Polaris Bank Nigeria USSD Codes for Transfers, Airtime, Bills & More

Last verified: September 30, 2025
Disclaimer: nigeriaussdcodes.com is an independent educational site. We are not affiliated with Polaris Bank. Codes and services may change; this page references official and regulatory sources where possible.

Why Polaris Bank’s USSD Codes Matter

Polaris Bank, formerly Skye Bank Plc, is one of Nigeria’s most accessible retail banks. It serves millions of customers through physical branches, mobile apps, and a stable USSD banking system known as SmartBanking *833#.

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) provides a fast, data-free way for users to interact with their bank. For many Nigerians—especially those without smartphones or constant internet access—USSD codes remain the most reliable method for everyday financial tasks.

Polaris Bank’s *833# service allows customers to:

• Check account balances instantly.

• Send and receive money nationwide.

• Buy airtime and mobile data.

• Pay bills such as electricity and TV subscriptions.

• Open and manage basic accounts.

• Block accounts in case of fraud.

Because the service operates without an internet connection, it works on all phone types, from feature phones to smartphones, across MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.

Key takeaways

• Main USSD code: *833# (Polaris SmartBanking).
• Check balance: *833*6#.
• Transfer to Polaris Bank: *833*Amount*AccountNumber#.
• Transfer to other banks: *833*Amount*AccountNumber# → choose bank.
• Airtime (self): *833*Amount#.
• Airtime (others): *833*Amount*RecipientNumber#.
• Buy data: *833# → Data → Network → Bundle.
• Pay bills: *833# → Bills → Service Provider.
• Open account: *833*1#.
• Block account: *833*13#.

 

Polaris Bank Nigeria USSD Codes (2025)

Service	USSD Code	Details
Register/Activate	*833#	Activate using account number + debit card.
Check Balance	*833*6#	View balance instantly after PIN entry.
Transfer Money	*833*Amount*AccountNumber#	Works for both Polaris and other banks.
Airtime (Self)	*833*Amount#	Recharge your own line instantly.
Airtime (Others)	*833*Amount*RecipientNumber#	Top up friends or family.
Buy Data	*833# → Data	Choose network and bundle.
Bills Payment	*833# → Bills	Pay electricity, TV, and education fees.
Open Account	*833*1#	Create a mobile account without visiting a branch.
Block Account	*833*13#	Instantly block access if phone is lost or stolen.

 

Step-by-Step: How to Register for Polaris SmartBanking

1. Dial *833# on your registered phone number.

2. Select “Register.”

3. Enter your Polaris account number.

4. Input the last six digits of your debit card (if available).

5. Create a secure four-digit PIN.

6. Confirm the PIN to complete activation.

Once registered, you can access the entire SmartBanking menu. Customers without debit cards can register by verifying their date of birth or BVN.

Checking Account Balances

To check your account balance:

1. Dial *833*6#.

2. Enter your PIN.

3. Your balance appears on screen and is sent by SMS.

Common reasons for checking balance:

• Verifying if a salary or transfer has arrived.

• Confirming available funds before large payments.

• Cross-checking withdrawals from ATMs or POS terminals.

If you receive an “invalid response,” ensure your SIM is the one linked to your account.

Making Transfers with *833#

Transfer to Polaris Accounts

• Dial *833*Amount*AccountNumber#.

• Example: *833*2500*1234567890#.

• Confirm recipient’s name.

• Enter PIN → Transaction complete.

Transfer to Other Banks

• Dial *833*Amount*AccountNumber#.

• Choose destination bank.

• Enter PIN to authorize.

Transfer limits:
₦50,000 per transaction and up to ₦500,000 per day (depending on KYC tier).

If a transaction fails but funds are deducted, note the transaction ID and contact support; most reversals occur within 24 hours.

Airtime and Data Top-ups

Airtime (Self)

• Dial *833*Amount#.

• Example: *833*500#.

Airtime (Others)

• Dial *833*Amount*RecipientNumber#.

• Example: *833*200*08031234567#.

Buy Data

• Dial *833# → Select Data.

• Choose network (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile).

• Select bundle size and confirm with PIN.

