4 Ways to Reactivate Your Dormant Zenith Bank Account

If your Zenith Bank account has been inactive for a while, it may become dormant. This means you won’t be able to make transfers, withdrawals, or other transactions until you reactivate it. A dormant account can be frustrating, especially when you need urgent access to your funds.

The good news? Reactivating your dormant Zenith Bank account is simple and can be done through different convenient channels – without stress or long queues.

This guide will walk you through four easy ways to bring your Zenith Bank account back to life using:

USSD code
Zenith Bank website
WhatsApp (ZiVA)
Physical bank branch

By the end of this post, you will learn:

What a dormant account is and why it happens
The step-by-step methods to reactivate your account
What you need for reactivation
How to solve common problems during the process

4 Ways to Reactivate Your Dormant Zenith Bank Account

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What Is a Dormant Bank Account?

A dormant bank account is an account that hasn’t had any financial activity—like deposits, withdrawals, or transfers—for a certain period. For Zenith Bank, if your account remains inactive for 6 months (180 days), it may be marked as dormant.

This is done for security and compliance reasons. Dormancy helps the bank protect your funds and prevent unauthorized access, especially if the account is not being used.

When your account becomes dormant, you may face the following restrictions:

You can’t make withdrawals or transfers
You won’t receive alerts or statements
Online and USSD banking may be disabled

To regain full access, you’ll need to follow a reactivation process—which can be done easily through several channels.

How to Reactivate a Dormant Zenith Bank Account

Zenith Bank offers four simple ways to reactivate your dormant account. You can do it using your phone, the internet, or by visiting a nearby branch.

Method 1: Reactivate via USSD Code

Step 1: Dial *966*001# from the phone number linked to your Zenith Bank account.
Step 2: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the reactivation process.
Step 3: You’ll receive confirmation via SMS or email once the reactivation is successful.

This method is fast and works without internet access.

Read: Reactivate Zenith Bank Dormant Account with USSD Code

Method 2: Reactivate via Zenith Bank Website

Step 1: Visit www.zenithbank.com.
Step 2: Click on “Self Service” and select “Reactivate Dormant Account.”
Step 3: Enter the required details like your account number, name, date of birth and BVN.
Step 4: Submit the form and wait for a confirmation message.

This method works best if you have access to a smartphone or computer with internet.

Method 3: Reactivate via Zenith Bank WhatsApp (ZiVA)

Step 1: Save ZiVA’s official WhatsApp number or use the WhatsApp chat option from the Zenith Bank website.
Step 2: Send “Hi” to begin the conversation.
Step 3: Select “Reactivate Dormant Account” and follow the instructions from the chatbot.

ZiVA is available 24/7 and provides a quick and easy way to fix your account without going to the bank.

Method 4: Visit a Zenith Bank Branch

Step 1: Use the branch locator on the Zenith Bank website to find the nearest branch.
Step 2: Speak to a Customer Service Officer and present a valid ID (e.g., passport, NIN, or driver’s license).
Step 3: Fill out the reactivation form and wait for your account to be reactivated.

This method is helpful if you prefer face-to-face assistance or have issues with digital channels.

Requirements to Reactivate

Before you begin the reactivation process, make sure you have the following ready:

Account details: Your Zenith Bank account number and the phone number linked to the account.
BVN (Bank Verification Number): This is required for online or in-branch reactivation.
Mobile phone or internet access: Needed for USSD, website, or WhatsApp options.
Valid ID: For in-branch reactivation (e.g., NIN slip, national ID card, driver’s license, or international passport).

Having these items ready will make the reactivation process quicker and smoother.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, you may run into issues while trying to reactivate your dormant Zenith Bank account. Here are common problems and how to fix them:

1. Invalid Account Number Error on USSD

Cause: You may be using a wrong or unlinked phone number.
Fix: Make sure you’re dialing *966*001# from the phone number linked to your Zenith Bank account.

2. Website Not Loading

Cause: Poor internet connection or browser issues.
Fix: Refresh the page, switch browsers, or check your internet connection. You can also try again later.

3. ZiVA Not Responding on WhatsApp

Cause: Network lag or too many requests.
Fix: Wait a few minutes and resend “Hi.” Ensure you saved the correct number or use the official link from Zenith’s website.

4. Verification Delays at Branch

Cause: Missing documents or high customer traffic.
Fix: Visit the branch early with all required documents (ID, BVN, account info) to speed up the process.

Summary

Zenith Bank makes it easy and convenient to reactivate your dormant account through multiple channels. Whether you prefer using your phone, internet, or walking into a branch, there’s a method that fits your needs.

Here’s a quick recap of the four ways to reactivate your Zenith Bank account:

Dial *966*001# on your linked phone number (USSD method)
Visit zenithbank.com and use the “Self Service” tab
Chat with ZiVA on WhatsApp and follow the reactivation prompts
Go to any Zenith Bank branch with a valid ID and talk to a Customer Service Officer

Reactivate your Zenith Bank account today and regain full access to your money and banking services.