Access Bank Nigeria USSD Codes for Transfers, Airtime, Data & More

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Last verified: September 30, 2025
Disclaimer: nigeriaussdcodes.com is an independent help site. We are not Access Bank. Codes and services may change at any time. We verify against official references where possible.

Why Access Bank USSD Codes Matter

Access Bank, after its historic merger with Diamond Bank in 2019, became one of the largest banks in Africa. With millions of customers across Nigeria, a strong presence in other African countries, and subsidiaries in the UK, Access Bank is truly a pan-African giant.

But beyond big-city branches and mobile apps, what has really boosted Access Bank’s reach is its USSD banking service *901#. This service ensures financial inclusion, allowing both smartphone and feature phone users to carry out transactions without needing internet access.

Whether you are:

  • A farmer in Kaduna checking account balance before buying fertilizer.

  • A parent in Owerri paying electricity bills late at night.

  • A student in Abuja topping up mobile data for online lectures.

USSD works 24/7, even with low or no internet connectivity. In fact, Access Bank’s *901# service is often called the “magic number” because of how much it can do.

 

Key takeaways

  • Main USSD code: *901# (Access Bank Quick Banking).
  • Balance check: *901*00#.
  • Transfer to Access Bank: *901*Amount*AccountNumber#.
  • Transfer to other banks: *901*Amount*AccountNumber# → select bank.
  • Airtime self: *901*Amount#.
  • Airtime others: *901*Amount*RecipientNumber#.
  • Data purchase: *901# → Data.
  • Bills: *901# → Pay Bills.
  • Cardless withdrawal: *901*13#.
  • Block account (emergency): *901*911#.
Access Bank Nigeria USSD Codes (2025)
Action USSD Code Notes
Register/Activate USSD *901# Link with BVN and debit card.
Check Balance *901*00# Balance shown instantly.
Transfer to Access Bank *901*Amount*AccountNumber# Confirm with PIN.
Transfer to Other Banks *901*Amount*AccountNumber# Select receiving bank from list.
Airtime (Self) *901*Amount# Recharge linked line instantly.
Airtime (Others) *901*Amount*RecipientNumber# Recharge family/friends on any network.
Buy Data *901# → Data Select bundle type and confirm.
Pay Bills *901# → Pay Bills Electricity, TV, exam fees, etc.
Cardless Withdrawal *901*13# Generates code for ATM withdrawal without card.
Block Account (Emergency) *901*911# Instantly blocks accounts linked to your number.

How to Register & Activate Access Bank USSD

Before using *901#, activation is required:

  1. Dial *901# from your Access Bank registered number.

  2. Select “Register.”

  3. Enter your 10-digit Access Bank account number.

  4. Provide your BVN (Bank Verification Number).

  5. Input the last 6 digits of your Access Bank debit card.

  6. Create a secure 4-digit PIN.

You’re now activated and ready to use Access Bank Quick Banking.

Note: Only the phone number linked to your account will work. If you change SIMs, you may need to re-register.

How To Check Your Account Balance

The simplest code is *901*00#.

Use cases:

  • A market trader checking balance before restocking.

  • A parent confirming that salary was paid.

  • A student checking if allowance has been credited.

Troubleshooting tips:

  • If you see “Invalid Request,” your SIM may not be linked. Visit a branch to confirm.

  • If network times out, retry after a few minutes or during off-peak hours.

Transferring Money with Access Bank USSD

To Access Bank Accounts

  • Dial: *901*Amount*AccountNumber#.

  • Example: *901*5000*1234567890#.

  • Confirm recipient name → enter PIN.

To Other Banks

  • Use the same format.

  • The system prompts you to select the receiving bank.

  • Enter PIN to finalize.

Practical Scenarios

  • A Lagos student sends ₦2,000 to a roommate’s UBA account for internet bills.

  • A small business owner in Kano pays suppliers instantly, even late at night.

Daily limits: Access Bank typically allows ₦100,000 per day, though higher amounts are possible for premium accounts.

Airtime & Data Purchases

Airtime (Self)

  • Dial *901*Amount#.

  • Example: *901*500# tops up ₦500 instantly.

Airtime (Others)

  • Dial *901*Amount*RecipientNumber#.

  • Example: *901*200*08031234567#.

Data Bundles

  • Dial *901# → select “Data.”

  • Pick your preferred bundle.

  • Confirm with your PIN.

