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| Use Zenith Bank’s emergency 966911# code to block your account from any phone when your device is lost or stolen. |
To block your Zenith Bank account immediately, dial `*966*911#` from ANY phone — it doesn't need to be your registered number. Enter your account number, then your registered AlertZ mobile number, press 1 to confirm, and your account is instantly blocked from all debit transactions.
Why This Code Works From Any Phone
Every other Zenith Bank USSD function requires you to dial from your own registered phone number. `*966*911#` is the deliberate exception — Zenith Bank designed it this way because the entire point of an emergency block is that your own phone is usually the one that's lost or stolen. This directly answers a common concern: yes, you can block your Zenith Bank account from someone else's phone.
What Is AlertZ?
Alert is Zenith Bank's transaction notification service — the mobile number registered to receive your debit/credit SMS alerts. You'll need this specific number (not necessarily your main phone number, if they differ) to complete the block, so it's worth knowing which number this is before an emergency happens.
Step-by-Step: Blocking Your Account
1. Borrow any phone — network or brand doesn't matter.
2. Dial`*966*911#`.
3. Enter your account number.
4. Enter your registered AlertZ mobile number.
5. Press 1 to confirm.
6. Your account is instantly blocked — all debit transactions stop immediately.
Blocking Your ATM Card Separately
`*966*911#` blocks your account, but if it's specifically your ATM card that's missing or stolen (while your phone itself is safe), you can block just the card:
1. Dial`*966*60#`from the phone number registered to your account.
2. Select Option 6.
3. Follow the prompts to confirm the card block.
Why this distinction matters: If only your card is compromised (say, skimmed at a POS terminal) and your phone is secure, blocking just the card is enough — you don't need to freeze your entire account, which is more disruptive than necessary for a card-only issue. Reserve `*966*911#` for situations where your phone itself is lost or stolen.
Other Ways to Block Your Card or Account
If USSD isn't an option, Zenith Bank offers several alternatives:
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Mobile App | Log in to the Zenith Bank Mobile App (eaZymoney) → Card Services → Block Card |
| Internet Banking | Log in at zenithbank.com → Card Management → Block |
| Customer Care Hotline | Call 0700ZENITHBANK or 0201-278-7000 and request an immediate block |
| Branch Visit | Visit any Zenith Bank branch with valid ID and request a manual block |
Step 2: Contact Customer Care to Confirm
After blocking via USSD, follow up with Zenith Bank directly to confirm the block and start any recovery process:
- - Phone: `0700ZENITHBANK` (0700-936-4842265) or `0201-278-7000`
- - WhatsApp (ZiVA):`07040004422`
- - Email: zenithdirect@zenithbank.com
Be ready to answer identity verification questions. For the complete breakdown of every support channel, see our Zenith Bank Customer Care guide.
How to Unblock Your Account
Important: Once your account is blocked via `*966*911#`, you cannot unblock it via USSD or the app — this is a deliberate security measure. You must:
1. Visit any Zenith Bank branch in person.
2. Bring a valid government-issued ID, and ideally a police report if the phone or card was stolen.
3. Complete identity verification with a bank representative.
4. Your account access is restored, and you may need to reset your USSD PIN.
Also Block Your SIM Card
Since your SIM controls OTPs for other accounts too, contact your network provider (MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile) to block the SIM immediately, then arrange a SIM swap once you're ready to reclaim your number.
Security Reminders
- - Zenith Bank will never ask for your PIN, OTP, full card number, or password over a phone call or message — if someone claiming to be from the bank asks, hang up and call back using the official number.
- - Set a SIM PIN on your phone (Settings → Mobile Network → SIM PIN) so a thief can't move your SIM into another device to intercept OTPs, even before you complete the account block.
- - Watch for phishing — Zenith Bank's official site specifically warns of scam emails claiming "huge deposits" await you. Only `www.zenithbank.com` is genuine.
- Zenith Bank USSD Code (*966#): Complete Guide
- Zenith Bank Customer Care: Phone, WhatsApp (ZiVA) & Live Chat
- How to Protect Your BVN and Bank Details from Fraudsters in Nigeria
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I block my Zenith Bank account if my phone is stolen?
Dial `*966*911#` from any phone, enter your account number and AlertZ mobile number, then press 1 to confirm.
Can I block my Zenith Bank account from someone else's phone?
Yes — `*966*911#` is specifically designed to work from any phone, not just your registered number.
What's the code to block just my ATM card, not my whole account?
Dial `*966*60#` from your registered number and select Option 6.
How do I unblock my account afterward?
Visit a Zenith Bank branch with valid ID (and a police report if applicable) — there's no USSD or app self-service unblock option.
What is AlertZ and why do I need it to block my account?
AlertZ is your registered transaction alert phone number — Zenith Bank requires it during the `*966*911#` process to verify your identity before freezing the account.
Conclusion
`*966*911#` is Zenith Bank's fastest emergency response — memorize it now, along with your AlertZ number, since both are needed and the code is specifically built to work even when your own phone is the one that's missing. Pair it with blocking your SIM and contacting customer care for full protection.
- Zenith Bank Official Facebook Confirmation — official confirmation of the `*966*911#` block code
- Zenith Bank Official Website — for card management and internet banking block options
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