First Bank Nigeria Customer Care Number: The Complete, Practical Guide
Contents
- 1 What “FirstContact” Is and the Official Customer Care Numbers
- 2 Availability, Call Charges, and How Calls Are Routed
- 3 Preparing for Your Call and Passing Security Checks
- 4 Emergencies: Lost/Stolen Card, Suspicious Debits, or Compromised Profile
- 5 Effective Alternatives to Calling (Digital Self-Service)
- 6 Visiting a Branch or Writing to the Bank
- 7 Safety and Anti-Fraud Best Practices When Seeking Support
What “FirstContact” Is and the Official Customer Care Numbers
First Bank of Nigeria’s 24/7 contact center is branded “FirstContact.” It handles account enquiries, card and e-banking support, fraud alerts, complaints, and product information. The primary customer care number is the memorable vanity line 0700-FIRSTCONTACT, which most customers dial from within Nigeria. For callers outside Nigeria or those who prefer standard lines, the bank also operates Lagos landlines and mobile numbers.
When dialing the vanity line from a standard keypad, use the numeric mapping: 0700 3477 8266 8228. If you’re abroad, use the international formats for the landline or mobile lines with the +234 country code. All lines below are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays.
- 0700 FIRSTCONTACT (numeric: 0700 3477 8266 8228) — primary Nigeria customer care line
- +234 1 448 5500 (dial as 01 448 5500 within Nigeria) — Lagos customer care landline; works from abroad
- +234 708 062 5000 — customer care mobile line; works from abroad
- WhatsApp chat: +234 812 444 4000 (0812 444 4000) — verified FirstBank WhatsApp Banking for secure chat, not voice calls
- Email: [email protected] — for non-urgent queries and document submissions
- Web: https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/contact-us — official contact page with current channels
Availability, Call Charges, and How Calls Are Routed
FirstContact operates 24/7. Peak periods are typically 8:00–11:00 and 16:00–20:00 WAT on weekdays; if your enquiry is non-urgent, quieter windows are early mornings (05:00–07:30) or late evenings (after 21:00). The team supports English and major Nigerian languages; you can request to continue in your preferred language when the call connects.
Charges depend on your carrier: 0700 numbers are billed by Nigerian networks at standard value-added rates; landline calls to 01 448 5500 are charged at your carrier’s local/international tariff; the +234 708 mobile line follows your mobile voice rates. WhatsApp chat over data/Wi-Fi typically costs less and is suitable for non-voice assistance. The bank does not charge any extra service fee for calling customer care.
Preparing for Your Call and Passing Security Checks
Having the right details handy shortens the call and speeds up verification. Keep your 10-digit NUBAN account number, BVN (11 digits), the last four digits of your debit/credit card (do not disclose your full PAN), and recent transaction amounts/dates ready. If you use digital banking, your registered email and the phone number on the account will help the agent locate your profile quickly.
For security, agents will never ask for your full card number, PIN, CVV, One-Time Password (OTP), or your full online banking password. Typical verification includes your full name, date of birth, partial card digits (last four only), and controlled Q&A such as your mother’s maiden name or a recent transaction. If anyone asks for your OTP or PIN, hang up immediately and report the incident to FirstContact via an official line.
Emergencies: Lost/Stolen Card, Suspicious Debits, or Compromised Profile
In urgent cases—such as a lost card or suspicious debit—speed is critical. If you cannot reach customer care immediately, use FirstBank’s self-service tools to contain risk and then follow up with an agent to complete necessary actions and raise a dispute. Keep a brief incident timeline (date/time noticed, merchant or channel, amount) to help the investigation.
For failed or erroneous instant transfers within Nigeria (NIP), reversals typically process within 24–72 hours once logged; card chargebacks (Visa/Mastercard) can take longer due to scheme rules and may extend beyond 30 days depending on the case. Ask the agent for a case or ticket number and the expected resolution window, and request email confirmation where appropriate.
Effective Alternatives to Calling (Digital Self-Service)
If call queues are long or you’re in a noisy environment, FirstBank’s digital channels often resolve issues faster. The bank’s verified WhatsApp banking line (+234 812 444 4000) offers secure chat with guided menus and live-agent escalation. The FirstMobile app and FirstOnline internet banking cover balance checks, transfers, card controls, statement downloads, and some dispute initiation.
USSD is the quickest option on feature phones and low-data scenarios. Use it on the SIM registered to your account—never share your USSD PIN. If you suspect your phone or SIM is compromised, immediately deactivate your USSD profile and then call FirstContact to restore access after securing your line.
- USSD: *894# — main FirstBank USSD for transfers, airtime, and balance
- USSD: *894*911# — emergency deactivation of your USSD profile if your phone/SIM is lost
- Mobile app: “FirstMobile” — available on Google Play and Apple App Store
- Internet banking: https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/ways-to-bank/firstonline/ — enroll or manage online banking
- Social support (public updates and DM): Twitter/X @FirstBankngr and Facebook “First Bank of Nigeria” — never share PIN/OTP in public or DM
Visiting a Branch or Writing to the Bank
For requests that require physical verification (e.g., name change with legal documents, complex disputes, or large-cash mandates), visit a branch with a valid ID (NIN slip/card, international passport, driver’s license, or voter’s card), proof of address, and originals of supporting documents. Typical branch hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00–16:00 (some locations may vary). Use the branch locator on the bank’s website to confirm hours and services before visiting.
Head Office (not a retail branch) address for formal correspondence and escalations: First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Samuel Asabia House, 35 Marina, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria. For written complaints, include your full name, account number (mask if emailing), contact details, a clear summary of the issue, dates/amounts, and any reference numbers already provided by customer care.
Safety and Anti-Fraud Best Practices When Seeking Support
Only use the official numbers and channels listed above or on the bank’s website. Scammers often clone phone numbers or create fake social media pages. FirstBank staff will never ask you to disclose your OTP, full card PAN, PIN, CVV, or full online banking password—no matter the urgency claimed. If you receive an unsolicited call about “account restriction” or “bonus upgrades,” hang up and dial FirstContact yourself using the numbers provided.
Enable transaction alerts on your registered email and phone number, and review statements frequently. If you change your SIM, device, or email, update your bank records immediately. For extra protection on cards, consider enabling online transaction controls and geographic limits via the FirstMobile app, and keep your devices updated with the latest OS and app versions.
Quick Reference
Main customer care: 0700 FIRSTCONTACT (0700 3477 8266 8228). From abroad: +234 1 448 5500 or +234 708 062 5000. WhatsApp chat: +234 812 444 4000. Email: [email protected]. Official site: https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/contact-us. Head Office: Samuel Asabia House, 35 Marina, Lagos.
What is the phone number for Bank First 24 hour?
Questions? Contact a customer service representative at your nearest location or call (920) 652-3100.
What is the Whatsapp number for First Bank Nigeria?
08124444000
To get started, add FirstBank on Whatsapp with 08124444000 and just say “Hi” to us.
Is there a first Bank of Nigeria in the USA?
First Bank of Nigeria, a Nigerian bank with branches in Ghana, South Africa, Guinea, Gambia, Sierra Leone, DRC, UAE, United States, UK, France, China, etc.
How can I talk to First Bank customer care?
- By completing a Complaints form on our website www.firstbanknigeria.com.
- By calling First Contact on 0700FIRSTCONTACT 02014485500, +234 807 019 4190, +234 708 062 5000, 0700-FIRSTCONTACT.
- By writing to us: Complaints Management Unit.