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Access Bank and her partner card schemes (Interswitch, Visa, Valucard) will never send you an e-mail asking for confidential information such as account numbers, passwords, PIN numbers, credit card numbers or social security numbers.

Protect yourself from fraudulent e-mails (phishing) claiming to be from a credit card company, bank’s website or any other website for that matter. Delete unsolicited e-mail or sms that asks for this type of personal information. If you suspect you've provided confidential information to a fraudulent site or individual, contact the customer service number on the back of your card or from your account statement.
You can report e-mail fraud claiming to be from any of our partner card schemes by forwarding the suspicious message to: cards@accessbankplc.com

Please click below to view additional security tips.

CARD SECURITY TIPS

  • Never write down your Personal Identification Number (PIN)–memorize it!
  • Never disclose PIN numbers to anyone.
  • When selecting a PIN, do not choose numbers and letters that can be easily identified. Avoid using initials, phone numbers or birth dates.
  • Make sure you sign your card on the signature panel as soon as you receive it.
  • Make a record of card account numbers and telephone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards. Keep this list in a safe place.
  • Make sure your card is returned after every purchase.
  • Never give card numbers over the phone, unless you have initiated the call.
  • Always verify the transaction amount before signing the sales receipt.
  • Always check sales vouchers to verify that the amount on the customer copy of the receipt matches the amount recorded on the merchant copy.
  • Know who has access to your cards.
  • Do not leave cards in the glove compartment of your car.
  • Report lost or stolen cards to your issuing bank immediately.
  • Report suspicious activities to your issuing bank.

ONLINE SECURITY TIPS

  • Register for Verified by Visa if you use a Vpay or Visa card..
  • Keep user names and passwords secret.
  • Use the latest version of your browser's software and check to be sure your computer's operating system software is up to date.
  • Use only secure Internet browsers that allow secure transmission of data. Identify security clues such as the 'closed lock' icon at the bottom of the browser or a URL that begins with https://. These signs indicate that only you and the merchant can view payment information.
  • Only give card details when you initiate a purchase.
  • Keep a record of transactions and review monthly statements thoroughly.
  • Before making a purchase, check the site’s delivery and return policies to ensure that items can be returned if they are not in satisfactory condition.
  • Never respond to an e-mail request for personal or account information, even if appears to be from a trusted source.

ATM SECURITY TIPS

  • Be mindful of your surroundings-if the machine is poorly lit or in a secluded area, use another ATM.
  • Lock car doors and roll up windows when using drive-through ATMs.
  • Do not leave keys or valuables in the car when using an ATM.
  • Have your card ready to avoid having to go through your purse or wallet.
  • Make sure that no one nearby can view your PIN or transaction amount.
  • Do not count cash while standing at an ATM-put your cash, card, and receipt away immediately.
  • After completing an ATM transaction, remember to take your card and transaction record-do not leave your receipt behind. Check it against your monthly statements.
  • If your card becomes stuck inside an ATM machine, be suspicious of anyone offering their help, even if they appear to be a bank security officer. Do not accept help from strangers.

TRAVEL SECURITY TIPS

  • Before You Go:

    • Contact your card issuing bank and let them know you’ll be traveling so they will not consider the transactions suspicious.
    • Check the expiry dates on your cards to make sure they are not due to expire during your trip.
    • Check the amount of credit available to you during the trip as well as your account balance if you plan on using your debit card.
    • Banks have restrictions on daily withdrawals that apply even when you are abroad. Check with them so you’ll know how much you can take out each day. If you use the ATMs/cash points for pocket money and charge the major expenses, such as hotels, to your payment cards, your withdrawal limit won’t be a problem.
    • Make a record of credit card account numbers and telephone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards. In fact, it’s a good idea to make a copy of everything in your wallet, including credit card numbers, and keep that in a safe place.
    • Use a Visa card to purchase your tickets. This will ensure that you have a receipt as proof of purchase in case you lose your tickets or if the trip is cancelled.
    • Check Visa’s currency conversion website to give you an indication of the rate you may receive abroad using your Visa card. In most instances, it may offer a more competitive rate than changing either cash or travellers cheques at bureaux de change or at your hotel.
  • During Your Trip:

    • The easiest way to get local currency is through Visa/Plus ATM network machines in 170 countries. Check the arrival and baggage claim areas at international airports for the Visa/Plus ATM signs for easy access to local currency when you arrive in a foreign country or visit the ATM Locator to find an ATM in the city you are visiting.
    • If your Visa card is either lost or stolen, Visa is only a phone call away. Visa’s Customer Care Services are as close as the nearest telephone. No need for agents, bureaux or face-to-face reporting. Simply call the toll free (free of charge) number Visa provides in each country and you’re linked to the service. For a full listing of GCAS numbers, click here.
    • If your card carries the emergency replacement feature, Visa will replace a lost card while you travel within one working day.
    • Never leave cards unattended at work, in the hotel room, at the pool, the tennis courts, or in a vehicle–locked or unlocked.
    • Use the safe or security box provided by the hotel for your valuables and do not carry all your valuables with you on tours, to the pool, etc.
    • Always keep your sales slip as proof of purchase for customs, as a means of reconciling your account when you get home, and as proof of purchase in case of a dispute.
    • Some merchants can now convert your bill into your home currency. This means the merchant–and not Visa–is converting the currency. As a consumer you may wish to know the exact price in your home currency at the point of sale–but you should also know you may be charged extra for this service by the merchant. Visa requires merchants offering this service to inform you of the exchange rate including any applicable commission being charged.
    • Print out or download Visa’s convenient currency exchange rate chart to give you an easy-to-understand reference point for prices when you are getting used to buying things in a different currency.
  • When you get home:

    • Keep your receipts and read your monthly statements carefully. If you see a charge you don’t recognize or if you notice any inconsistencies, contact your credit card provider right away.
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