How to Block First Bank ATM Card Immediately (2026 Guide)

If your First Bank ATM/debit card is missing—or you notice suspicious activity—speed matters. The safest move is to Block First Bank ATM Card immediately, then secure your account, and only after that worry about replacements.

This guide explains the fastest confirmed methods FirstBank provides, including Card Control on *894#, what each “channel” means (ATM/POS/WEB/FOREIGN), what to do if your phone is stolen, and how to unblock safely if you recover the card.

Ways to Block First Bank ATM Card

You can Block First Bank ATM Card using the Bank USSD code *894#.

Steps to Block First Bank ATM Card very fast:

1. Dial *894# on the phone number registered to your FirstBank account.
2. Select Quick Banking.
3. Select Next Page.
4. Select Card Control.
5. Choose what to block:
   • ATM
   • POS
   • WEB
   • ALL CHANNELS
   • FOREIGN
6. Enter your 5-digit USSD PIN to confirm.

These options matter because you can block only the risky channel—or block everything:

• ATM: Stops cash withdrawals at ATMs.
• POS: Stops physical card payments at POS terminals.
• WEB: Stops online card payments (e-commerce).
• FOREIGN: Stops cross-border transactions.
• ALL CHANNELS: Blocks the card everywhere (recommended if the card is missing).

FirstBank explicitly lists these channel options in the Card Control flow.

Best practice: If your card is lost/stolen, choose ALL CHANNELS.

Block First Bank ATM Card without Smartphone

If your phone was stolen with the card (or your SIM is compromised), use this priority order:

Step 1 — Place an emergency restriction

This is useful as an emergency move when you suspect your phone/SIM has been compromised and you want to stop further activity tied to that number while you contact the bank

Step 2 — Call FirstContact

If you can’t use *894# (because your phone is gone), call FirstBank’s contact centre 01-4485500 and 0708-062-5000 and make a request to block First Bank ATM Card.

What to tell them :
“Hello, I lost my FirstBank debit card and I need an immediate block placed on the card. My account name is [FULL NAME]. My account number is [ACCOUNT NUMBER]. Please confirm once the card is blocked and advise on replacement.”

Step 3 — Block your SIM with your network provider

This is not a bank step, but it prevents OTP/SMS-based access. Call your telecom provider to block the SIM, then replace it.

Other official channels to reach FirstBank quickly

Complaints portal (web)

FirstBank’s complaints policy references the official complaints form website.

SMS short code 30012

You can text “BLOCK” to 30012 for card blockage. While FirstBank uses 30012 as an official contact short code, card-blocking by SMS can depend on the specific service/card enrollment. If you need the most reliable immediate block, use *Card Control on 894# or call FirstContact.

How to unblock your First Bank card

If you recover your card and you’re confident your details weren’t compromised, FirstBank shows you can also unblock via the same *894# Card Control flow.

Unblock steps:

1. Dial *894#
2. Quick Banking → Next Page → Card Control
3. Choose the same channel options (ATM/POS/WEB/ALL/FOREIGN)
4. Choose Unblock
5. Confirm with your 5-digit USSD PIN

Security note: After unblocking, change key credentials (PINs/passwords) if there’s any chance someone saw your card details.

What to do immediately after blocking your card

Blocking is step one. To fully secure yourself, do these next:

1) Review last transactions and alerts

• Check your SMS/email alerts.
• Note any suspicious ATM withdrawals, POS debits, or online charges (time + amount).

2) Change passwords/PINs that could be exposed

• If your phone was stolen, treat OTP and passwords as exposed.
• Change your app password and any linked email password.

3) File a complaint/dispute fast (if debits occurred)

Use FirstBank’s complaints channels (portal/calls/email) to log:

• Transaction details
• When you noticed the issue
• Whether card was physically missing

FirstBank provides multiple official complaint routes including their complaints portal.

4) Request a replacement card

You can request/activate cards through official bank channels. FirstBank also publishes steps for card services on FirstMobile for card requests/activation.

Decision guide: Which method should you use

Use *894# Card Control if:

• Your phone is available
• You want the fastest block
• You have no internet
  (Recommended)

Call FirstContact if:

• Your phone is stolen
• USSD isn’t working
• You need a human to confirm the block

Use *894*911# if:

• You suspect your number/SIM is compromised
  (Use as an emergency restriction while you contact support)

FAQs: Blocking a First Bank ATM Card

Final note

If your card is blocked and you still need to handle essentials (airtime, data, bills), you can use trusted alternative payment options while you wait for replacement—especially for utilities and recurring payments.