How to block your ATM card: A quick and easy guide
If you’ve lost or stolen your ATM card, or if you suspect that it’s been compromised, it’s important to block it immediately. This will prevent unauthorized transactions from being made on your account.
There are a few different ways to block your ATM card, depending on your bank. You can usually do it online, through your bank’s mobile app, or by calling customer service.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to block your ATM card using each of these methods. We’ll also provide some additional tips to help you protect your account from fraud.
Why would you need to block your ATM card?
There are a few reasons why you might need to block your ATM card. The most common reason is if you’ve lost or stolen your card. But you might also want to block your card if you suspect fraudulent activity, or if you’re simply not going to be using it for a while.
Other reasons why you might need to block your card include:
- Loss or theft: If you lose your ATM card or it is stolen, it’s important to block it as soon as possible to prevent unauthorized withdrawals.
- Suspicious activity: If you notice any suspicious activity on your account, such as unauthorized transactions or failed ATM withdrawals, you should block your card immediately.
- Fraud: If you suspect that your ATM card has been used fraudulently, such as in an online scam, you should block your card and contact your bank.
- Expired card: When your ATM card expires, it will be automatically blocked. However, you should still contact your bank to request a new card.
If you need to block your ATM card, you can usually do so by contacting your bank directly. You can usually do this by calling your bank’s customer service number, logging into your online banking account, or visiting a branch in person.
Once you block your card, your bank will issue you a new card with a new PIN. You may also be able to request a temporary card to use until your new card arrives.
How to block your ATM card
There are a few different ways to block your ATM card, depending on your bank. Here are the most common methods:
Online banking: Most banks allow you to block your ATM card through their online banking portal. Simply log in to your account and navigate to the “self services” section. You should see a button that says “Block card” or “Hotlist card.” Click this button and follow the on-screen instructions.
Mobile banking: Many banks also offer mobile banking apps that allow you to block your ATM card. To do this, open the app and log in to your account. Then, navigate to the “self services” section and look for the “Block card” or “Hotlist card” button. Click this button and follow the on-screen instructions.
Phone banking: You can also block your ATM card by calling your bank’s customer service number. A customer service representative will be able to walk you through the process.
In-branch: If you prefer, you can also visit a bank branch to block your ATM card. A bank teller will be able to help you do this.
What happens after you block your ATM card?
Once you block your ATM card, you will not be able to use it to make withdrawals or purchases. However, you will still be able to access your money through other methods, such as online banking or check writing.
If you blocked your ATM card due to loss or theft, you will need to request a new card from your bank. This process typically takes a few days to complete.
If you blocked your ATM card due to suspicious activity or fraud, your bank will investigate the matter and may contact you for more information. Once the investigation is complete, your bank may unblock your card or issue you a new card.
Automatic ATM card Block
Automatic ATM card block is a feature offered by many banks to protect their customers from fraudulent transactions. If your ATM card is used in a suspicious way, or if you enter your PIN incorrectly too many times, your bank may automatically block your card. This is a temporary measure to prevent any further unauthorized activity.
Here are some examples of situations where your ATM card may be automatically blocked:
- Entering your PIN incorrectly three times at an ATM.
- Attempting to withdraw more cash than is available in your account.
- Using your card at a known fraudulent ATM.
- Making a large or unusual purchase with your card.
- Using your card in a foreign country without notifying your bank.
If your ATM card is automatically blocked, you will typically receive a notification from your bank via SMS or email. You will then need to contact your bank to unblock your card. This can usually be done online, through your bank’s mobile app, or by calling customer service.
Why do banks block ATM cards automatically?
There are a few reasons why banks might block an ATM card automatically. Some common reasons include:
- Entering the wrong PIN three times in a row.
- Making a large or unusual purchase.
- Suspected fraudulent activity on the account.
- A security breach at the bank or ATM.
What happens when your ATM card is blocked automatically?
If your ATM card is blocked automatically, you will usually receive a notification from your bank via SMS, email, or phone call. You may also see a message on the ATM screen when you try to use your card.
How to unblock your ATM card
To unblock your ATM card, you will need to contact your bank. You may be able to do this online, over the phone, or in person at a branch.
When you contact your bank, they will ask you to verify your identity and provide your account number and ATM card number. They may also ask you questions about why you think your card was blocked.
Once your identity has been verified, the bank will unblock your card. This may take a few minutes or a few hours, depending on the bank.
Tips to avoid having your ATM card blocked automatically
Here are a few tips to avoid having your ATM card blocked automatically:
- Be careful when entering your PIN. Make sure you are in a private place and that no one can see you entering your PIN. If you enter the wrong PIN three times in a row, your card will be blocked.
- Be aware of your spending habits. If you suddenly make a large or unusual purchase, your bank may block your card as a precaution.
- Monitor your account activity regularly. If you see any suspicious transactions on your account, contact your bank immediately.
- Keep your ATM card safe. Do not carry your card in your wallet with your Social Security number or PIN. If you lose your card, report it to your bank immediately.
Benefits of automatic ATM card block
Automatic ATM card block is a valuable security feature that can help to protect you from fraud. By blocking your card if it is used in a suspicious way, your bank can help to prevent unauthorized transactions from taking place. This can save you a lot of time and hassle, as well as money.
How to Block All Bank ATM Cards in Nigeria If Stolen/Lost With Code
If you’ve lost or had your ATM card stolen, it’s important to block it immediately to prevent unauthorized transactions. This can be done quickly and easily using a USSD code.
To block all bank ATM cards in Nigeria using a code, simply dial *770*911#. You will then be prompted to enter your bank account number. Once you have entered your account number, you will be given a list of all the ATM cards connected to your account. Select the card(s) you want to block and press enter. Your ATM card(s) will be blocked immediately.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Dial *770*911# on your registered phone number.
- Enter your bank account number.
- Enter your PIN.
- Confirm that you want to block your ATM card.
Your ATM card will be blocked immediately. You will receive a confirmation message from your bank.