Here’s an overview of how to block a first bank account and ATM card:

• Understanding the need to block your bank account and ATM card
• Step 1: Contact your bank immediately
• Step 2: Providing necessary information for verification
• Step 3: Requesting for a block on your account and ATM card
• Step 4: Verifying the block on your account and ATM card
• Step 5: Collecting your new ATM card and reactivating your account
• Additional tips for safeguarding your bank account and ATM card
• Common reasons for blocking bank accounts and ATM cards
• What to do if you cannot reach your bank immediately
• Final Thoughts and Proactive Measures

Understanding the need to block your bank account and ATM card

• Losing your ATM card exposes you to financial fraud and unauthorized withdrawals.
• Blocking your bank account prevents unauthorized access to your funds.
• Immediate action is crucial to safeguarding your finances and preventing potential losses.
• Blocking your ATM card ensures no one else can use it for fraudulent transactions.
• Taking swift action protects your financial security and minimizes potential risks.

Step 1: Contact your bank immediately

• Call Customer Service: Dial the bank’s customer service hotline to report your lost or stolen ATM card.
• Visit the Nearest Branch: Head to the nearest branch to fill out a card-blocking request form.
• Provide account details: Be ready with your account number, name, and any other required information.
• Request Confirmation: Ask for a confirmation that your ATM card has been blocked to prevent unauthorized transactions.

Remember, acting swiftly is crucial to safeguarding your funds and personal information.

Step 2: Providing necessary information for verification

• Contact your bank’s customer service and inform them of your decision to block your account and ATM card.
• Be prepared to provide necessary information for verification purposes, such as your full name, account number, date of birth, and any other personal details they may require.
• Answer any security questions correctly to confirm your identity and ensure that the account and card are blocked securely.
• Follow any additional instructions given by the customer service representative to complete the process efficiently.

Remember, providing accurate information is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful account and card blocking process.

Step 3: Requesting for a block on your account and ATM card

• Contact First Bank immediately through their customer service hotline to request a block on your account and ATM card.
• Open the call app on your smartphone
• Dial any of the following contacts to talk to a FirstBank agent: 07080625000, 014485500, or 0700-FIRSTCONTACT. 
• Select your preferred language and enter your account number
• Select Option 2 to block your ATM card, or select Option 3 to block your USSD.
• Provide necessary information, such as your account number, name, and reason for blocking the card.
• Follow the customer service representative’s instructions carefully to ensure your account and card are blocked effectively.
• Request for a new ATM card to be issued to you if needed.
• Remember to keep all communication and reference numbers provided by the bank for future inquiries or follow-ups.

Step 4: Verifying the block on your account and ATM card

• Contact the customer service of your bank to confirm that your account and ATM card have been successfully blocked.
• Request a confirmation email or SMS for your records.
• Monitor your account for any unauthorized transactions to ensure that the block is effective.
• If you encounter any issues or suspicious activities, promptly report them to your bank for further assistance.
• Keep all communication and documentation regarding the block in a safe place for future reference.

Step 5: Collecting your new ATM card and reactivating your account

• Head to your local branch of First Bank to collect your new ATM card. Ensure all required identification documents are with you.
• Once collected, contact the bank to reactivate your account. Follow all the instructions provided.
• Set up any necessary security measures to protect your account from future incidents.
• Consider changing your PIN for added security.
• Familiarize yourself with any new features or updates that may have been implemented during the replacement process.

Additional tips for safeguarding your bank account and ATM card

• Set up transaction alerts: Utilize your bank’s notification system to receive alerts for any transactions made with your account or ATM card.
• Regularly monitor your account. Keep track of your account balance and transaction history to detect any unauthorized activities promptly.
• Avoid sharing sensitive information. Refrain from sharing your PIN, online banking login details, or card details with anyone.
• Be cautious with ATMs. Check for any suspicious devices attached to the ATM before using it, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
• Report lost/stolen cards immediately: Contact your bank as soon as possible if your ATM card goes missing to prevent unauthorized transactions.

