Banking in Nigeria has become highly digitized in recent years, with many people relying on mobile and online banking platforms like the UBA Mobile App and UBA Online Banking to manage their finances on the go. However, there are times when a bank may freeze or restrict access to your account on these digital platforms. In this comprehensive guide, I will explain the common reasons why the UBA Bank mobile app and internet banking account may get frozen, and provide steps on how to request an unfreeze.
Why Would My Account Get Frozen?
There are several main reasons why UBA Bank or other Nigerian banks may freeze access to your account through mobile banking and online banking:
Fraud or Suspicious Activity
If the bank detects any suspicious or potentially fraudulent activity on your account, they are required to freeze it immediately for security reasons while they conduct an investigation. Some examples include unauthorized login attempts from unknown devices/locations or strange money transfer patterns.
Regulatory Compliance Issues
Banks have to follow strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. If your account details and documents on file are not fully updated or verified as required by law, it could lead to a freeze.
Negative Balance or Default on Loans
Having an overdrawn balance on your account for an extended period or defaulting on loan repayments is another common trigger for access restriction.
Inactivity or Dormancy
As per banking guidelines, accounts that remain consistently inactive or dormant for 6 months or more are typically frozen for security purposes until reactivation.
Request by Security Agencies
On very rare occasions, government agencies like the EFCC may place a regulatory hold on certain accounts as part of an ongoing investigation.
What to Do if Your UBA Account is Frozen
If for any reason you find that you can no longer login or transact on your UBA mobile banking app or internet banking portal, here are the steps to resolve it:
Visit Your Nearest UBA Branch
Head directly to the bank branch where you opened your account. Carry your valid means of ID and any recent bank statements to help identify yourself.
Inquire About the Freeze
Politely ask the branch staff about the reason for the account freeze and check if there are any pending requirements or documentation needed from your side.
Provide Updates and Clarification
If it was frozen due to incomplete KYC or compliance issues, you need to furnish the missing details and proofs as requested. For cases involving suspicious activity, try clarifying any false alerts.
Submit an Unfreeze Request
After addressing the root cause, fill out a standard account unfreeze application form available at the branch. The staff will forward it to the bank’s back office team for review and processing.
Follow Up After a Few Days
If you do not hear back within 3-5 working days, follow up by visiting the branch again or calling the bank’s customer care number to check the status of your request. Persistent follow ups may be required in some lengthy investigation cases.
Ensure All Requirements Are Fulfilled
Before closing the matter, double check with the branch executives that all pending documentation and clarifications from your side have been submitted to their satisfaction. Leave no loose ends.
Your Account Should Be Unfrozen Soon
Once UBA reviews and approves the unfreeze application, along with clearing of any initial holds or alerts, normal access must be restored to both your mobile and internet bank accounts within 24-72 hours at most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the unfreezing process typically take?
For standard cases where requests are made in-branch with complete documentation, UBA aims to lift freezes within 3-5 working days. Some complex investigations may take 1-2 weeks.
Will I be charged for the unfreeze?
No fees are applicable if the freeze was initiated by the bank itself. However, a nominal processing charge may apply if the account was restricted due to the customer’s actions like defaults.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading to the very end. To summarise, UBA and other Nigerian banks freeze digital banking accounts mostly due to fraud prevention protocols, regulatory requirements or customer-induced issues like defaults.
The key is to address the underlying cause promptly by liaising with your branch, provide necessary updates and follow up regularly till your access is restored. Adhering to compliance best practices can help avoid unwanted freezes in the future as well. I hope this guide has given you a clear understanding of the process to request and get an account unfreeze from UBA Bank. Do let me know if you need any clarification or advice on resolving your particular situation.
