Some Nigerian banks let eligible customers begin account opening through USSD without mobile data. This guide explains how to choose a bank's verified main code, find Account Opening on the current menu, provide identity details privately, review the returned name or account number and complete any required KYC at the bank. It compares USSD with app, web and branch routes,
Availability and account type can change. Start from the bank’s own code and select Account Opening when the current menu offers it.
Verified account-opening entry points
| Need | Code or route | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Access Bank | *901*0# |
Open an account or register on *901# |
| FirstBank | *894*0# |
Open/register through the 894 menu |
| Fidelity Bank | *770*01# |
Start Fidelity account opening |
| UBA | *919*20# |
Start UBA account opening |
| Stanbic IBTC | *909*37# |
Start instant account opening |
| Another bank | Main official USSD menu |
Choose Account Opening only when displayed |
Do this in order
- Choose a bank after checking its official website, account terms and support access.
- Use a SIM registered in your own name where required and dial the bank’s verified route.
- Select account opening and enter names, date of birth, address or identity information exactly as held on official records.
- Read the account tier, limits and any request for BVN, NIN or other KYC data.
- Confirm the details and wait for the bank’s account-number message.
- Use the official app, website or branch to complete any remaining verification before moving important money.
Expected result
The bank should send or display a new account number and explain the account tier or next verification step. A number received from an agent’s personal chat is not enough proof that an account was opened in your name.
When that route fails
Open through the bank’s secure website, official app or branch. Use a branch when identity records disagree, a higher account tier is needed or the phone menu cannot complete verification.
Quick answer
Several Nigerian banks publish USSD account-opening routes, including Access *901*0#, FirstBank *894*0#, Fidelity *770*01#, UBA *919*20# and Stanbic IBTC *909*37#. Follow the live bank prompts, protect identity information and understand that a basic remote account may have limits until full KYC is completed.
A USSD account can start small
Remote account opening is designed to reduce the need for data and a branch visit. The first account may be a simplified or entry-level product with balance and transaction limits linked to the identity information supplied. The bank can request more documents before enabling a higher tier.
Do not assume every code opens the same type of savings account. Read the product name, fees, interest terms, restrictions and card options on the bank’s official page. A phone menu is convenient, but it is still a legal banking relationship.
Enter identity details exactly
Names and date of birth should match the identity records the bank checks. A spelling difference between SIM registration, NIN, BVN and the new application can cause a delay or later restriction. Do not invent a middle name or use another person’s identity to get past the prompt.
Enter a BVN or NIN only inside the bank-controlled USSD session, secure site, official app or branch process. Never send the full number, slip, OTP or selfie to an independent blog, comment form or social-media helper.
The registered SIM matters
The phone number may become an account identifier, alert destination and recovery route. Use a line you control. Lock the SIM and phone, and update the bank formally if the number changes. A recycled or shared line can create access and privacy problems.
On dual-SIM phones, select the intended line before dialling. A code that opens from the wrong SIM may create a wallet or registration that is not tied to the identity you expect.
What to check when the account number arrives
Save the message and verify the bank sender or app record. Confirm your name, account type and the next KYC step. Before asking anyone to transfer a large amount, understand the inflow, balance and transaction limits of the account tier.
Fund with a small amount first through a traceable route and confirm the balance. Use only the bank’s official app-store links if you later install mobile banking. A fake app can copy the bank name and logo.
When a branch visit is still necessary
A branch or formal digital-verification route may be needed for address proof, signature, a debit card, name correction, identity mismatch, higher limits, business accounts or specialised products. Remote opening does not remove every legal and risk check.
Bring only the documents listed by the bank, keep originals in view and ask for a receipt or reference for submitted requests. Do not leave an OTP or PIN with an agent.
Avoid account-opening and loan traps
No legitimate helper should need your USSD PIN, OTP, app password or card PIN to open an account. Be cautious when a person links account opening to a guaranteed loan, job or grant. Credit has separate eligibility and terms.
Type the bank’s domain or use the profile links on this site. Sponsored search results, copied social pages and chat groups can imitate a bank. End the process when the recipient of a fee is a personal account that the bank has not identified.
Three account-opening situations
The following examples explain three account-opening situations and show how the guidance applies in different situations.
1. Feature-phone user opens a basic account
The user dials the verified bank route, enters matching identity details, receives an account number and later visits a branch to complete higher-tier verification.
2. Name does not match BVN record
The applicant stops instead of changing the spelling randomly and follows the bank or identity-agency correction route.
3. Agent promises instant loan after account opening
The applicant refuses to share an OTP or pay a personal account, then checks the bank’s official loan eligibility separately.
Official sources for this guide
Every direct code in the quick table is supported by a current official bank page listed below.
Opening is the first step, verification completes the account
Use a bank-published route, enter identity details accurately and keep the result. Then confirm the account tier, limits, app access and any branch requirement before treating the new account as the main place for salary or business money.
Compare entry codes in the bank directory and review what BVN means before submitting identity information.
Verification record
- Last fact-check
- July 18, 2026
- Method
- Official provider or regulator sources reviewed where available; live menus control account-specific actions.
- Reviewed by
- Nigeria USSD Codes Editorial Team
Primary official sources:
Article note
Last reviewed: July 18, 2026. This independent guide is informational and does not replace instructions from your bank, telecom provider, regulator, or service provider. Verify sensitive actions through an official channel before sending money or sharing information.
Nigeria USSD Codes Editorial Team
Nigeria USSD CodesThe Nigeria USSD Codes Editorial Team researches, reviews and maintains practical guides using official provider and regulator sources where available. Corrections are checked before publication, and sensitive actions are directed back to the responsible provider.