USSD Digital payments have transformed how we handle money today, with more people choosing electronic transactions over traditional bank visits. From mobile banking apps to online financial services, various innovations have made mobile payments easier worldwide.
One particularly useful innovation is USSD banking, which has become incredibly popular for mobile payments. This service is especially valuable for people in rural areas or anyone who needs to make transactions without internet access. You can now shop, pay bills, get assistance, and send money using simple number codes on any mobile phone, regardless of internet connectivity.
This comprehensive guide explains what USSD banking is, how it works, its advantages, and provides a complete list of Nigerian banks’ USSD codes for your convenience.
USSD Banking and How It Works
USSD stands for “unstructured supplementary service data,” a technology that has existed since the early 1990s. The GSM Association, which sets most global mobile phone standards, originally developed this technology.
USSD banking is essentially an SMS-based mobile banking service that uses special short codes to access financial services like money transfers, bill payments, and airtime purchases. This banking method is secure, convenient, and affordable, allowing you to access financial services on your phone without needing an internet connection.
What makes USSD particularly valuable for financial services is its universal accessibility. It works on older phones, basic mobile devices, and serves customers who lack internet access through their mobile providers. These users represent the majority of bank customers in developing countries, making USSD banking an essential tool for banks in these regions. Nigerian banks have embraced this technology, with most traditional and digital banks offering personalized USSD codes to provide seamless financial services around the clock. This creates opportunities for more people to access banking services on the go without internet requirements.
See How USSD Banking Actually Works
To use USSD banking, you dial a special short code that creates direct communication between you and your bank. The system responds with popup menus showing numbered options that guide you to the services you need. To use any bank’s USSD code for transactions, you must first activate the service on your mobile phone using your registered phone number. Most banks require you to have either a new or existing account with them before accessing these financial services.
You’ll also need to create a 4 or 5-digit transaction PIN to authorize all transactions. This PIN acts as a security barrier to prevent unauthorized access to your account. However, like any security measure, your PIN can be compromised if someone gains access to your ATM card or personal information. Therefore, you should always protect your card, personal details, and mobile phone. Never store your PIN on your phone or use easily guessable numbers like your birth date or house number.
Despite these security considerations, USSD banking offers significant advantages to both users and banks. Here are the main benefits:
Key Benefits of USSD Banking
Easy Account Opening: USSD banking provides convenience and comfort at minimal cost. You can open a bank account using USSD without hassle, as long as your mobile phone connects to your network provider. There’s no need for lengthy paperwork or minimum balance requirements to create an account.
Eliminates Bank Visits: Apart from occasional maintenance that may cause brief service interruptions, USSD banking saves you time and stress. You don’t need to wait in bank queues to perform account transactions, freeing up time for other important activities.
Complete Access to Financial Services: Whether you need to pay bills, send money, or check your account balance, you can do all this and more with USSD banking, anytime you want.
No Internet Required: Unlike internet banking and mobile banking apps that require data costs, USSD banking provides a cost-effective way to enjoy banking services on your mobile phone. All you need is a working mobile phone.
Nigerian Banks’ USSD Codes
Here’s a complete list of Nigerian banks and their respective USSD codes:
| Bank Name | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Access Bank | *901# |
| ALAT Bank | *945# |
| Ecobank | *326# |
| FCMB | *329# |
| Fidelity Bank | *770# |
| First Bank | *894# |
| GTBank | *737# |
| Heritage Bank | *745# |
| Keystone Bank | *7111# |
| Polaris Bank | *833# |
| Stanbic IBTC Bank | *909# |
| Sterling Bank | *822# |
| UBA | *919# |
| Union Bank | *826# |
| Unity Bank | *7799# |
| Wema Bank | *945# |
| Zenith Bank | *966# |
Detailed Transaction Codes for Each Bank
The following sections provide specific transaction codes for all 17 Nigerian banks. You can use these codes for inter-bank transfers, bill payments, balance checks, ATM card management, BVN updates, and more, all with simple phone commands and no internet connection required.
