Loan apps have become very popular in Nigeria, and they are the answers to quick loans. With just your phone, you can borrow a loan from them within a few minutes.
Because of this easy access to loans, a lot of Nigerians have opted in for loan apps, but unfortunately, a lot of them have abused it and ended up putting themselves in tight corners. This is where a serious problem arose.
Many borrowers give these loan apps too much permission to collect too much of their personal data because of desperation to get a loan.
Some apps even try to access your bank accounts, monitor your transactions, access details within your device, and even attempt to debit you without proper control.
If you are reading this, I believe you are probably asking questions like
“How do I stop loan apps from accessing my bank account?”
This article will explain everything that you need to know and how you can stop these apps from further unauthorized access to your bank account.
Understanding How Loan Apps Access Your Bank Account
Before we talk about how to stop them, you need to understand how they even get access in the first place.
Loan apps don’t just magically have access to your bank account. It is the users that usually grant them access without knowing mostly because of desperation to get a loan or because of reluctance towards reading terms before accepting them.
Here are few common ways these apps have access to your details:
1. BVN Linking
When you link your BVN to any loan app, you’re granting the app the permission to access your financial history across every other bank accounts you owned even with other banks.
When you link your BVN to a loan app, it implies:
Your account details can be accessed by the loan app
The loan app may have access to your transaction history across all your accounts
The loan app can access and analyze your cash flow
Your financial data may be used by the loan app
There’s a risk of data breach or unauthorized access by the loan app
The loan app may share your financial information with third-party services
2. Bank Account Connection
Some loan apps usually ask you to link your bank account directly to receive the loan. Connecting your bank account implies that:
The loan app can see your account balance and transaction history
They can verify your account income and expenses
They may be able to deduct loan repayments directly, especially if enabled
The account details will be stored with the lender
There’s a risk of unauthorized transactions if security is compromised
They might share your data with credit bureaus or other lenders
3. Debit Card Details
If you enter your ATM card into a loan app for auto debit, they can charge you anytime based on your authorisation. Linking Debit Card Details to a loan app may lead to:
Direct debit of loan repayments from your bank
Risk of unauthorized transactions from your account if app is compromised
Storage of sensitive card information with the app
Possiblity of sharing your card details with third-party services
Increased risk of card fraud or phishing attacks
4. Phone Permissions
Most loan apps will always ask you to grant them permission to enable you continue on their app. Granting them such permission give them the permission to access and collect your SMS alerts, contacts, and phone data.
Why You Should Stop Loan Apps from Accessing Your Bank Account
It is very important to do this. Some loan apps in Nigeria are not properly regulated or do not just adhere to regulatory rules.
Granting them excessive access to your phone data and your bank account could lead to:
Unauthorized debits from your account
Access to private messages
Access to your financial data
Data abuse and misuse
Signs That a Loan App Has Access to Your Bank Account
The funny thing is – you may not even know that a loan app has access to your account until the worst happens.
To protect yourself, watch out if:
Money is deducted from your account without your approval
You receive debit alerts you didn’t initiate
Loan app asks for too many permissions to your financial data
They threaten you using your personal banking data
You see unknown mandates on your bank account
How to Stop Loan Apps from Accessing Your Bank Account
Now, let’s get to the main thing. To successfully stop a loan app from accessing your bank details, you need to take a few steps which we are going to break down one by one:
Step 1. Unlink bank account from the app’s settings
If you previously linked your bank account details to the loan app, start by disconnecting. You can do that by following these steps:
Open the loan app and navigate to settings
Check the account linking section to see the accounts you have linked
Select the bank account you want to remove
Confirm your action and the account will be unlinked
Step 2. Use a different loan payment method
If you linked your account for auto loan repayment, consider removing it. You can do that by following these steps:
Open the loan app and navigate to settings
Check the loan repayment options (payment methods) section
Check if the loan app accepts alternative payment methods (e.g., transfer, or USSD)
Go ahead and remove your bank account or unlink your card as a payment method
Save your settings
Step 3. Revoke consent
If you have previously granted them permission to your bank account, you can revoke the consent. To do this:
Go to the loan app’s settings
Navigate to where you see “privacy management”
Look for “data sharing” or “permissions”
Disable and save it
Step 4. Contact your bank to block access
If step 1, 2 or 3 doesn’t work, then you have to do the following:
Call the customer service of your bank or visit a branch closer to you
Ask them to block access to the loan app
Fill a form and provide the necessary details needed, the bank will take over from there
Step 5. Report the app to Authorities
If you believe the loan app is accessing your bank details without your authorisation, you can file a report against them or contact their customer service.
Steps to take:
Check to be sure if the app is accessing your account without permission
Contact the app’s support to report the issue
If they refuse to sort this out, file a complaint with relevant authorities (e.g., CBN, FCCPC, or EFCC). Read more: How to Report a Loan App to FCCPC
Step 6. Monitor account activity regularly.
The best way to know what’s going on in your account and take immediate actions is by monitoring your account activities.
Check your account statements frequently
Check your transaction history always
Set up transaction SMS alerts
Use Only Trusted Loan Apps Going Forward
The best way to save yourself from loan app issues is using the right apps. Before using any loan app:
Check Play Store to see what others are saying about them
Avoid apps with low user ratings or negative reviews from users
Can a loan app withdraw money without my permission?
Yes, if you are owing them and you gave them your card details or mandate to auto debit your account, then they can withdraw money from your account, mostly to settle your debt.
Conclusion
Stopping loan apps from accessing your bank account is not difficult if you carefully follow the information above.
Just remember that the only way they can access your account is when grant them the permission either by adding your card details or account details for auto debit.
So you can always take back your permission by revoking it. If you noticed any sign of compromise on your accounts, act fast, stay smart, and protect your money.
Josiah Asuquo is a finance content writer and researcher from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Here he provides up-to-date information on digital lending platforms and fintech services. He is the author and founder of Top20LoanAppInNigeria.com.ng.
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