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How To Deactivate Ussd Code For First Bank

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How To Deactivate USSD Code For First Bank: Step‑By‑Step Guide

USSD banking is convenient for checking balances, transferring money, and paying bills from a basic mobile phone. However, there are situations where you may want to deactivate or limit USSD access on your First Bank account—for example, if:

  • Your phone is lost or stolen
  • You suspect unauthorised activity
  • You no longer want to use USSD for security reasons
  • You changed your phone number

This guide explains how to deactivate the USSD code for First Bank, common reasons to do so, and important safety tips. While exact menus and shortcodes can change over time, the general steps and precautions below are widely applicable.

What Is First Bank USSD Banking?

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) banking lets you perform basic financial transactions by dialling a short code on your mobile phone. It works on:

Typical features via USSD include:

  • Balance enquiries
  • Mini statements
  • Transfers between your own accounts
  • Transfers to other banks
  • Airtime and data top‑ups
  • Bill payments

Because it is simple and fast, USSD is popular—but that also means you should react quickly if your phone or SIM is compromised.

Reasons To Deactivate Your First Bank USSD Code

You may want to deactivate or suspend USSD access if:

  1. Your phone or SIM card is lost or stolen
    Deactivation helps prevent someone else from trying to access your account using saved PINs or open USSD sessions.

  2. You suspect fraud or unusual transactions
    If you notice debits you didn’t authorise, deactivating USSD is one of several steps to protect your account, along with contacting the bank.

  3. You changed your mobile number
    You might need to unlink the old number from USSD and register the new one.

  4. You don’t use USSD anymore
    If you rely on mobile apps or in‑branch services and don’t want another access channel active, you can request deactivation.

  5. You want to reduce attack surfaces
    Fewer active channels (USSD, online banking, cards) can mean less exposure if you’re security‑conscious.

How To Deactivate USSD Code For First Bank

Exact deactivation methods can vary by country and by bank policy, but the process usually follows one or more of these routes:

1. Use the Official USSD Menu (If Available)

Many banks provide a security or settings option inside the USSD menu that lets you:

Typical steps:

  1. Dial your bank’s official USSD code from the registered phone number.
  2. Navigate the menu to find options like:
    • “Security”
    • “Disable USSD”
    • “Block Phone”
    • “Deactivate Profile”
  3. Confirm that you want to disable or block USSD access.
  4. You may be asked for your USSD PIN or other verification.

If you still have your phone and simply want to stop using USSD, this is often the quickest route.

Note: Because I cannot browse live data, please confirm the exact USSD options directly from First Bank’s official channels (website, app, or customer service).

2. Contact Customer Support

If your phone is lost, stolen, or compromised, or if you can’t access the USSD menu, contact First Bank customer support as soon as possible using a verified phone number or channel from:

  • Your bank statement
  • Official banking app
  • Printed materials from your local branch

Ask specifically to:

The bank will usually verify:

After verification, they can:

  • Temporarily or permanently disable USSD
  • Flag your profile for restricted access
  • Advise if you need to visit a branch for a complete deactivation

3. Visit a First Bank Branch

For many account‑level changes, branches remain the most secure channel. Visit a branch if:

  • Customer support instructs you to come in person
  • You suspect identity theft or extensive fraud
  • You want written confirmation of changes

Steps typically include:

  1. Bring valid identification (e.g., national ID, passport) and your bank card or passbook.
  2. Request USSD banking deactivation or mobile channel deactivation.
  3. Complete any required forms.
  4. Confirm whether deactivation is temporary or permanent.

Ask staff to:

4. Disable or Change Your USSD PIN

If the bank does not offer full deactivation, or you want extra protection, you can:

  • Change your USSD PIN to something only you know
  • Request support to reset or lock your PIN

This doesn’t always deactivate the service, but it can reduce the risk of unauthorised transactions if someone has your phone.

What Happens After Deactivating USSD?

Once the USSD code is deactivated on your profile:

  • Attempts to use the USSD code with your number should fail.
  • You may receive an error message such as “service unavailable” or “profile blocked” when dialling the code.
  • You might still be able to use other channels (ATM, cards, mobile app, internet banking) unless you have also requested those to be blocked.

Ask your bank to clarify:

  • Which services are disabled
  • Whether deactivation is tied to your phone number, your SIM, or your entire account
  • How to reactivate USSD in the future, if needed

How To Reactivate USSD Banking Later

If you change your mind or replace your phone, you can usually reactivate USSD by:

  1. Dialling the official USSD code from your new or current phone number; or
  2. Registering or re‑enrolling via a branch or the banking app; or
  3. Contacting customer support and requesting that USSD be re‑enabled.

You may need to:

Always confirm any reactivation steps directly with First Bank’s official support channels.

Security Tips When Using or Deactivating USSD

Even if you plan to deactivate, these best practices help keep your account safe:

  1. Memorise your USSD PIN
    Do not store it in notes, messages, or on paper where others can see it.

  2. Lock your phone and SIM
    Use a screen lock and a SIM PIN, so someone who finds your phone can’t easily access USSD.

  3. Never share one‑time passwords (OTPs) or PINs
    Bank staff will not ask for full USSD PINs or OTPs over phone, email, or SMS.

  4. Act immediately if your phone is lost

  5. Check your statements regularly
    Look for unfamiliar debits or transfers and report them right away.

  6. Use multiple secure channels
    If you disable USSD, make sure your remaining channels (cards, app, internet banking) are protected with strong PINs and passwords.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deactivate USSD without my phone?

Yes, in most cases you can deactivate USSD by:

  • Calling official customer support from any phone, or
  • Visiting a branch with valid identification.

Explain that your registered phone is lost or compromised and that you want USSD/m‑banking disabled.

Is deactivation permanent?

Deactivation can be temporary or permanent, depending on how the bank processes your request:

  • Temporary block / suspension: Can usually be reversed by support or at a branch.
  • Permanent deactivation: May require full re‑registration if you decide to use USSD again.

Confirm this point clearly with the bank when you request deactivation.

Will deactivating USSD affect my bank cards or ATM access?

Generally, no. USSD is a separate access channel. Deactivating USSD:

  • Does not automatically cancel your debit/credit cards
  • Does not usually block ATM withdrawals

However, if there is suspected fraud, the bank may temporarily restrict multiple channels as a safety measure. Always ask which services are affected.

Can I change the phone number linked to USSD instead of fully deactivating it?

Yes. If you simply changed your phone number:

  1. Ask the bank to unlink the old number.
  2. Register your new number for USSD.

This keeps the service active but ensures it’s only available from your current SIM/phone.

Summary: How To Deactivate USSD Code For First Bank

To deactivate USSD banking for your First Bank account:

  1. Try the USSD menu from your registered phone, and look for security/deactivation options (if available).
  2. Contact official customer support and request USSD/mobile banking deactivation, especially if your phone is lost or you suspect fraud.
  3. Visit a branch with valid ID for a secure, documented deactivation or to make complex changes.
  4. Confirm the outcome—ask whether USSD is fully blocked, whether other channels are affected, and how to reactivate later if needed.

Always rely on verified, official contact details when dealing with your bank, and avoid sharing your PINs or OTPs with anyone.

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