1. Access Bank USSD Codes (*901#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy airtime for yourself | 901Amount# |
| Buy airtime for others | 901Amount*Phone Number# |
| Deactivate your account | 901911# |
| Pay bills | 9013# |
| Transfer to other banks | 9012AMOUNTNUBAN Account Number# |
| Transfer to Access accounts | 9011AMOUNTNUBAN Account Number# |
| Check your balance | 90100# |
| Open account/Change PIN/Register | 9010# |
2. ALAT Bank USSD Codes (*945#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy airtime for others | 945phone Number*Amount# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | 945Amount# |
| Check your balance | 9450# |
| Transfer to ALAT accounts | 945Account Number*Amount# |
| Transfer to other banks | 945Account Number*Amount# |
3. Ecobank USSD Codes (*326#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy airtime for others | 326Amount*PhoneNumber# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | 326Amount# |
| Check your balance | 3260# |
| Pay bills | *326# |
| Transfer to Ecobank accounts | *326# |
| Transfer to other banks | *326# |
4. Fidelity Bank USSD Codes (*770#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy airtime for others | 770PHONE*AMOUNT# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | 770AMOUNT# |
| ATM cardless withdrawal | 7708*AMOUNT# |
| Block account from USSD banking | 77008012345678# |
| Block your card | 770911# |
| Block phone from USSD banking | 770911*08012345678# |
| Change your PIN | 77000# |
| Check your balance | 7700# |
| Set up SMS and email alerts | 7702# |
| Pay bills | *770# |
| Transfer to Fidelity accounts | 770ACCOUNT*AMOUNT# |
| Transfer to other banks | 770ACCOUNT*AMOUNT# |
| Update your BVN | 77002# |
5. FCMB USSD Codes (*329#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy airtime for others | 329Amount*Mobile number# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | 329Amount# |
| Block USSD profile or bank account | 329911# |
| Buy data | 3291*Mobile Number# |
| Check your balance | 32900# |
| Pay bills (DSTv/GOTv) | 3292Amount*Smartcard Number# |
| Pay electricity bills | 3293AmountMeter No# or 3293AmountAccountID# |
| Reset your PIN | 3290# |
| Transfer to FCMB/other bank accounts | 329Amount*Account number# |
6. First Bank USSD Codes (*894#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Open an account | 8940# |
| Buy airtime for others | 894Amount*Phone Number# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | 894Amount# |
| Check your balance | 89400# |
| Deactivate your mobile number | 894911# |
| Get mini statement | 894Account Number# |
| Register for USSD banking | 8940 |
| Transfer to First Bank/other accounts | 894Amount*Account Number# |
7. GTBank USSD Codes (*737#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Open an account | 7370# |
| Buy airtime for others | 737Amount*Recipient’s number# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | 737amount# |
| Check account number/balance/BVN | 7376*1# |
| Create your PIN | 7375# |
| Buy data | 7374# |
| Make enquiries | 7376# |
| Reactivate your account | 73711# |
| Transfer to GTBank accounts | 7371AmountNUBAN Account Number# |
| Transfer to other banks | 7372AmountNUBAN Account Number# |
8. Heritage Bank USSD Codes (*745#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy airtime for yourself | 745Amount# |
| Buy airtime for others | 745Amount*MobileNumber# |
| Check your balance | 7450# |
| Top up Bet9ja account | 745222Bet9jaUserIDAmount# |
| Block your account from any phone | 74511# |
| Change USSD PIN | 74500# |
| Transfer to Heritage Bank accounts | 7451AmountAccountNumber# |
| Transfer to other banks | 7452AmountAccountNumber# |
| Make LCC payment | 745000*522+etagNo+100# |
| Pay with USSD (on POS/Web) | 745000*RefCode# |
| Register with ATM card | 745AccountNumber*Last6DigitOfCard# |
| Register without ATM card | 745AccountNumber# |
9. Keystone Bank USSD Codes (*7111#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Activate debit card | 71119*123# |
| Change default top-up account | 7111AcctNo# |
| Check account balance | 711100# |
| Check balance | 71111# |
| Buy mobile data | 71115# |
| Use panic code (for theft/compromise) | 7111911# |
| Pay bills | 71112# |
| Buy airtime for others | 7111Amount*Phone Number# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | 7111Amount# |
| Send money | 7111Amount*Nuban Account Number# |
| Register for USSD | 71110# |
