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| Learn how to quickly block a lost or stolen First Bank ATM card using the app, phone, or branch. |
How to Block Your First Bank ATM Card (App, Phone & Branch Methods)
The fastest way to block your First Bank ATM card is through the FirstMobile app: open the app, go to Card Services, select your card, and choose Block Card — confirmed as an official in-app feature by First Bank. If you don't have app access, calling customer care or visiting a branch works too.
Why Blocking Your Card Is Different From Blocking Your Account
First Bank's emergency code `*894*911#` blocks your **phone number/account access** — it's the right move if your phone itself is lost or stolen. But if only your **physical ATM card** is lost, stolen, or compromised (say, at an ATM or POS terminal) while your phone is still safely with you, blocking the card specifically — without necessarily freezing your whole account — is the more targeted response.
Method 1: Block Your Card via the FirstMobile App
1. Open the FirstMobile app and log in.
2. Tap the menu button (top-left corner).
3. Select Card Services.
4. Choose the specific card you want to block.
5. Select Block Card and confirm.
Per First Bank's official app description, this feature also lets you unblock the card later, change your card PIN, or reset it — all without visiting a branch, as long as you still have app access.
Method 2: Call Customer Care
If you don't have app access (lost phone along with the card, for example), call First Bank directly:
- - Phone: `07080625000`, `0700FIRSTCONTACT` (0700-34778-2668228), or `01-4485500`
- - Email: firstcontact@firstbanknigeria.com
Request an immediate card block/hotlist and be ready to verify your identity.
Method 3: Visit a Branch
Visit any First Bank branch with a valid ID and request an immediate card hotlist. This is the most reliable fallback if phone-based methods aren't working for any reason.
What Happens After You Block Your Card?
- - The card becomes immediately unusable for ATM withdrawals, POS transactions, and online payments.
- - Your underlying account remains active — blocking the card alone doesn't freeze your account balance or access via other channels (app, USSD, internet banking).
- - You can still use FirstMobile for transfers and other transactions even with the card blocked, since app login doesn't depend on an active card once you're already registered.
Getting a Replacement Card
Per First Bank's official FAQ:
1. Log into FirstMobile → menu → Card Services → Debit Card Request.
2. Select the card type, the account to debit, your state, and your preferred pickup branch.
3. Enter your authorization PIN — the system generates a reference code.
4. Visit your selected branch to pick up and activate the new card.
Cost: A ₦1,000 card issuance fee applies, charged only once your request is completed.
Important: If you request a new card of the same type as one you still hold, your *existing* card will automatically be hotlisted as part of that process — so don't request a replacement of the same type unless you actually intend to retire your current card.
If Your Card Was Stolen (Not Just Lost)
- - Consider filing a police report, especially if you suspect fraudulent transactions were attempted — this can support any dispute or investigation into unauthorized charges.
- - Also review your recent transaction history in the app or via a mini-statement for any unfamiliar charges, and report these to customer care immediately.
Should You Also Block Your Account?
Not necessarily — if only the card is missing and your phone (and USSD/app access) is secure, blocking just the card is usually sufficient. Only use `*894*911#` if your phone itself is also lost or stolen, since that code restricts your broader account access, which is more disruptive than needed for a card-only issue.
- [How to Block Your First Bank Account (Even From Another Phone)](https://www.androidpols.com.ng/) *(ka bani ainihin URL bayan buga)*
- First Bank Customer Care Number: Phone, WhatsApp & Emergency Block Code
- [FirstMobile App: Download, Register & Use First Bank's Official Mobile App](https://www.androidpols.com.ng/) *(ka bani ainihin URL bayan buga)*
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I block my First Bank ATM card?
Use the FirstMobile app's Card Services section, call customer care, or visit a branch.
Does blocking my card also block my account?
No — blocking a card restricts only that card's use; your account remains accessible via the app, USSD, or internet banking.
How much does a replacement card cost?
₦1,000, charged when your card issuance request is completed.
Can I unblock my card myself?
Yes, if you blocked it accidentally via FirstMobile, the same Card Services menu lets you unblock it — this isn't available if the card was hotlisted due to a lost/stolen report.
What if I don't have FirstMobile installed?
Call customer care or visit any branch for immediate card blocking.
Conclusion
Blocking a lost or stolen First Bank ATM card takes just a few taps in the FirstMobile app's Card Services menu — no need to freeze your entire account unless your phone itself is also missing. Keep the customer care number saved separately in case you ever lose app access along with the card.
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