How to Remove My BVN from Loan App (Step-by-Step Guide)

Many loan app users frequently ask, How to remove my BVN from loan app?” Due to data privacy worries or having fallen victim to fake loan apps, this article will guide you through the right steps to secure your BVN and remove it from suspicious platforms.

So stay tuned…

Table of Contents

What is BVN and Why Do Loan Apps Ask for It?

The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is an 11-digit unique identifier issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to every individual who holds a bank account in the country. It was introduced in 2014 as part of a nationwide effort to combat banking fraud, identity theft, and illegal financial transactions. Once registered, your BVN links all your bank accounts—regardless of the financial institution—under one biometric identity.

Why Do Loan Apps Ask for Your BVN?

Loan apps in Nigeria, especially digital lenders, request your BVN during the loan application process for several important reasons:

1. Identity Verification

Your BVN contains your biometric and personal data, such as your name, date of birth, phone number, and photograph. By cross-checking this information, loan apps can confirm that you are who you claim to be. This minimizes the risk of fraudulent loan applications made with fake or stolen identities.

2. Access to Credit History

Through your BVN, loan apps can access your credit score and loan repayment records from credit bureaus like CRC Credit Bureau, FirstCentral, or CreditRegistry. This allows them to evaluate your creditworthiness and determine how much loan you qualify for, as well as the interest rate to charge.

3. Reporting to Credit Bureaus

Once you take a loan, your repayment behavior is recorded and reported to credit bureaus via your BVN. If you repay on time, this helps build your credit profile. If you default, it negatively impacts your credit score and may prevent you from accessing future loans from other financial institutions.

4. Fraud Prevention and Blacklist Checks

Some loan apps use your BVN to check if you are blacklisted or flagged for fraudulent activity. It helps them avoid lending to individuals with a history of financial misconduct or unresolved debts with other lenders.

However, if your BVN falls into the wrong hands, it can be misused for harassment, blackmail, or monitored your transactions.

Can You Remove Your BVN from a Loan App?

Yes, you can remove your BVN from a loan app by contacting their customer care and requesting to delete your BVN and personal data from their server. Nigerian data protection laws—especially the NDPA (Nigeria Data Protection Act)—give you the right to ask any company to delete your personal data, including your BVN.

But note: once your BVN is in their system, you can not remove it by just deleting or deactivating your account; total removal usually depends on the loan app’s compliance level. That’s why it’s important to follow the right steps and report uncooperative apps.

Reasons to Remove Your BVN from a Loan App

While BVN is essential for secure financial transactions, giving it to the wrong loan app can expose you to serious risks. Not all loan apps in Nigeria operate under the regulation of the CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) or FCCPC (Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission). Some are fraudulent or unethical, collecting sensitive data to exploit users.

Here are key reasons why you should consider removing your BVN from any suspicious or unapproved loan app:

1. Privacy Concerns

Your BVN holds sensitive personal and financial information. When linked to a shady or unregulated loan app, you run the risk of:

Unauthorized access to your financial data
Data breaches that expose your details to hackers
Third-party data sharing without your consent

Some loan apps illegally sell user data to advertisers or marketing firms, violating your right to privacy. Removing your BVN helps limit further exposure and protects your digital identity.

2. Fake Loan Apps and Harassment

Several illegal loan apps in Nigeria have been exposed for harassing users and their contacts when repayments are delayed—even by a single day. These apps:

Send threatening SMS to your phonebook contacts
Blackmail users by editing their photos and circulating them
Demand payments through unapproved channels

If your BVN is stored in such platforms, they may continue to misuse your data even after you delete the app. That’s why it’s important to demand complete data removal, including your BVN.

3. Prevent False Credit Blacklisting

Loan apps can report borrowers to credit bureaus using their BVN. Unfortunately, some unethical lenders:

Falsely report users who have fully repaid their loans
Fail to update your credit status after repayment
Blacklist individuals for refusing to pay unjust charges

This can harm your credit reputation, affecting your ability to get loans from banks or reputable fintech platforms in the future. Removing your BVN ensures the app no longer has the right to make reports on your behalf.

4. Avoid Unauthorized Bank Deductions

Although BVN alone cannot give direct access to your bank account, some loan apps use it to identify all your linked accounts and request auto-debit mandates through third-party payment processors. This can lead to:

Multiple deductions across accounts
Hidden service charges
Unapproved withdrawals

By removing your BVN, you reduce the risk of unauthorized deductions and protect your funds from digital theft or exploitation.

