Blog

If you have borrowed money from a loan app in Nigeria and you received scary messages threatening to block your BVN (Bank Verification Number), maybe your loan is overdue. In such a situation, many borrowers ask, Can a loan app block my BVN? The answer is more than “NO”; there’s more you should understand.

In our previous articles, we talk about how to remove your BVN from the loan app,  how to delete your data from the loan app, and how to block loan app calls permanently. Here we will see whether the loan app has the power to block your BVN.

In this article, we will look at what BVN really is, what loan apps can and cannot do with your BVN, and how you can protect yourself from such threats.

What Is BVN?

Your BVN stands for Bank Verification Number. It is a unique 11-digit number assigned to every individual in Nigeria’s banking system. Once issued, your BVN serves as your secure identity across all banks and financial institutions in Nigeria.

👉 Important: Your BVN is not tied to just one bank. It is stored centrally by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and cannot be altered or blocked by any single bank or loan app.

See Also: Top 10 Best Loan App in Nigeria 2025: Low Rates and Fast Approval

Can a loan app block your BVN?

The simple answer is no, a loan app cannot block your BVN.

Loan apps often play on your ignorance by sending threatening messages saying:
“We will block your BVN if you don’t repay your loan!”

This is not true. Here’s why:

• Only authorized institutions like the CBN, EFCC, or a court of law** can request to freeze an account or take action that affects your BVN through legal processes.
• Loan apps themselves do not have the authority or technical access to block your BVN.
• Once a BVN is issued, it cannot be altered, blocked, or deactivated by private loan apps.

Can loan app blacklist your BVN?

Can a loan app blacklist your BVN? The short answer is no—a loan app cannot technically “blacklist” your BVN. What they can do is report your details (including your BVN) to licensed credit bureaus such as CRC Credit Bureau or FirstCentral if you default on your loan. When this happens, your BVN will appear on your credit report with a record of the unpaid debt. This is not the same as blacklisting or blocking your BVN—your BVN remains valid and your bank accounts will continue to operate normally.

However, this negative credit report can affect your ability to get new loans, as other lenders will see that you defaulted and may decline future loan applications. It’s important to note that loan apps cannot block, delete, or blacklist your BVN in the CBN database or across the Nigerian banking system, nor can they legally prevent you from using your bank accounts. The worst they can do is damage your credit reputation until you resolve the outstanding debt.

See Also: Are There any Apps to Borrow Money Without BVN in Nigeria? 4 Best Alternatives

What Loan Apps Can Do With Your BVN

While a loan app cannot block your BVN, there are a few things they can do if you default on a loan:

1. Report your BVN to credit bureaus:
   If you fail to repay your loan, the app may report your BVN and other details to credit bureaus. This can affect your credit score and make it harder for you to borrow from other apps or financial institutions.
2. Attempt to impersonate you:
   Some unethical loan apps may try to use your personal details (name, date of birth, BVN, account number) to impersonate you and call your bank, asking them to block your ATM card. However, this type of behavior is fraudulent, and your bank should have security protocols in place to prevent it. If this happens, simply walk into your bank branch, report the issue, and request a new ATM card.

Can a court block my BVN?

Yes—but only through a legal process. If a case is brought before a court and the court orders a freeze of your account for valid reasons (e.g., fraud investigation or debt recovery), your BVN could be temporarily restricted.

But again, loan apps themselves cannot initiate this without going through proper legal channels.

Why Do Loan Apps Threaten to Block BVN?

Loan apps often rely on fear tactics to pressure borrowers into quick repayment. Many of these apps are unlicensed and operate outside proper regulatory frameworks.

They may:

• Send harassing messages
• Threaten to block your BVN.
• Call your contacts.
• Attempt to block your ATM card through impersonation

👉 Advice: If you are using a loan app, always choose those that are licensed and regulated by the CBN. Avoid apps that operate illegally or use aggressive tactics.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are some tips to stay safe:

• Don’t panic: If you get a message saying “we will block your BVN,” remember they cannot do this directly.
• Know your rights: Only the CBN, EFCC, or a court can take legal action against your BVN.
• Report abuse: If a loan app threatens you illegally, report them to the FCCPC (Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) or the CBN.
• Secure your bank account: If you suspect fraud, visit your bank and request new ATM cards or change your online banking credentials.

Conclusion

Can a loan app block your BVN? The answer is clear: no, they cannot. Loan apps do not have the authority or technical ability to block your BVN. However, they can report you to credit bureaus or try to impersonate you in unethical ways.

Always borrow responsibly and stick to regulated loan apps to avoid falling into the trap of fear-based threats.

If you found this article helpful, please share it to help others understand the truth about BVN and loan apps in Nigeria!

FAQs About Loan Apps and BVN

1. Can a loan app block your BVN if you don’t pay?

No! A loan app cannot block your BVN even if you default on your loan. Only authorized government agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), or a court of law can legally restrict or freeze a BVN through a formal legal process. Loan apps often use threatening messages to scare borrowers, but they do not have the legal power to block your BVN.

2. Can my bank block my BVN if a loan app asks them to?

No. Your bank will not block your BVN just because a loan app requested it. Banks can only take such actions if there is a court order or a directive from the CBN or a recognized regulator. However, some unethical loan apps may try to impersonate you by contacting your bank and requesting that your ATM card be blocked. If you suspect such activity, visit your bank immediately to secure your account.

3. What happens if a loan app reports my BVN to a credit bureau?

A: If you default on your loan, a loan app can report your debt to a licensed credit bureau (such as CRC Credit Bureau or FirstCentral), using your BVN as a unique identifier. This negative record will appear on your credit report, affecting your credit score. As a result, it may become difficult for you to access new loans or financial products from other lenders, as they will view you as a high-risk borrower.

4. What should I do if a loan app threatens me?

If a loan app sends you harassing or illegal threats—such as claiming they will block your BVN or contacting your friends and family—do not panic. These are scare tactics commonly used by rogue apps. You should report such apps to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) or the CBN. Additionally, if you feel your personal banking information is compromised, then read our previous blog post on what to do and also contact your bank for further protection.

5. How can I protect my bank account from impersonation?

Protecting your account starts with keeping your personal details secure. Do not share your BVN, account number, or online banking credentials with anyone you don’t trust. If you suspect that a loan app has accessed or misused your information, immediately update your online banking password and PIN. You should also visit your bank to request new ATM cards and additional security measures on your account.