Access Bank: 7 Things to Do When Your Banking Apps Go Down in Emergencies

An Access Bank customer in Nigeria mourns his daughter’s death as he blames his banking apps for the loss.

The hospital had an ethical problem, too. The father couldn’t transfer to the hospital account for his daughter’s emergency treatment—granted. The hospital management ought to have followed their oath: to save a life first.

But accidents happen. 

Which is why bank customers should be ready for the erratic behaviour of all things techy at times

Access Bank could have experienced it for 24 hours last November, and many occasions in between. Likewise other banks. 

They have their reasons, no doubt. But anyone can say that again to the grieving father.

For better handling of such emergencies next time, consider the following experts’ advice.

1). Don’t panic when there is an outage

Your money is there, sure. Its only that your banking app has gone crazy. It takes some emotional calm to realize that, and then think of alternatives.

2. Root around for more information

Call your bank’s customer care line. Or your account officer. And it’s most likely your bank is engaging on social media as it tackles the problem. You can have an update there that will further inform your decision.

3. Try another banking channel to log in to your account

Should your app’s problem continue, you can try other channels to access your account, including your ATM. Try them on other devices, too.

4) Pay bills directly to your creditors

Sometimes the entities you want to transfer to have paywalls or other means of crediting clients on their websites. You can easily follow their instructions, and let them debit you for the service.

5) Cheques Payment

If you are close by, then issuing a check is okay. 

6) Reach out to your significant others

Relatives, friends, and neighbours can help when you are in distress, and you are helpless. Contact somebody who can settle the bill for the moment, and save the situation.

7) Act as king that you are

A bank customer is king—and is always right. Depending on how the app downtime frustrates you—you can fight it out with your bank. Or move your money elsewhere for peace’s sake.