Last Updated: November 2025
Author: NigeriaUSSDCodes Editorial Desk
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. USSD limits and charges may vary slightly by bank or change by CBN/NCC regulations. Always confirm updates through your bank’s official communication channels.
Understanding USSD Banking Costs and Limits
USSD banking has revolutionized mobile transactions in Nigeria. It allows millions of people — even without internet access — to transfer money, pay bills, or buy airtime with simple shortcodes like *901# or *737#.
However, most users don’t fully understand the limits and charges tied to these services. Many wonder:
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“Why do I get charged ₦6.98 per USSD session?”
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“What is the daily transfer limit on my bank’s USSD?”
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“Can I increase my transfer limit?”
This guide answers all of that and more — helping you use your bank’s USSD service confidently and cost-effectively.
What Are USSD Code Limits?
A USSD code limit refers to the maximum amount of money you can transfer or spend per day or per transaction using your bank’s USSD platform.
These limits exist to:
Protect customers from fraud or mistaken large transfers.
Manage mobile network reliability.
Ensure compliance with CBN’s Know Your Customer (KYC) policy.
Every bank categorizes USSD accounts into tiers, each with its own transaction ceiling.
CBN-Approved Account Tiers for USSD Banking
| Tier Level | Description | Daily Limit | Maximum Balance | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (Basic USSD Account) | Account opened via phone number only | ₦50,000 | ₦300,000 | Phone number only |
| Tier 2 (BVN-linked Account) | Account linked with BVN or partial ID | ₦200,000 | ₦500,000 | BVN or ID card |
| Tier 3 (Full KYC Account) | Fully verified account | ₦1,000,000+ | No limit | BVN + Valid ID + Utility Bill |
Note: Some banks allow slightly higher or lower limits depending on your customer verification level.
What Are USSD Transaction Charges?
The USSD session charge is the cost you pay for using a bank’s code (for example, dialing *901#).
It’s a regulated service fee agreed upon by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
As of 2025, the standard USSD session charge in Nigeria is ₦6.98 per session, deducted from your airtime balance.
This means whether you use MTN, GLO, Airtel, or 9mobile, your bank does not receive the charge — it’s shared between your mobile network operator and your bank’s gateway provider.
How USSD Session Charges Work
Here’s how the ₦6.98 fee is applied:
Each time you dial your bank’s code (e.g. *901#), a session begins.
If you complete the transaction (buy airtime, transfer money, etc.), you’re charged ₦6.98.
If you exit the menu halfway or experience a “session timeout,” you may still be charged if the request reached the telecom operator.
Banks do not profit from this fee — it’s an NCC-regulated charge.
Typical Bank Transaction Charges
| Transaction Type | Average Charge (₦) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Airtime Purchase (Self) | Free | No charge by most banks |
| Airtime Purchase (Others) | ₦6.98 | Charged as USSD session fee |
| Money Transfer (Same Bank) | ₦10 – ₦25 | Depends on bank |
| Money Transfer (Other Banks) | ₦10 – ₦50 | Based on amount range |
| Bill Payments (DSTV, PHCN) | ₦20 – ₦100 | Service provider dependent |
| Loan Repayment via USSD | ₦10 – ₦30 | Varies by bank |
| PIN Reset / Statement | ₦6.98 | Regular session charge applies |
Tip: If you perform multiple actions under one USSD session (e.g., check balance then buy airtime), only one ₦6.98 charge applies for that session.
Bank-by-Bank USSD Transfer Limits
| Bank | Daily Limit | Per Transaction Limit | Upgrade Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Access Bank (901#) | ₦500,000 | ₦100,000 | Link BVN or visit branch |
| *GTBank (737#) | ₦500,000 | ₦100,000 | Add BVN via app or 73720# |
| *First Bank (894#) | ₦500,000 | ₦100,000 | Visit branch for higher limits |
| *Zenith Bank (966#) | ₦500,000 | ₦100,000 | Requires token for more |
| *UBA (919#) | ₦1,000,000 | ₦500,000 | Needs secure PIN setup |
| *Fidelity Bank (770#) | ₦200,000 | ₦100,000 | Link BVN for Tier 2 |
| *FCMB (329#) | ₦500,000 | ₦100,000 | Visit branch for upgrade |
| *Union Bank (826#) | ₦200,000 | ₦50,000 | Link BVN for more |
| *Sterling Bank (822#) | ₦500,000 | ₦100,000 | Full KYC required |
| *Polaris Bank (833#) | ₦500,000 | ₦100,000 | Token or app for higher |
| *Wema Bank (945#) | ₦200,000 | ₦50,000 | Link BVN |
| *Keystone Bank (7111#) | ₦200,000 | ₦100,000 | Upgrade via branch |
| *Unity Bank (7799#) | ₦200,000 | ₦50,000 | Link BVN |
| *Stanbic IBTC (909#) | ₦500,000 | ₦100,000 | Token for more |
| *Jaiz Bank (773#) | ₦100,000 | ₦50,000 | Islamic banking rules |
| *Ecobank (326#) | ₦300,000 | ₦100,000 | Via BVN verification |
| *Heritage Bank (745#) | ₦200,000 | ₦50,000 | Upgrade needed |
| Opay / PalmPay / Moniepoint | ₦1,000,000 | ₦500,000 | Depends on tier |
Why Banks Impose Limits
These restrictions are not punishments — they protect you and the financial system.