10. Polaris Bank USSD Codes (*833#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy airtime for others | 833AMOUNT*PHONENUMBER# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | 833AMOUNT# |
| Check your balance | 8336# |
| Open an account | 8331# |
| Pay bills | 8332# |
| Pay with MasterPass | 8337# |
| Transfer to Polaris/other accounts | 833AMOUNT*ACCOUNTNUMBER# |
| Update your BVN | 8335# |
11. Stanbic IBTC Bank USSD Codes (*909#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy airtime for others | 909Amount*phone number# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | 909Amount# |
| Check your balance | 9091*1# |
| Transfer to other banks | 90922AmountAccount Number# |
| Transfer to Stanbic accounts | 90911AmountAccount Number# |
12. Sterling Bank USSD Codes (*822#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy airtime for others | 822Amount*Phone Number# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | 822Amount# |
| Check your account number | 8228# |
| Check your balance | 8226# |
| Register for USSD service | 8221NUBAN# |
| Transfer to other banks | 8225AmountAccount Number# |
| Transfer to Sterling accounts | 8224AmountAccount Number# |
13. UBA USSD Codes (*919#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy airtime for others | 919 Phone number* Amount# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | 919Amount# |
| ATM cardless withdrawal | 91930*Amount# |
| Check your balance | 91900# |
| Load UBA prepaid card | 91932# |
| Pay bills | 9195# |
| Transfer to other banks | 9194account numberamount# |
| Transfer to UBA accounts | 9193account numberamount# |
14. Union Bank USSD Codes (*826#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy airtime for others | 826amount*recipient’s mobile no# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | 826amount# |
| Check your balance | *826# |
| Create your PIN | 8265# |
| Register for service | *826# |
| Transfer to other banks | 8262amountaccount no# |
| Transfer to Union accounts | 8261amountaccount no# |
15. Unity Bank USSD Codes (*7799#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Check your balance | 77990# |
| Fund Bet9ja wallet | 7799403Bet9ja IDamount# |
| Block your account | 77999*phone number# |
| Verify your BVN | 77995# |
| Cardless withdrawal | 77998*Amount# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | 7799Amount# |
| Buy airtime for others | 7799Phoneno*amount# |
| Transfer to other banks | 77992accountnoamount# |
| Transfer to Unity Bank accounts | 77991accountnoamount# |
| Use USSD on POS | 7799000*RefID# |
16. Wema Bank USSD Codes (*945#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy airtime for others | 945phone Number*Amount# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | 945Amount# |
| Check your balance | 9450# |
| Transfer to other banks | 945Account Number*Amount# |
| Transfer to Wema accounts | 945Account Number*Amount# |
17. Zenith Bank USSD Codes (*966#)
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy airtime for yourself/others | 966Amount*Mobile Number# |
| Block your ATM card | 96660# |
| Check your balance | 96600# |
| Deactivate your account | 966911# |
| Deactivate mobile banking profile | 96620*0# |
| Open an account | 9660# |
| Access other self services | 96660# |
| Pay bills (DSTv/PHCN) | 9667AmountCustomer ID# |
| Pay Zenith billers | 9666Biller codeAmount# |
| Reset USSD password/PIN | 96660# |
| Transfer to Zenith/other bank accounts | 966Amount*Account Number# |
| Update your BVN | 966BVN# |
Final Thoughts
USSD banking represents a simple and cost-effective solution for managing your finances without the stress of bank visits or intermediaries. You can use USSD codes to handle basic banking tasks directly from your mobile phone, including transfers, balance checks, and even complex operations like loan applications. Many banks, financial institutions, government offices, and healthcare facilities have quickly adopted USSD banking in recent years, and this growth is expected to continue.
While USSD banking has some limitations, the platform remains safe, secure, and convenient. It’s an excellent way to save money, time, and effort when accessing your bank account whenever needed.
The comprehensive list of Nigerian bank USSD codes provided above serves as your complete guide, ensuring you know exactly which codes to use for any banking service you need from your bank.