How To Reactivate My Dormant Bank Account, How to Reactivate My Dormant Bank Account in Nigeria (2026)
Have you ever tried to use your bank account after a long time, only to find out you cannot receive or send money? Perhaps you traveled, changed jobs, or simply stopped using that specific bank, and now the account is labeled “dormant.”
Finding out your account is inactive can be frustrating, especially if you have an urgent payment to receive or funds stuck inside that you cannot touch. Relief.ng, we understand that life happens, and we are here to guide you through the simple, official process of getting your account back to life.
Why This Happens: Why Do Accounts Become Dormant?
In Nigeria, the Central Bank (CBN) has strict rules to protect your money. When an account stays for a long period without any “customer-initiated” transactions (like a deposit, withdrawal, or transfer), the bank marks it as dormant.
Common reasons for dormancy include:
- Inactivity: For most Nigerian banks, if you don’t perform a transaction for 6 to 12 months, the account is restricted.
- Security: Banks freeze inactive accounts to prevent scammers from using “abandoned” accounts for fraudulent activities.
- Expired Documentation: If the ID card or utility bill you provided when opening the account has expired, the bank may pause the account until you provide updated information.
Step-by-Step Solution: How to Reactivate My Dormant Bank Account
Reactivating an account in 2026 is a standard process, but because of security, it usually requires a physical presence or a very secure digital verification. Follow these steps:
1. Confirm the Status
Before doing anything, try to dial your bank’s USSD code (e.g., *901# for Access, *737# for GTB) or log into your mobile app. If it says “Account Dormant” or “Restricted,” you know for sure it needs reactivation.
2. Gather Your Documents
To prove you are still the owner of the account, you will need:
- A Valid Means of ID: Your NIN (National Identity Number) is now the most important. You can also take your Voter’s Card, Driver’s License, or International Passport.
- Passport Photographs: Usually two recent ones.
- Utility Bill: A recent NEPA/Electricity bill or Water bill (not older than 3 months) to confirm your address.
- Your BVN: Ensure you have your 11-digit BVN handy.
3. Visit a Physical Bank Branch
Unlike opening an account, reactivating a dormant account almost always requires you to visit any branch of your bank.
- Ask for the “Customer Service” desk.
- Request a “Dormant Account Reactivation Form.”
- Fill out the form and submit your documents.
4. Perform a “Trigger” Transaction
Once the bank processes your form, you will be asked to make a small deposit (even ₦500 or ₦1,000) into the account. This “wakes up” the account and proves it is now active.
5. Update Your Biometrics (If Required)
If you haven’t used the account in many years, the bank might ask you to do a fresh thumbprint or face capture to update their records.
Read also:
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Why Your Bank Transfer Is Pending for Hours (And What to Do) 2026
How to Open Access Bank Account Online with BVN in Nigeria (2026)
BVN Issues in Nigerian Banks: How to Resolve Them Step by Step
Account Restricted in Zenith Bank? Reasons & How to Fix It in 2026
How to Retrieve Money Debited but Not Received in GTBank Online (2026 Guide)
How Long It Usually Takes
- Processing Time: Once you submit the form at the bank, it usually takes 24 to 48 hours for the dormancy flag to be removed.
- Full Access: You should be able to use your ATM card and mobile app fully within 2 working days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to do it via Phone Call: You cannot reactivate a dormant account by calling customer care. For security reasons, the bank needs to see you in person.
- Using Old Bills: Don’t take a utility bill from last year; the bank will reject it. It must be a recent one.
- Forgetting Your NIN: In 2026, no bank in Nigeria will reactivate an account without a verified NIN.
Important Safety Warnings
- Never use “Agents”: There is no such thing as an “account reactivation agent.” Anyone who tells you to pay them to reactivate your account from outside the bank is a scammer.
- Protect Your Details: Even while reactivating, the bank staff will never ask for your ATM PIN or your Mobile App Password. Do not share them.
- Relief.ng is an information portal and will never ask for your personal banking details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I reactivate my dormant bank account online? Most traditional banks (like First Bank, Zenith, or UBA) require you to visit a branch for security. However, some digital-only banks may allow you to do it via a “Live Video Call” in their app.
2. Is there a fee for reactivating a dormant account? The reactivation process itself is free. However, you will be required to make a deposit into the account to make it active again.
3. What happens to the money that was in the account? Your money is safe. Once the account is reactivated, you will have access to every kobo that was in there before it went dormant.
4. Can I reactivate my account from a different state? Yes. You can walk into any branch of your bank nationwide, not just the branch where you originally opened the account.
Conclusion
Getting your bank account back is a simple process of proving your identity. By following the steps above, you can regain control of your finances and ensure your money is ready when you need it. Don’t let your funds sit idle—visit your bank today!
Are you having trouble finding a utility bill or is your bank asking for documents you don’t have? Let us know in the comments below, and let’s discuss the best way to handle it!
Relief.ng is a guide and information platform dedicated to helping Nigerians navigate banking issues. We are not a bank. For specific issues with your account, please visit your nearest bank branch or contact their official customer service.