Common reasons for blocking bank accounts and ATM cards

• For security reasons, such as suspected fraudulent activity or unauthorized transactions.
• In case of loss or theft of your ATM card or if it gets stuck in the machine.
• Non-compliance with the bank’s terms and conditions, such as irregular account activity or failure to provide required documentation,.
• Suspected identity theft or misuse of the account by a third party.
• PIN compromise or suspected compromise of your card details.
• At the customer’s request, due to a change in account status or personal circumstances.

How to Block First Bank ATM Card via USSD Code

I understand that you are seeking the code to securely restrict access to your First Bank account or ATM card. Here it is.

The designated code for blocking an ATM card is *894#; nonetheless, it is imperative to adhere to a series of meticulous measures in order to effectively stop an ATM card account.

1. Dial *894# on your phone (Mtn, Glo, Airtel, or 9 mobile)
2. Select Quick Banking
3. Then, select Next Page
4. Select Card control
5. Select from these options:
   • ATM
   • POS
   • WEB
   • ALL CHANNELS
   • FOREIGN
6. Lastly, enter your 5-digit PIN to confirm your transaction.

To disable the number associated with your FirstBank account or restrict access to the USSD code, call *894*911# and carefully adhere to the provided instructions.

Attention!

The available choices include the option to restrict access to your ATM debit card from a certain channel or all channels.

• ATM: This means you block your First Bank debit card from all ATM transactions, such as withdrawals.
• POS: This means you block your First Bank debit card from POS transactions.
• WEB: This means you block your First Bank debit card from website transactions, such as buying from online stores.
• FOREIGN: This means you block your First Bank debit card from any foreign transactions.
• ALL CHANNELS: This means you block your First Bank debit card from all transactions, which consist of ATM, POS, WEB, and FOREIGN.

How to Block First Bank Account/ATM Card via First Bank Mobile APP

To block your First Bank account/ATM card, please adhere to the following instructions:

1. Open the First Bank Mobile App.
2. Login to your account using your Username and Password
3. Click on the menu icon.
4. Next, click on Card.
5. Select your card type.
6. Click on the Hotlist Card.
7. Lastly, deactivate your ATM card.

You can now employ any of the aforementioned methods to restrict access to your First Bank account/ATM card.

How to Block My First Bank ATM Card from Another Phone

Occasionally, the desire to block your ATM card arises from the loss of personal belongings, such as your phone. Therefore, the most expeditious line of action would be deactivating your ATM card via a separate mobile device.

To prevent the utilization of your First Bank ATM debit card on a different device, please contact the customer service line of First Bank. For assistance with blocking your card, please contact a customer service specialist at one of the following numbers: 07080625000, 014485500, or 0700-FIRSTCONTACT.

Alternatively, one may expeditiously proceed to the nearest First Bank establishment in order to inform them of the loss of their ATM card and express their desire to block or deactivate it.

What to do if you cannot reach your bank immediately

If you are unable to reach your bank immediately to block your account and ATM card, you should take the following steps:

• Disable Online Banking: Log in to your online banking account if possible and disable it to prevent unauthorized access.
• Visit the nearest branch: Go to the nearest branch of your bank as soon as possible and inform them about the situation. They will guide you on the next steps to take.
• Call Customer Service: Try calling the bank’s customer service helpline to report the issue and request an immediate block on your account and card.
• Monitor your account. Keep a close eye on your account for any suspicious transactions and report them to your bank promptly.

Remember, it’s crucial to act swiftly to minimize any potential losses or damages.

Final Thoughts and Proactive Measures

• Be sure to keep your bank’s customer service number handy in case of emergencies.
• Regularly monitor your account transactions for any suspicious activities.
• Set up account alerts for large withdrawals or transactions.
• Consider using mobile banking apps for quicker access to your accounts.
• Never share your PIN or account details with anyone.
• Report any lost or stolen cards immediately to your bank.
• Stay vigilant and proactive in protecting your financial assets.