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| Use Zenith Bank’s 96660# code to quickly block a lost, stolen, or compromised ATM card while keeping your account active. |
The fastest way to block your Zenith Bank ATM card is to dial `*966*60#` from your registered phone number and select Option 6 — this immediately disables the card for ATM withdrawals, POS transactions, and online payments, without needing to freeze your entire account.
Why Blocking Just the Card (Not the Whole Account) Often Makes More Sense
Zenith Bank has a separate emergency code, `*966*911#`, that blocks your entire account — but that's the right move only if your phone is lost or stolen. If it's specifically your physical ATM card that's gone missing, was stolen, got swallowed by an ATM, or you suspect it was skimmed at a POS terminal — while your phone remains safely in your possession — blocking just the card is the more targeted, less disruptive response. You keep full access to transfers, bill payments, and USSD banking; only card-based transactions stop.
When You Should Block Your Zenith Bank ATM Card Immediately
- - The card is lost or stolen
- - The card gets stuck or swallowed by an ATM
- - You suspect the card details were exposed (skimming, a compromised POS, or a data breach)
- - You entered your card details on a suspicious or phishing website
- - You notice unauthorized debits on your statement beyond your normal spending
Acting immediately in any of these situations limits how much a fraudster can withdraw or spend before the card stops working entirely.
Method 1: Block via USSD (*966*60#) — Fastest Option
1. Dial`*966*60#` on the phone number registered to your Zenith Bank account.
2. Select Option 6 from the menu.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm which card you're blocking (if you have more than one linked to your account).
4. You'll receive a confirmation message once the block is complete.
This works entirely without internet access and takes under a minute, provided you're dialing from your own registered number.
Method 2: Block via the Zenith Bank Mobile App (eaZymoney)
1. Open the Zenith Bank Mobile App.
2. Log in with your Account Number and Password.
3. Navigate to Card Services or Card Management.
4. Select the specific card and choose Block Card.
5. Confirm — the block takes effect immediately.
Advantage: Some app versions also let you unblock the card yourself later if you find it, without needing a branch visit — useful if you accidentally misplaced it rather than had it stolen.
Method 3: Block via Internet Banking
1. Log in at www.zenithbank.com using your Internet Banking credentials.
2. Navigate to Card Management.
3. Select Block Card for the affected card, and confirm.
This is a solid option if you're at a computer and don't have quick access to your phone's USSD function for any reason.
Method 4: Call Customer Care
If USSD, the app, and internet banking aren't accessible to you (for example, if your phone itself is also unavailable), call Zenith Bank directly:
- - Phone: `0700ZENITHBANK` (0700-936-4842265) or `0201-278-7000`
- - WhatsApp (ZiVA): `07040004422`
Request an immediate card block and be ready to verify your identity with account details.
Method 5: Visit a Branch
Visit any Zenith Bank branch with a valid government-issued ID and request an immediate card block. This is the most reliable fallback if every phone-based method fails for any reason, and it's also the path you'll need for replacing the card afterward.
What Happens After You Block Your Card
- - The card becomes immediately unusable for ATM withdrawals, POS transactions, and online payments.
- - Your underlying account remains fully active — USSD banking (`*966#`), the mobile app, and internet banking all continue to work normally.
- - You can still transfer funds, pay bills, and check your balance without the card at all, since none of these depend on having an active physical card once you're already registered.
Getting a Replacement Card
Once you've blocked a lost, stolen, or damaged card:
1. Visit any Zenith Bank branch with valid ID.
2. Request a new debit card (Verve, Mastercard, or Visa, depending on what you originally held).
3. A card issuance fee typically applies — confirm the exact current amount at the branch, since fees can be adjusted periodically.
4. Activate the new card as instructed once issued, usually via USSD or at the branch itself.
Should You Block Your Account Too?
Not necessarily. Use this simple rule of thumb:
| Situation | What to Block |
|---|---|
| Only the card is lost/stolen, phone is safe | Just the card — *966*60#, Option 6 |
| Phone is lost/stolen (with the card or without) | The full account — *966*911# |
| You suspect card details were exposed online (phishing, data breach) | Just the card, then monitor your statement closely |
Blocking your entire account when only the card is affected is unnecessarily disruptive — you'd lose transfer and bill-payment access you don't actually need to lose.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| USSD code doesn't respond | Weak network signal | Retry in an area with stronger GSM signal |
| "Service unavailable" | Dialing from an unregistered number | Confirm you're using the phone number linked to your account |
| App won't let you block the card | Outdated app version | Update the Zenith Bank Mobile App and retry |
| Multiple cards linked, unsure which to block | — | Check your card's last 4 digits against your physical card before confirming |
- [How to Block Your Zenith Bank Account (Even From Another Phone)](https://www.androidpols.com.ng/) *(ka bani ainihin URL bayan buga)*
- [Zenith Bank USSD Code (*966#): Complete Guide](https://www.androidpols.com.ng/2025/08/how-to-activate-zenith-bank-transfer.html)
- [Zenith Bank Customer Care: Phone, WhatsApp (ZiVA) & Live Chat](https://www.androidpols.com.ng/2025/08/zenith-bank-customer-care-how-to.html)
- [How to Protect Your BVN and Bank Details from Fraudsters in Nigeria](https://www.androidpols.com.ng/2026/02/how-to-protect-your-bvn-and-bank.html)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I block my Zenith Bank ATM card?
Dial `*966*60#` from your registered phone number and select Option 6, or use the mobile app, internet banking, or a branch visit.
Does blocking my card also block my account?
No — blocking a card only stops that card's use; your account remains fully accessible via USSD, app, and internet banking.
Can I unblock my card myself if I find it later?
Sometimes, via the mobile app, if you blocked it yourself rather than reporting it stolen — check the Card Services menu for an unblock option.
What if my card was stolen and I suspect fraud?
Block it immediately, then review your recent transaction history for unauthorized debits and report anything suspicious to customer care right away.
How do I get a replacement card after blocking it?
Visit any Zenith Bank branch with valid ID to request and activate a new card.
Conclusion
Blocking a lost, stolen, or compromised Zenith Bank ATM card takes under a minute via `*966*60#` — no need to freeze your entire account unless your phone itself is also missing. Keep both this code and Zenith's customer care number saved somewhere outside your phone, so you're never caught without them in an emergency.
- Zenith Bank Official Facebook Confirmation — official source confirming Zenith's emergency USSD block codes
- Zenith Bank Official Website — for app and internet banking card management
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