number
- Access to any type of mobile phone
As long as you have a First Bank account and your registered mobile number, you can block your account or card from any phone using the provided USSD codes.
How to Block Your First Bank Account Using USSD
Follow these simple steps to block your First Bank account using USSD:
- From your mobile phone, dial *894*911#
- Select your preferred language
- Enter your 10 digit First Bank account number
- Enter the last 4 digits of your BVN number
- Follow the prompts to complete the account block
Once complete, all transactions on your First Bank account will be blocked. To unblock, dial *894*911# and follow the prompts.
How to Block Your First Bank ATM Card Using USSD
To block your First Bank ATM card via USSD:
- Dial *894*911# from your mobile
- Select your language preference
- Enter the 16-digit card number
- Follow the prompts to complete blocking your card
Once blocked, your ATM card will be disabled until you unblock it. To unblock, dial *894*911# again.
Unblocking Your First Bank Account or Card
If you need to regain access to your blocked First Bank account or card, simply unblock it:
- For account – dial *894*1# and follow prompts
- For ATM card – dial *894*PIN Number# and follow prompts
The unblocking process is quick and easy to complete from any mobile phone.
Benefits of Blocking via USSD
Here are some of the key benefits of blocking your First Bank account or card using USSD codes:
- Works on any type of mobile phone
- Does not require internet access or data
- Provides instant blocking within minutes
- Available 24/7
- Added layer of account security
- Prevents fraudulent transactions and theft
No matter what phone you have, blocking via USSD provides reliable protection at any time and from anywhere.
Risks of Not Blocking Compromised Accounts
Some of the risks of not blocking a compromised First Bank account or card include:
- Fraudulent withdrawals and transactions
- Account balances drained
- Personal information accessed
- New accounts or loans opened
- Negative impact to credit score
- Major stress and difficulties
By quickly blocking any compromised accounts or cards, you can avoid significant issues.
When to Block Your First Bank Account or Card
Some common scenarios when you may want to block your First Bank account or ATM card include:
- Your card is lost or stolen
- You notice unauthorized transactions
- You suspect your card PIN or account details have been compromised
- Going out of town and want an extra layer of security
Activating a block provides protection when you may be vulnerable to potential account theft or hacking.
Alternatives to Blocking
Beyond blocking via USSD, some other options include:
- Contacting First Bank customer care to report lost cards or close accounts
- Visiting a First Bank branch to alert staff
- Setting transaction limits or restrictions
- Monitoring account activity regularly
However, blocking via USSD is the fastest and most convenient method that works anywhere.
FAQs On How to Block First Bank Account & ATM Card Using USSD Code on any Phone
1. Is blocking my account or card via USSD safe?
Yes, the blocking system is very secure and recommended by First Bank for situations requiring urgent account control.
2. Can I unblock on my own?
Yes, the unblocking process is just as quick and easy as blocking – simply redial the provided USSD code.
3. Does blocking a card also block internet transactions?
Yes, blocking your ATM card via USSD blocks all types of transactions including online/internet-based transactions.
4. How long does the block last?
The block will remain in effect indefinitely until you proactively unblock it using the USSD code.
5. Can I block a secondary card on my account?
Yes, you can block any ATM card associated with your First Bank account using the card’s 16-digit number.
6. What information do I need to have handy to block my account/card?
You will need your account number or card PIN and registered mobile number on file with First Bank.
7. Does blocking my card prevent online transactions?
Yes, blocking deactivates your card entirely, including for online/ecommerce transactions.
8. Can I still use mobile banking if my account is blocked?
No, blocking your account via USSD will disable access from mobile banking as well until you unblock it.
9. Is there a fee for blocking or unblocking my account/card?
No, First Bank does not charge any fees for blocking or unblocking accounts or cards through the provided USSD service.
10. If my phone is stolen, can I still block my account/card?
Yes, you can block from any other phone by dialing the USSD code and following the prompts.
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Conclusion
In summary, using USSD codes to instantly block your First Bank account or ATM card can provide vital protection against theft or unauthorized use. The process is quick, easy, and accessible from any mobile phone. Be sure to save the USSD codes for blocking and unblocking so they are handy when needed.
After reading this article now you know How to Block First Bank Account & ATM Card Using USSD Code on any Phone.