Why it’s useful: Airtime and data are credited instantly. Parents often use it to top up children’s phones, while small businesses recharge team lines without buying physical vouchers.

Paying Bills via USSD

Access Bank USSD supports bill payments for:

  • Electricity (PHCN, IKEDC, EKEDC, etc.).

  • TV subscriptions (DSTV, GOtv, Startimes).

  • Exam fees (WAEC, JAMB e-PINs).

  • Internet subscriptions.

Steps:

  1. Dial *901#.

  2. Select “Pay Bills.”

  3. Choose the service category.

  4. Enter customer ID or meter number.

  5. Confirm details and enter PIN.

Cardless Withdrawal

If you forget your card or lose it, Access Bank allows cardless ATM withdrawals.

Steps:

  1. Dial *901*13#.

  2. Enter withdrawal amount.

  3. Create a one-time PIN.

  4. Receive a Paycode via SMS.

  5. Visit any Access Bank ATM.

  6. Choose “Cardless Withdrawal.”

  7. Enter Paycode + PIN → collect cash.

This feature is a lifesaver in emergencies.

Emergency Account Blocking

To protect your money if your phone is stolen:

  • Dial *901*911# immediately.

  • All accounts linked to your number are blocked.

  • Visit a branch later to reactivate.

This code helps reduce fraud and unauthorized transactions.

Security & PIN Management

  • Always use a strong PIN (avoid birth dates or repeated digits).

  • Change your PIN regularly via *901#.

  • Never share your PIN with anyone, including bank staff.

  • If your SIM is swapped, block your account with *901*911#.

Troubleshooting Common Access Bank USSD Problems

  1. Invalid MMI/Connection Problem

    • Ensure you are dialing with your registered number.

    • Restart your phone or toggle Airplane Mode.

  2. Session Timed Out

    • USSD sessions expire in ~20 seconds. Respond quickly.

    • Try during off-peak hours.

  3. Transfer Deducted but Not Received

    • Wait 5–10 minutes. If unresolved, call Access Bank support.

    • Always keep transaction SMS as proof.

  4. PIN Blocked or Forgotten

    • Reset via *901# → Security.

    • Or visit a branch if locked out.

  5. Bill Payment Fails

    • Double-check meter/smart card number.

    • Ensure enough funds + transaction fees.

  6. SIM Swap Issues

    • If you change SIM, re-register *901#.

    • May require visiting the bank.

FAQs

Q1: What is Access Bank’s main USSD code?
*901#.

Q2: Can I use USSD on multiple accounts?
Yes, if linked to the same phone number.

Q3: Does it work without internet?
Yes, it works offline.

Q4: Can I buy data with USSD?
Yes, via *901# → Data.

Q5: What is the transfer limit?
Usually ₦100,000 per day for regular accounts.

Q6: Can I block my account by USSD?
Yes, dial *901*911#.

Q7: Is there a service fee?
Yes, normal interbank charges apply.

Q8: Can I withdraw without a card?
Yes, via *901*13#.

Q9: Does it work abroad?
Yes, if roaming is active. Fees may apply.

Q10: How do I reset my PIN?
Dial *901# → Security → Reset PIN.

Q11: Can I pay PHCN bills?
Yes, through the Pay Bills option.

Q12: What happens if I enter a wrong account number?
Always confirm recipient name before finalizing. If money goes through, visit a branch immediately.

Q13: Can I use USSD for corporate accounts?
Mostly personal accounts, though some SMEs can. Confirm with your branch.

Q14: What if I lose my phone?
Block instantly with *901*911#.

Q15: Does Access Bank USSD work on all networks?
Yes, on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.

Conclusion

Access Bank’s USSD service *901# remains one of the most powerful mobile banking tools in Nigeria. With it, millions of Nigerians can send money, buy airtime and data, pay bills, withdraw cash without a card, or even block their account during emergencies.

It combines simplicity and accessibility, ensuring no one is excluded from financial services. Unlike mobile apps, which need internet, or ATMs, which require proximity, USSD banking is always in your pocket.

Whether you are in a rural community or a major city, Access Bank Quick Banking ensures you stay in control of your finances 24/7.

For further help, contact Access Bank’s customer service via:

  • Phone: +234 1-2712005–7

  • Website: <a href=”https://accessbankplc.com” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>accessbankplc.com</a>

  • USSD help desk: *300

Bookmark this guide—you’ll never need to worry about forgetting an Access Bank USSD code again.

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