Kuda Bank is a popular digital bank in Nigeria that offers great features through its mobile app. When you open a Kuda account, you provide your Bank Verification Number (BVN) for identification and verification.
However, you may later want to unlink your BVN from Kuda for privacy reasons or if opening accounts elsewhere. Here, we’ll look at how to fully delete your BVN from Kuda in a few easy steps.
Contents
- Overview of Kuda Bank and BVN
- Reasons to Remove BVN from Kuda
- Step-by-Step Guide to Removing BVN
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Overview of Kuda Bank and BVN
First, a quick rundown on Kuda Bank and BVN:
- Kuda Bank – A digital bank founded in Nigeria in 2019. Provides app-based banking services with no fees and higher interest rates.
- BVN – Bank Verification Number, a unique 11-digit ID assigned by Nigerian banks and required for account opening.
When signing up for Kuda, you input your BVN for verification. But later you may want to delete it. Let’s look at why.
Reasons to Remove BVN from Kuda
There are a few motivations for removing your BVN from the Kuda platform:
- Enhanced privacy – Detaching BVN stops Kuda from accessing your banking identity and biometric data. This gives you greater control over personal information.
- Limited exposure – Removing the link tightens security by restricting access to your identity. Lowers risks of fraud or unauthorized access.
- Opening new accounts – Deleting the BVN gives you a clean slate if you want to open accounts at other banks or fintech apps.
- Peace of mind – You may feel more comfortable not having banking identity data shared with a third-party without ongoing consent.
No matter the specific reason, removing BVN is straightforward. Now let’s go through the step-by-step process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing BVN
Follow these steps to delete your BVN from Kuda Bank:
Contact Kuda
Get in touch with Kuda’s support team via in-app chat, email, or phone. Inform them you want to remove your BVN data from their systems.
Submit Deletion Request
Kuda will provide a data removal request form. Fill in your registered account details and confirmation to delete your BVN. Sign and return the completed request.
Wait for Confirmation
Kuda support will process your request within 1-3 business days. Wait for email confirmation that your BVN has been successfully detached.
Try BVN Verification
In the Kuda app, try a BVN verification process like adding a debit card. If you get an error, the removal worked.
Inform Bank(s)
Additionally, tell your bank(s) to revoke Kuda’s access to your BVN data for extra security.
Following these steps correctly will ensure your BVN is fully deleted from Kuda Bank’s systems, enhancing your privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about removing BVN from Kuda:
Does this close my Kuda account entirely?
No, only the BVN linkage is removed. You can continue using your Kuda account without it.
How long does BVN removal take?
The process should complete within 1-3 days after Kuda receives your deletion request.
Can I link my BVN to Kuda again later?
Yes, you can re-verify your BVN in the future if you choose by going through their process again.
Will I lose access to money in my Kuda account?
No, your account balance remains available. Only BVN verification features will be disrupted.
Is there any fee for removing BVN from Kuda?
No, Kuda does not currently charge any fees to delete your BVN data from their systems.
Do I need to visit a bank branch to do this?
No, the entire removal process can be handled directly through Kuda’s support team.
Conclusion
In summary, removing your BVN from the Kuda platform is quick and easy. Just contact support, submit a deletion request, confirm it went through, and optionally inform your bank. This gives you greater privacy and control over your banking identity and biometric data. While a small amount of effort is required, the enhanced security and privacy make it worthwhile.
