Last Updated: November 2025
Disclaimer: nigeriaussdcodes.com is an independent information site. We are not affiliated with any financial institution listed below. Every code has been verified through official bank or NCC sources, but banks may update their services at any time.*
What Are Bank USSD Codes?
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) allows you to run secure mobile-banking transactions from any GSM phone—no data or smartphone required.
By dialing a short code such as *901#, you can:
-
Transfer money
-
Check account balance
-
Buy airtime or data
-
Pay utility bills
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Open an account or request a loan
USSD banking works 24 / 7 and connects directly to your bank through your SIM card and mobile number.
Why Nigerians Love USSD Banking
Works on all phones (button, Android, or iPhone)
No internet needed
Operates even during poor network coverage
Secure—protected by your personal PIN
Fast for emergencies (e.g., airtime recharge at night)
Ideal for rural or low-data regions
Full List of All Nigerian Banks and Their USSD Codes
| Bank Name | USSD Code | Activation Guide / Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Access Bank | *901# |
Activate with your Access-registered phone number → create a 4-digit PIN. |
| GTBank (GTCO) | *737# |
Works without data; create transfer PIN (4 digits) on first use. |
| First Bank of Nigeria | *894# |
Dial → follow prompts to register PIN linked to your ATM card. |
| Zenith Bank | *966# |
Instant activation; used for transfers, bills, and balance check. |
| UBA (U-Direct) | *919# |
Supports transfer, airtime, bill payments & cardless withdrawal. |
| Fidelity Bank | *770# |
Fast menu for transfers & bills; link debit card at setup. |
| FCMB | *329# |
Register with your account number → create PIN. |
| Union Bank | *826# |
Offers mini-statement, airtime purchase & fund transfer. |
| Sterling Bank | *822# |
Supports account opening & loan requests. |
| Polaris Bank | *833# |
“Smart Banking” menu; easy bill payment & transfers. |
| Wema Bank / ALAT Lite | *945# |
Buy airtime, open account, pay bills quickly. |
| Unity Bank | *7799# |
Activate with BVN or account number; create PIN. |
| Keystone Bank | *7111# |
Balance check, transfers & instant loans. |
| Ecobank | *326# |
Works across Ecobank Africa accounts. |
| Stanbic IBTC | *909# |
Includes cardless ATM withdrawal and bill payments. |
| Jaiz Bank | *773# |
Islamic banking services and balance enquiry. |
| Heritage Bank | *745# |
Transfer, airtime purchase & bills. |
| Citibank Nigeria | No USSD | Use Citibank Online or Mobile App. |
| Globus Bank | *989# |
New digital bank with basic transfer features. |
| Titan Trust Bank | *922# |
Transfers and airtime purchase. |
| Providus Bank | *513# |
For account holders only (verify BVN to activate). |
| SunTrust Bank | *5230# |
Basic balance & transfer options. |
| Premium Trust Bank | *858# |
Works for transfer & utility payment. |
| Optimus / Kuda / Moniepoint / PalmPay / Opay Fintechs | (see below) | Fintech USSD shortcuts explained in later section. |
How to Use Your Bank’s USSD Code Safely
Dial the correct code from the SIM linked to your bank.
Register once—enter account number + ATM card digits to create your PIN.
Keep your PIN secret. Never share it on calls or social media.
Avoid public Wi-Fi or VPN during activation.
Log out properly after each session (just end call).
If phone lost, call your bank to disable USSD immediately.
Typical Services Available via USSD
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Airtime & Data Purchase | Top-up yourself or others. |
| Balance Enquiry | Check main account balance. |
| Fund Transfer | Send money to any bank in Nigeria. |
| Bill Payment | Pay electricity, DSTV, taxes, etc. |
| Account Opening | Create an account without internet. |
| Mini Statement | View recent transactions. |
| Loan Access | Request micro-loans (available banks). |
| Cardless Withdrawal | Generate token to withdraw at ATM. |
Common USSD Errors and Fixes (Quick Guide)
| Error Message | Probable Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “Invalid MMI Code” | Dialing from wrong SIM or no signal | Select correct SIM & retry |
| “Session Timed Out” | Response too slow | Redial and respond quickly |
| “Service Unavailable” | Bank server offline | Wait 5–10 min and retry |
| “Insufficient Balance” | Low airtime or wrong wallet | Check main balance |
| “Transaction Failed” | Network congestion | Retry off-peak hours |
Security Tips
Never share your USSD PIN with anyone.
If you receive a fraudulent call, hang up and call your bank directly.
Avoid dialing USSD links sent via SMS from unknown sources.
Always log out and keep your SIM locked with a PIN.
Regularly update your phone’s software for security patches.
Fintech and Mobile Money USSD Shortcodes
| Platform | USSD Code | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Opay | *955# |
Send money, buy airtime, check balance. |
| PalmPay | *652# |
Transfers and bill payment. |
| Moniepoint Microfinance | *5573# |
Merchant transactions & fund transfer. |
| Kuda Bank | *919# (via UBA partnership) |
Limited features for non-app users. |
| FairMoney MFB | *322*2# |
Loan requests & repayment. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use my bank’s USSD without a smartphone?
Yes — USSD works on any GSM phone.
Is there a charge for using USSD?
Yes — banks apply a ₦ 6.98 per session service fee regulated by the NCC.
Why does my USSD say “service temporarily unavailable”?
Either network is busy or bank servers are updating. Try again later.
Can I transfer to another bank with USSD?
Yes, most codes support inter-bank transfers within Nigeria.
Is USSD safe?
Yes, if you keep your PIN private and use only official codes.
What should I do if my bank’s USSD code stops working suddenly?
First, make sure your SIM still has signal and is the same number linked to your bank account.
If the problem continues, try restarting your phone or dial again during off-peak hours.
If it still fails, visit your bank or call their customer care to confirm your USSD profile is active.
Can I register multiple bank accounts on one phone number?
Yes, but only if each bank supports that phone number for multi-account registration.
You’ll have to activate each bank’s USSD separately and create unique PINs for each one.
Can I use USSD when I’m outside Nigeria?
Yes, if your line has international roaming enabled and your bank supports cross-border USSD.
However, some features (like local bill payments) may not work abroad.
It’s often better to use the bank’s mobile app or internet banking when outside Nigeria.
What is the maximum transfer limit via bank USSD codes?
Most Nigerian banks set daily limits between ₦100,000 – ₦500,000, depending on your customer level.
Some allow higher limits if you verify your BVN, NIN, or upgrade your account tier at a branch.
Why do banks charge ₦6.98 for each USSD session?
This is an NCC-regulated service charge shared between banks and telecom operators.
The fee applies only per completed USSD session, not per transaction, and it ensures secure connectivity between your bank and mobile network.
Conclusion
Bank USSD codes have made cashless transactions faster and accessible for millions of Nigerians.
Whether you’re checking your balance, sending money, or buying airtime at midnight, these codes let you stay in control without needing data or smart devices.
Save this guide or bookmark nigeriaussdcodes.com for future updates — so you never have to Google a bank code again!