How to Block Your UBA ATM Card – Complete Guide

Your UBA ATM card is missing. Heart racing? Don’t panic—you can block it in under 30 seconds using *919*10#.

But let’s be real. When your card goes missing or gets swallowed by that stubborn ATM at Shoprite, your first thought isn’t about USSD codes. It’s pure fear. “How much has been withdrawn? Are my savings safe?”

This guide covers every method to block your UBA card, plus what to do when things go sideways. No story time, just solutions.

Quick Block Methods: Choose What Works for You

The Fastest Way: USSD Code (*919*10#)

This is your emergency weapon. Works on any phone network in Nigeria.

Step-by-step:

1. Dial *919*10# from your registered phone number
2. Enter your 4-digit USSD PIN when prompted
3. Select “Block ATM Card” from the menu
4. Confirm the action
5. Wait for SMS confirmation (usually instant)

Important: This only works from the phone number linked to your UBA account. If that SIM is gone too, scroll down for alternatives.

UBA Mobile App Method

The app gives you more control and confirmation details.

Here’s how:

• Open your UBA Mobile Banking app
• Log in using your username/password or fingerprint
• Navigate to “Cards” or “Manage Cards”
• Select your ATM card
• Tap “Block Card” and confirm with PIN or OTP

Pro tip: Screenshot the confirmation page. Customer care might ask for reference numbers later.

UBA Leo Chatbot (WhatsApp/Facebook)

Leo is UBA’s AI assistant. Pretty helpful when you’re stressed.

WhatsApp method:

• Save +234 903 001 0007 as UBA Leo
• Send “Hi” or “Block card”
• Follow the prompts to verify your identity
• Provide your account number or BVN when asked
• Confirm the blocking request

Facebook method:

• Search for UBA Leo on Facebook Messenger
• Start a conversation with “Block my card”
• Complete the verification process

When Your Registered Phone is Also Missing

This happens more often than you’d think. Phone gets stolen with the ATM card inside the pouch. Now what?

Customer Care Hotline

Primary numbers:

• +234 700 2255 822 (toll-free from any network)
• +234 1 280 8822 (Lagos landline)
• +234 1 906 2065 (alternative)

What they’ll ask for:

• Full name as registered with the bank
• Account number
• Date of birth
• BVN (Bank Verification Number)
• Last few transactions (if you remember)

Response time: Immediate blocking, but expect 3-10 minutes on hold during peak hours.

Visit Any UBA Branch

Sometimes the old-school method works best. Especially if you need a replacement card immediately.

Requirements:

• Valid government-issued ID (National ID, Driver’s License, International Passport)
• Account opening documents (if available)
• Know your account number or BVN

Branch advantage: You can request card replacement and temporary withdrawal limits on the same visit.

What Happens After Blocking Your Card

Account Safety

Your account remains fully functional. Only the physical card gets disabled. You can still:

• Receive transfers
• Use mobile banking
• Send money via USSD
• Pay bills online

Transaction Disputes

If unauthorized transactions occurred before blocking, you have 48 hours to report them for full investigation. UBA’s Zero Liability Policy covers verified fraud cases.

Card Replacement

• Replacement fee: ₦1,050 – ₦1,500 (varies by card type)
• Processing time: 3-7 working days
• Collection: Must visit your account branch with valid ID

Common Issues and Quick Fixes

“USSD Code Not Working”

Problem: Network issues or wrong PIN attempts Solution:

• Try from a different location with better network
• Reset your USSD PIN using *919*0#
• Contact customer care if PIN reset fails

“No SMS Confirmation Received”

Problem: Network delays or DND (Do Not Disturb) activation Solution:

• Wait 5-10 minutes for delayed messages
• Send “STOP” to 2442 to deactivate DND
• Call customer care to confirm if blocking was successful

“Card Still Active After Blocking”

Problem: System delays or partial blocking Solution:

• Don’t assume it failed—most blocks work even without instant SMS
• Test by attempting balance inquiry from another phone
• If still active after 30 minutes, call customer care immediately

Advanced Security Tips

Before You Need to Block

• Enable SMS alerts for all transactions (free service)
• Set daily withdrawal limits through mobile banking
• Never share your USSD PIN (different from ATM PIN)
• Screenshot or write down important contact numbers

International Travel

If traveling abroad, consider:

• Informing UBA of travel dates
• Temporarily reducing daily limits
• Having backup contact numbers saved in email

SIM Swap Protection

Recent trend: Fraudsters clone your SIM to access banking codes.

• Enable SIM registration alerts on your account
• Never click links in suspicious SMS claiming to be from UBA
• Report unusual network activity to both MTN/Airtel/Glo and UBA

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block my UBA card from another person’s phone?

No, the USSD method only works from your registered number. Use customer care, UBA Leo, or visit a branch instead.

Does blocking affect my account balance?

Not at all. Your money stays safe in the account. Only card transactions get disabled.

How do I unblock my card later?

You can’t unblock via USSD. Visit any UBA branch with valid ID or call customer care. Some temporary blocks (due to wrong PIN entries) auto-reverse after 24 hours.

What if I blocked the wrong card?

Contact customer care immediately. They can reverse accidental blocks within minutes if you provide proper verification.

Are there charges for blocking my card?

No charges for blocking. You only pay for replacement cards (₦1,050+) or if you request emergency card services.

Can I still receive salary/transfers after blocking?

Yes. Account-to-account transfers work normally. Only physical card usage gets blocked.

Emergency Checklist: Save This

When your card goes missing:

✓ Immediate (within 5 minutes):

• Dial *919*10# to block
• Note the time and save confirmation SMS
• Check account balance via *919*00#

✓ Within 1 hour:

• Report to nearest UBA branch if suspicious transactions occurred
• Contact customer care for additional security measures
• Begin card replacement process if needed

✓ Next steps:

• Monitor account for 24-48 hours
• Update any recurring payment methods using the old card
• Consider upgrading to cards with better security features

Bottom Line

Blocking your UBA ATM card takes seconds, but knowing your options saves precious time during emergencies. The USSD code *919*10# remains the fastest method, but keep customer care numbers handy for backup.

Your financial security shouldn’t depend on perfect circumstances. Whether your phone is dead, network is poor, or you’re traveling, there’s always a way to protect your account.

Save this guide. Share it with family. Because the next person panicking about a missing ATM card might thank you for it.