Explainer: How to Block UBA ATM Card in Nigeria

This article explains how you can simply block your United Bank for Africa (UBA) Debit (ATM) card through the fastest channel available.
UBA Debit Card

Depending on the situation on ground, blocking UBA ATM Debit Card is as fast as 5 seconds, and in some cases, it can take up to several hours. In urgent situations like stolen card or account hijack, you can simply call UBA customer representative, dial the blocking USSD code, or send "Block Card" to Leo to automatically and instantly block the card from being used to withdraw from your account.

Although there's more and all these are possible because UBA offers offers various convenient methods to block your ATM card and account to minimise potential financial losses when compromises knock at your door. In this article, we're going to walk you through the various ways you can block your UBA ATM card using six different methods.

How to Block UBA ATM Card

Method 1: Send "BLOCK CARD" to Leo

Sending "BLOCK CARD" to Leo is one of the most effective and fastest way to block your UBA debit card whenever there's compromise. Leo is UBA's AI-powered digital banking chatbot assistant. The chatbot is available on various messaging platforms including Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram.

To use Leo to block your debit card, send "BLOCK CARD" to Leo on Facebook or WhatsApp. Note, if you haven't been using Leo on a particular social app, you might need to enroll with it first to block your card. You can start chatting with UBA's Leo on Whatsapp using this number: +2349030010007. All you need to do is to save the number and start a conversation.

Method 2: Block Card via UBA Mobile App

Blocking your ATM card via UBA Mobile banking app is mostly useful when you have your smartphone with you. You can sharply turn on your mobile data and login to your bank account to carrying out the blocking. But if your phone is stolen, calling UBA representative or using the UBA online self service will be the best option.

To block UBA debit card on the UBA Mobile banking app, follow these instructions:

  • Login to the UBA Mobile app and navigate to "Card."
  • Under the card section, select the specific card you want to block and choose the "Block Card" option.
  • You'll be required to enter your mobile banking PIN. This PIN is different from your ATM card PIN. And if you use same PIN for both your card and mobile banking transaction PIN. All goes.
  • An OTP code will be sent to your registered phone number. Confirm the code, and you'll receive a confirmation message once the block is successful.

Method 3: Block UBA ATM Card via USSD

USSD is the most effective way to block a debit card for users who doesn't have access to the internet. You can simply dial *919*9# from your registered mobile phone number to block your UBA account, or dial *919*10# to block your UBA ATM card.

However, it's worth noting that once you successfully blocked your UBA ATM card using the USSD code method, you'll only be able to reactivate the card or account by visiting a UBA branch or contacting your account manager via email (at cfc@ubagroup.com) or call.

Method 4: Block Card via UBA Self-Service Platform

You can block your UBA ATM card by using UBA’s online self-service platform. First, visit the platform at "https://www.ubagroup.com/nigeria/self-service/" and log in with your username and password. After signing in, look for the Cards section on the dashboard (the exact position may differ depending on the layout). From there, select the ATM card you want to block.

Once you choose the card, click on the "Block Card" option to proceed. You may be asked to enter your internet banking PIN to confirm the request. After completing the process, UBA will notify you with a confirmation message to show that your card has been successfully blocked.

Method 5: Block Card via UBA Nearest Branch

Blocking a UBA ATM debit card via the nearest branch is the easiest but most stressful method. You’ll need to wait in a queue at the bank, speak to a front-desk customer representative, and more. This method takes many hours before the blockage actually happens. So, this method is the least I can advise account holders to use. It remains the best option for users who don’t understand anything about banking or how to use the internet, such as older people or uneducated people.

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About the author

Temmy Samuel
Temmy Samuel is an aspiring accountant, financial writer, and journalist, and the publisher of Finng Daily, where he covers financial and business reporting, including fintech, and corporate trends.