Reasons include:
To prevent fraud and unauthorized high-value transfers.
To comply with CBN Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules.
To ensure telecom systems handle USSD traffic efficiently.
To encourage proper KYC verification before lifting limits.
How to Increase Your USSD Transaction Limit
To raise your daily or per-transaction limit, you can:
Link your BVN: Use your bank’s “Link BVN” USSD option or visit a branch.
Provide a valid ID: Like your National ID, Voter’s card, or Passport.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Some banks allow higher limits with token verification.
Request upgrade via app or ATM: For banks like GTBank, Zenith, and UBA.
Once upgraded to Tier 3, you can transfer larger sums (₦1m+ daily) safely.
CBN and NCC Policy on USSD Fees
In 2023, there was controversy between banks and telecoms over who bears the USSD cost.
By 2024, the NCC approved a shared model — where customers pay ₦6.98 per session, regulated by CBN.
By 2025, all banks and telecom operators in Nigeria now operate under one unified rule:
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No extra hidden charges beyond ₦6.98
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No “per transaction” fees beyond the regular transfer charge
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Free access for balance checks on some banks (to promote inclusion)
This ensures transparency and fairness across all mobile banking platforms.
How to Avoid Unnecessary USSD Charges
Always complete your transaction quickly — avoid timeouts.
Use self-airtime purchase (often free).
Use your bank’s mobile app for larger transfers to avoid session fees.
Don’t retry the same transaction multiple times without confirmation.
Avoid pressing “back” repeatedly during a session — each restart may trigger a new fee.
Example Scenario:
Let’s say you open First Bank’s USSD *894# to transfer ₦20,000.
Here’s how the breakdown works:
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Session charge: ₦6.98 (NCC-regulated)
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Transfer fee: ₦10 (same bank) or ₦25 (other banks)
Total deduction ≈ ₦35 for one completed transfer — simple and transparent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I get charged ₦6.98 even when my transaction fails?
Because the fee is for the USSD session itself, not the result. Once the session is initiated and processed by your telecom network, the charge applies.
Can I use USSD for transactions above ₦500,000?
Yes, but only if your account is Tier 3 (full KYC) and your bank supports token or app confirmation for higher transfers.
Which banks offer free USSD services?
Some banks offer free airtime purchases (for your own number). However, transfers and bill payments still attract normal fees.
How can I check my current transfer limit?
Dial your bank’s USSD code and look for “Check Limit” or “My Profile.” You can also confirm through the mobile app or customer care.
Can I reduce my limit for safety reasons?
Yes. Some banks allow you to lower your daily limit manually — useful if you share your phone or use it for business.
Why does my transfer fail even though I have balance?
It might exceed your daily limit. Split the amount into smaller transactions or upgrade your account.
Can I use USSD banking without airtime?
No — you need at least ₦10 airtime to cover the ₦6.98 service charge.
Who collects the ₦6.98 charge — the bank or network?
Both share it equally. The bank’s gateway provider and your telecom operator each receive a portion.
Can I use USSD abroad?
Yes, if your line is on international roaming and the bank supports it, but you’ll still be charged local session fees.
Will USSD charges increase in the future?
As of 2025, the CBN has not announced any increment. All operators must adhere to the ₦6.98 maximum per session.
Conclusion
USSD banking remains one of the fastest, simplest, and most inclusive financial tools in Nigeria.
Understanding your daily limits and transaction charges helps you avoid surprises and stay safe while enjoying 24/7 access to your money.
Whether you bank with Access, GTBank, First Bank, or UBA, remember: every code has a limit — and knowledge is your best defense against errors, fraud, and unnecessary costs.
Bookmark nigeriaussdcodes.com today for updated guides on all Nigerian bank and telecom USSD services.