Bottom Line: If a loan app has shown signs of misconduct, violated your privacy, or isn’t registered with regulatory authorities, taking action to remove your BVN is a necessary step toward regaining control over your personal and financial data.

How to Remove My BVN from Loan App

If you’ve shared your BVN with a suspicious or untrusted loan app, don’t panic—you still have the power to reclaim your privacy and protect your financial identity. Below are two effective methods to remove your BVN from any loan app in Nigeria, whether it’s legal or not.

1. Contact the Loan App’s Customer Care and Request BVN Deletion

The first step to removing your BVN is to directly engage the loan app’s support team. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Identify the Loan App

Before reaching out, take a moment to investigate the loan app:

Is the app approved by the CBN or listed by the FCCPC? You can check the FCCPC’s official website for registered digital lenders.
Does the app have a reputation for data abuse or harassment? Read user reviews on Google Play Store or social media to see if others have had negative experiences.

If the app is not licensed or is linked to shady practices, it’s even more important to act quickly.

Step 2: Draft and Send a BVN Removal Request

Once you’ve confirmed the app’s status, use their in-app chat, official email address, or customer care number to make your request.

Sample message to send:

“Dear [App Name], I am requesting the immediate deletion of my personal information, including my Bank Verification Number (BVN), in accordance with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). Failure to comply within 7 working days will lead to an official report being filed with the FCCPC, NITDA, and other relevant authorities.”

Be polite but firm. Keep a record (screenshot or email copy) of your message as proof in case you need to escalate the matter later.

2. Visit Your Bank and Take Protective Measures

If you’re unable to reach the loan app or they refuse to respond, the next step is to safeguard your bank accounts. Your BVN links all your accounts, so it’s crucial to limit what malicious apps can do with it.

Step 1: Report the Loan App to Your Bank

Visit your nearest bank branch.
Inform them about the suspicious loan app you used and the fact that you shared your BVN.

Step 2: Request BVN Monitoring or Restrictions

Ask the bank to restrict third-party access to your BVN-linked accounts.
Request to be notified if any unusual debit authorization attempts are made using your BVN.
Ensure they place BVN monitoring flags on your profile to prevent unauthorized lending or deductions.

Step 3: Activate Real-Time Transaction Alerts

Set up SMS and email alerts for every transaction on your accounts.
This way, you’ll be instantly informed of any unauthorized activity.

Report the Loan App to FCCPC and Other Regulatory Bodies

If the loan app fails to respond to your BVN removal request or continues to misuse your personal data, it’s time to escalate the issue to the appropriate authorities. Start by reporting the app to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) via their official website https://fccpc.gov.ng. The FCCPC has taken action against several predatory digital lenders in the past and can help investigate complaints about data abuse, harassment, and unauthorized credit reporting. Next, file a report with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)—the body responsible for enforcing the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). NITDA handles complaints related to privacy violations and improper handling of personal data, including your BVN.

If the app is still available on the Google Play Store, you can also report it as a fraudulent or abusive app. Google has been actively delisting loan apps flagged for harassment and privacy breaches in Nigeria. Additionally, you can contact the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), especially if the loan app is posing as a licensed lender or engaging in unauthorized financial activity. The CBN has regulatory authority over licensed financial institutions and can initiate action against illegal loan operations.

By reporting the app to these bodies, not only are you protecting yourself, but you’re also helping to prevent the exploitation of other unsuspecting Nigerians. Always keep a record of your complaints, including screenshots and emails, to support your case during investigations.

Conclusion

You can remove your BVN from a loan app in the two ways discussed in the articles, and it is your legal right. Whether you’re concerned about data abuse or have already been harassed, take swift action by contacting the app, reporting them to the authorities, and securing your bank accounts.

FAQs

Can a loan app deduct money with just my BVN?

No, a BVN alone does not give access to your bank account. But it can help them retrieve linked accounts or report to credit bureaus.

What if the loan app refuses to delete my BVN?

Report them to FCCPC and NITDA with evidence of your request.

Can a loan app blacklist me with my BVN?

Yes, they can report you to credit bureaus like CRC or FirstCentral. But you can dispute false reports.

How do I know if my BVN is safe?

Visit your bank to check access logs or request a BVN-linked account summary.

How to Remove My BVN from Loan App (Step-by-Step Guide)