Okash is a popular financial services platform in Nigeria that offers quick loans through its mobile app. When you sign up, you input your Bank Verification Number (BVN) for identification and verification.
However, you may later want to delete your BVN from Okash for privacy reasons or to apply elsewhere. Here, we’ll look at how to fully remove BVN from the Okash system.
Contents
- Overview of Okash and BVN
- Reasons to Remove BVN from Okash
- Step-by-Step Guide to Removing BVN
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Overview of Okash and BVN
First, let’s recap what exactly Okash and BVN are:
- Okash – A fintech company founded in 2019 that provides quick unsecured loans to Nigerians within minutes through its mobile app.
- BVN – Bank Verification Number, the unique 11-digit identifier issued by Nigerian banks for all account holders. Required for opening bank accounts.
When you create an Okash account, you input your BVN for identity verification. But later you may want to delete it from their system.
Reasons to Remove BVN from Okash
There are several reasons you may want to remove your BVN from Okash:
- Enhanced privacy – Deleting your BVN prevents Okash from accessing your banking information and biometric data, giving you more control.
- Limited data exposure – Removing your BVN tightens security by restricting third-party access to your identity, lowering fraud risk.
- Applying elsewhere – Taking your BVN off Okash gives you a clean slate to apply at other lenders with no history or footprints.
- Peace of mind – You may feel more comfortable not having your banking identity continually shared without ongoing explicit consent.
No matter your motivation, removing your BVN from Okash is thankfully quick and straightforward.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing BVN
Follow these key steps to delete your BVN from Okash:
Contact Customer Support
Reach out to Okash’s customer experience team via in-app chat, email, or phone. Explain that you want to remove your BVN data from their platform.
Submit Deletion Request
Okash will provide a data removal request form. Fill in your registered account details and confirmation to delete your BVN. Sign and return the completed form.
Wait for Confirmation
Okash support will process your request within 1-3 business days typically. Wait for email confirmation that your BVN has been successfully removed.
Try BVN Verification
In the Okash app, try a BVN-linked action like updating your profile. If you get an error, the deletion worked.
Inform Your Bank(s)
Additionally, contact your bank(s) and ask them to revoke Okash’s access privileges to your BVN data for extra security.
By completing these steps correctly, you can fully delete your BVN from Okash’s systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about removing BVN from Okash:
Does this close my Okash account entirely?
No, only the BVN linkage is removed. You can continue using your Okash account without it.
How long does BVN removal take?
The process should complete within 1-3 business days after Okash receives your request.
Can I relink my BVN to Okash later?
Yes, you can re-verify your BVN in the future by going through their identity check process again if desired.
Will removing BVN impact my loan eligibility?
Possibly, as BVN provides identity verification. But other options like pay slips may be used instead.
Is there any fee for detaching BVN from Okash?
No, Okash does not currently charge any fees for severing the link between your BVN and account.
Do I need to visit a bank branch for this process?
No, you can handle it entirely by contacting Okash customer support directly. No bank visit required.
Conclusion
In summary, removing your BVN from Okash is a relatively quick and easy process. Reach out to their support team, submit a deletion request, confirm completion, and optionally inform your bank. This allows you to take back control of your banking identity data and enhances privacy. Although a small amount of effort is required, the long-term benefits are often worthwhile.