Use cases: parents recharging children’s phones, small business owners topping up staff lines, and commuters buying quick data bundles during travel.

Paying Bills and Subscriptions

Polaris Bank supports several categories of bill payments through *833#:

• Electricity: IKEDC, EEDC, PHED, EKEDC, KEDCO, and others.

• Cable TV: DSTV, GOtv, Startimes, TStv.

• Internet: Spectranet, Smile, Swift.

• Education: WAEC, JAMB, school payments.

Steps to pay a bill:

1. Dial *833#.

2. Choose Bills.

3. Pick the biller category.

4. Enter customer or meter number.

5. Confirm amount and charges.

6. Approve with your PIN.

Bills are typically processed instantly; a confirmation SMS follows.

Opening an Account via 8331#

1. Dial *833*1#.

2. Provide your name, date of birth, and address.

3. A 10-digit Polaris Bank account number is generated instantly.

4. Deposit funds or visit a branch later for full KYC update.

This service allows Nigerians without existing accounts to join the financial system easily, supporting financial inclusion across urban and rural areas.

Blocking Your Account in Emergencies

If your phone or SIM is stolen, you can protect your funds immediately:

1. Dial *833*13#.

2. Select the account you wish to block.

3. Confirm using your PIN.

4. You’ll receive an SMS confirmation instantly.

Once blocked, transactions are frozen until you visit a Polaris branch with valid identification for reactivation.

Security Practices and PIN Tips

• Never disclose your PIN to anyone, including bank staff.

• Change your PIN periodically using *833# → Security.

• Avoid easy numbers like “1234” or birth years.

• Always use your registered SIM for transactions.

• Immediately block your account if you suspect SIM swap fraud.

Following these precautions keeps USSD transactions secure and compliant with CBN guidelines.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

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FAQs

Q1: What is Polaris Bank’s main USSD code?
→ *833#.

Q2: Do I need internet access to use it?
→ No. USSD works offline on any phone.

Q3: Can I transfer to other banks?
→ Yes, use *833*Amount*AccountNumber#.

Q4: How do I check my balance?
→ Dial *833*6#.

Q5: Can I recharge someone else’s line?
→ Yes, *833*Amount*RecipientNumber#.

Q6: What is the daily transfer limit?
→ ₦50,000 per transaction and ₦500,000 daily.

Q7: Can I open a new account with USSD?
→ Yes, dial *833*1#.

Q8: Is there a fee for USSD sessions?
→ ₦6.98 shared charge per session + transaction fees.

Q9: What if I forget my PIN?
→ Reset through the USSD menu or visit a branch.

Q10: How do I block my account if my phone is stolen?
→ Dial *833*13#.

Q11: Can USSD work outside Nigeria?
→ Yes, if international roaming is active on your SIM.

Q12: Is my money safe with USSD banking?
→ Yes, as long as your PIN remains private.

Q13: Can I buy data on any network?
→ Yes, MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.

Q14: What should I do if a transfer fails but money is deducted?
→ Wait 24 hours for auto reversal or contact support.

Q15: Does Polaris offer USSD loans?
→ Yes, some micro-loan options are available via the menu.

How USSD Banking Supports the Cashless Policy

The Central Bank of Nigeria encourages electronic transactions to reduce cash handling. Polaris Bank’s *833# service directly supports this initiative by:

• Reducing queues at branches.

• Enabling secure payments without internet.

• Helping rural communities transition to digital finance.

• Allowing consistent record-keeping for small businesses.

By combining accessibility with compliance, USSD banking bridges the gap between traditional and digital finance systems.

Conclusion

Polaris Bank’s *833# SmartBanking service stands as one of Nigeria’s most reliable mobile banking tools in 2025. It’s fast, accessible, and designed for everyone—from market traders to corporate employees.

Its offline functionality ensures that even in areas with weak internet, financial transactions can continue safely. By following security best practices and using the correct codes, users can transfer money, buy airtime, check balances, and pay bills conveniently from any GSM phone.

For further assistance or to confirm codes, contact:

• Customer Care: 0700POLARIS (07007652747)

• Official Website: polarisbanklimited.com

• General Support Line: *300#