How to Block Access Bank Account/ATM Card – In the digital age, the security of our financial assets is of paramount importance. One crucial aspect of safeguarding our funds is the ability to promptly block access to our bank account or ATM card in case of theft, loss, or suspicious activity.
Access Bank, a prominent financial institution, offers its customers the means to swiftly block their account or ATM card to prevent unauthorized transactions. Understanding the reasons for blocking, the methods available, and the steps to take in this process is essential for maintaining the integrity of one’s financial accounts
Whether it’s a lost card or suspicious activity, knowing how to swiftly block access can save you from a financial headache.
Benefits of blocking your account/atm card
Blocking your account or ATM card offers several crucial benefits, especially in situations where security is compromised:
- Prevents Unauthorized Transactions: The most immediate benefit is that blocking your card or account halts any further transactions, protecting your funds from being stolen or misused.
- Mitigates Financial Loss: By acting quickly to block your card or account, you minimize the potential financial damage that could be caused by unauthorized use.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your account is secure can bring peace of mind, especially in stressful situations like theft or fraud.
- Facilitates Investigation: Blocking your account can help in the investigation process by preventing any further unauthorized transactions and preserving the evidence.
- Demonstrates Proactive Security: It shows you’re taking responsibility for your financial security and are willing to take steps to protect yourself.
- Enables Account Recovery: Blocking your account can be a necessary step in the process of recovering a compromised account or obtaining a new card.
Remember, in the unfortunate event of your card being lost, stolen, or your account details compromised, blocking your card or account is a crucial first step in protecting your finances.
What are the common reasons for blocking an Access Bank account or ATM card?
The most common reasons for blocking an Access Bank account or ATM card include:
Lost or stolen card: If your card is lost or stolen, blocking it immediately prevents unauthorized transactions.
Compromised account: If you suspect your account has been hacked or your details have been compromised, blocking it can help protect your funds.
Suspicious activity: If you notice any unauthorized transactions or unfamiliar activity on your account, blocking it can help prevent further loss.
Fraudulent activity: If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account, blocking it can stop further damage.
Travel precaution: Some people choose to temporarily block their cards when traveling abroad as an added security measure.
How do I block my Access Bank account if it has been compromised?
If you believe your Access Bank account has been compromised, you should act quickly to block it and prevent any further unauthorized transactions. Here are the methods you can use:
1. USSD Code:
- Dial *901*911# from any mobile phone (even if it’s not the one registered with your account).
- Follow the prompts to enter your account-linked phone number and your USSD banking PIN.
- This will immediately block your account.
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2. Access Bank Mobile App:
- Log into the Access Bank mobile app.
- Navigate to the “Services” or “Security” section.
- Look for an option to “Block Account” or “Report Fraud.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the blocking process.
3. Internet Banking:
- Log into your Access Bank internet banking account.
- Find the section related to “Account Settings” or “Security.”
- Look for an option to “Block Account” or “Report Fraud.”
- Follow the instructions to block your account.
4. Customer Care:
- Call Access Bank’s customer care hotline at 0700CallAccess (07003000000), 01-2802500, or 01-2712005-7
- Explain the situation and request to block your account.
- You may need to provide some verification details.
5.Visit a Branch:
- If you’re unable to use any of the above methods, visit the nearest Access Bank branch.
- Inform a customer service representative about the compromised account and request to block it.
- You will need to provide identification and other relevant account information.
Different Methods to Unblock Your Access Bank Account
Here are the different methods you can use to unblock your Access Bank account:
1. Visit a Branch:
- This is the most traditional method.
- Visit your nearest Access Bank branch with a valid identification document (e.g., National ID, Driver’s License, International Passport).
- Request an account unblock form from a customer service representative and fill it out.
- The bank will verify your identity and process your request.
2. Contact Customer Care:
- Call Access Bank’s customer care hotline: 0700CallAccess (07003000000), 01-2802500, or 01-2712005-7.
- Explain that you want to unblock your account and provide the necessary verification details.
- They will guide you through the process and may require you to submit some documents via email or fax.
3. Email:
- Send a duly signed instruction to unblock your account to contactcenter@accessbankplc.com.
- Include your account details and reason for unblocking in the email.
4. Online Self-Service:
- Access Bank may offer an online self-service portal or form for unblocking accounts.
- Check their website or mobile app for such an option.
What steps should I take if I suspect someone has stolen my ATM card?
If you suspect your ATM card has been stolen, take the following steps immediately to protect your finances:
- Block your card:
- Contact your bank immediately to block your card. You can usually do this as explain above
- For Access Bank, you can dial *901*911# from any phone, log in to the Access Bank mobile app, use internet banking, or visit a branch.
- Monitor your account:
- Keep a close eye on your account transactions for any unauthorized activity.
- If you notice any suspicious transactions, report them to your bank immediately.
- Change your PINs and passwords:
- As a precaution, change the PINs and passwords for all your other bank accounts and online services.
- Cooperate with your bank:
- Your bank may contact you for further information or verification regarding the stolen card. Cooperate with them fully to help resolve the issue.
How long does it take for Access Bank to block my account once I report it as stolen?
Once you report your Access Bank account as stolen or compromised, the bank should block it immediately or within a few minutes. This rapid response is crucial to prevent any unauthorized transactions and protect your funds.
However, it’s important to note that the exact time might vary slightly depending on the method you use to report it (USSD, mobile app, internet banking, or customer care) and any potential network delays.
Even though the block should be almost instantaneous, it’s still recommended to contact Access Bank customer care after reporting to confirm the block and discuss further steps to secure your account and recover any lost funds.
Can I unblock my Access Bank account or ATM card if I find it after it has been blocked?
Yes, You can unblock your Access Bank account or ATM card yourself once it has been blocked.
If you have previously blocked your Access Bank USSD code and want to unblock it, follow the steps below:
- Dial *901*911# from the phone number linked to your Access Bank account.
- Select option 6 to unblock your USSD code.
- Enter your 4-digit USSD code PIN.
- Confirm the action.
Or Visit the mobile app
- Log in with your credentials.
- Navigate to ‘Account Services’ or ‘Card Management.’
- Follow the instructions to unblock your account or card.
Will there be any fees associated with blocking my account or ATM card?
Generally, Access Bank does not charge any fees for blocking your account or ATM card, especially if it’s due to security concerns like theft or compromise. They understand the urgency of such situations and prioritize protecting your funds.
Will blocking my Access Bank account or ATM card affect my ability to receive, deposits or make transactions?
Yes : You won’t be able to use the blocked card for any transactions, Blocking your ATM card doesn’t directly affect your ability to receive deposits into your account. you can make use of online and mobile app for transactions.
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