How To Block Your ATM Card In Nigeria If Scammed, Lost, Or Stolen

If you’ve lost your ATM card or it has been stolen, it’s crucial to act quickly to lock it and protect your funds. Fortunately, you can easily block your ATM card directly from your mobile phone without needing to visit a bank branch. This article outlines the steps for blocking your ATM card for various banks in Nigeria.

How To Block ATM Card For All Banks In Nigeria 2025

Each bank in Nigeria has its own procedure for blocking ATM cards. Here’s a detailed guide on how to block your ATM card with different banks:

Blocking First Bank ATM Card

To block your First Bank ATM card:

1. Use the mobile number registered with your First Bank account.
2. Send the message “BLOCK” to 30012.
3. Your ATM card will be blocked within 24 hours, and you won’t be able to make transactions with it.
4. After blocking, visit any First Bank branch to request a new ATM card.

Blocking Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) ATM Card

To deactivate your GTB ATM card:

1. Send an SMS with the message “HOTLIST [NUBAN]” to 08076665555 from your registered phone number.
2. Alternatively, call GTConnect at 0700GTConnect (0700482666328) or 08029002900 for immediate assistance.
3. You can also log into your internet banking account to block the card.

Blocking United Bank for Africa (UBA) ATM Card

To block your UBA ATM card:

1. Dial 91910# from the mobile number linked to your UBA account.
2. You can also contact UBA at 2347002255822 or email cfc@ubagroup.com for assistance.

Blocking Zenith Bank ATM Card

To block your Zenith Bank ATM card:

1. Download and log into the Zenith Bank mobile application.
2. Navigate to the menu, select “Cards and Checks,” then choose “Deactivate Card” and provide a reason for the block.
3. For further assistance, call 012787000, 014647000, or 012927000.

Blocking Fidelity Bank ATM Card

To block your Fidelity ATM card:

1. Dial 770911# from your registered phone number and follow the prompts.
2. Alternatively, email Fidelity Bank at trueserve@fidelitybank.ng for assistance.

Blocking Stanbic IBTC Bank ATM Card

To deactivate your Stanbic IBTC ATM card:

1. Dial *909# and follow the prompts to block your card.
2. You can also send “Block card [NUBAN]” to 30909 using your registered phone number.

Blocking Union Bank ATM Card

To block your Union Bank ATM card:

1. Send “BLOCK CARD [NUBAN]” via SMS to 20123 from your registered phone number.

Blocking Access Bank ATM Card

To block your Access Bank ATM card:

1. Call 1.800.554.8969 if you lost your debit card, or 1.800.558.3424 for credit cards.
2. You can also block your card through the Access Bank mobile app.

Blocking Sterling Bank ATM Card

To deactivate your Sterling Bank ATM card:

1. Email customercare@sterlingbankng.com or call 070078375464 for assistance.

Blocking Wema Bank ATM Card

To block your Wema Bank ATM card:

1. Use the Wema Mobile app or the Wema internet banking platform.
2. You can also send “CARD ATM OFF” via SMS to 33352 from your registered phone number.

Blocking Unity Bank ATM Card

To deactivate your Unity Bank ATM card:

1. Call +2347080666000, +2347057323226, or +2347057323227 immediately.

Blocking Keystone Bank ATM Card

To lock your Keystone Bank ATM card:

1. Email contactcentre@keystonebankng.com or call +234 700 2000 3000.

Conclusion

Once you have blocked your ATM card, you might be wondering what to do next. The first step is to ensure that your funds are secured. Consider transferring your money to another bank for additional security. After blocking the card, you should request a new ATM card and discontinue using the lost or stolen one. Taking these steps promptly will help protect your finances and ensure peace of mind.