Sterling Bank Nigeria USSD Codes for Transfers, Airtime, Bills & Account Management

Last verified: October 10, 2025
Disclaimer: nigeriaussdcodes.com is an independent information resource. We are not affiliated with Sterling Bank Plc. All USSD details are verified through official customer materials and regulatory communications.

Why Sterling Bank’s *822# Matters

Sterling Bank Plc, often called “The One Customer Bank”, has earned a reputation for innovation and simplicity in Nigerian banking.
Beyond mobile apps and internet banking, its USSD banking service — *822# (Sterling Smart Code) — remains one of the easiest ways for millions of Nigerians to manage their money anytime, anywhere.

The *822# code allows customers to:

• Check their account balance instantly.

• Transfer money to any bank.

• Buy airtime and data.

• Pay bills, TV, and electricity.

• Open new accounts or link additional ones.

• Access small loans.

• Block or secure accounts in emergencies.

What makes it exceptional is that it works on any phone, without internet, across MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile networks — even in rural areas with low signal strength.

 

Key Takeaways

• Main USSD code: *822# (Sterling Smart Code).
• Check balance: *822*6#.
• Transfer money: *822*Amount*AccountNumber#.
• Airtime (self): *822*Amount#.
• Airtime (others): *822*Amount*PhoneNumber#.
• Buy data: *822# → Data → Network.
• Pay bills: *822# → Bills → Choose provider.
• Open account: *822*7#.
• Block account: *822*911#.

 

Complete Sterling Bank USSD Code List

How to Register for Sterling Smart Code

1. Dial *822# on your registered mobile line.

2. Select “Register.”

3. Enter your Sterling Bank account number.

4. Provide the last six digits of your ATM card.

5. Set a secure 4-digit PIN.

6. Confirm to complete setup.

If you do not have an ATM card, the system may verify your BVN or date of birth. Once registered, you can begin transactions instantly.

Important: Always use the SIM connected to your bank account; other numbers will not be recognized.

How to Check Account Balance

• Dial *822*6#.

• Enter your 4-digit PIN.

• Your balance will appear instantly.

Examples

• A tailor checks whether her customer’s transfer has arrived.

• A student confirms allowance from home before buying data.

• A trader cross-checks POS deductions at day’s end.

Troubleshooting:
If you get an invalid response or no display, wait a few minutes or ensure the SIM is properly registered.

Transferring Money with *822#

To Sterling Accounts

• Dial *822*Amount*AccountNumber#.

• Example: *822*2000*0012345678#.

• Confirm recipient name.

• Enter PIN → Transfer complete.

To Other Banks

• Dial *822*Amount*AccountNumber#.

• Choose destination bank.

• Confirm and authorize.

Transfer limits: ₦100,000 per transaction, up to ₦500,000 daily (higher for upgraded accounts).

Transfers are processed in seconds, and receipts arrive by SMS. If a transaction fails, funds are reversed automatically.

Buying Airtime and Data

Airtime (Self)

• Dial *822*Amount#.

• Example: *822*1000#.

Airtime (Others)

• Dial *822*Amount*PhoneNumber#.

• Example: *822*200*08031234567#.

Buy Data

• Dial *822# → Select Data.

• Pick your network and plan.

• Confirm with PIN.

Use Cases:

• Parents recharging children’s phones.

• Employees topping up during travel.

• Market women reloading to stay connected.

All airtime/data purchases are processed instantly.

Paying Bills

Sterling Bank’s *822# supports numerous bill payments:

• Electricity: EEDC, PHED, IKEDC, EKEDC, etc.

• TV: DSTV, GOtv, Startimes.

• Internet: Smile, Spectranet.

• Education: WAEC, JAMB, schools.

How to pay:

1. Dial *822#.

2. Select Bills.

3. Pick category (TV, Power, etc.).

4. Enter customer ID or meter number.

5. Confirm amount and details.

6. Approve with your PIN.

Receipts arrive by SMS immediately.

Opening a New Account

Sterling Bank allows new users to open an account in minutes:

1. Dial *822*7#.

2. Follow the prompts to enter name, date of birth, and address.

3. You’ll receive a new 10-digit Sterling account number.

4. Visit any branch later for KYC update.

This service helps unbanked Nigerians open accounts conveniently from home.

Blocking Your Account

Lost your phone or suspect fraud? Dial *822*911#.

1. Choose the account to block.

2. Confirm with PIN.

3. Receive instant SMS confirmation.

Visit the nearest branch later to reactivate the account securely.

Security Tips

• Keep your PIN private.

• Avoid using easily guessed numbers.

• Change your PIN periodically.

• Always end sessions after transactions.

• Report suspicious activity immediately.

Sterling employs encryption and two-factor verification to protect all USSD transactions.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

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 FAQs

Q1: What is Sterling Bank’s USSD code?
→ *822#.

Q2: Do I need data to use it?
→ No, it works offline.

Q3: Can I transfer to other banks?
→ Yes, with *822*Amount*AccountNumber#.

Q4: How do I check balance?
→ *822*6#.

Q5: Can I recharge another line?
→ Yes, *822*Amount*PhoneNumber#.

Q6: What’s the daily limit?
→ ₦500,000.

Q7: Can I open a new account?
→ Yes, *822*7#.

Q8: How do I block my account?
→ *822*911#.

Q9: Are there charges?
→ ₦6.98 per session + transfer fees.

Q10: Can I buy data on all networks?
→ Yes, MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile.

Q11: Can USSD work abroad?
→ Yes, if roaming is active.

Q12: Is USSD banking safe?
→ Yes, PIN-secured and regulated by CBN.

Q13: What if my SIM is swapped?
→ Block immediately with *822*911#.

Q14: Can I pay DSTV and PHCN bills?
→ Yes, through the *822# Bills menu.

Q15: What happens if money is deducted but not received?
→ Wait 24 hours or contact customer care.

Sterling Impact

Sterling’s *822# has changed how Nigerians interact with money:

• Students receive pocket money instantly.

• Small shop owners settle supplier bills without leaving their stalls.

• Farmers transfer proceeds safely after market sales.

• Parents top up data for their children during online classes.

This access empowers people in both cities and villages to manage their finances efficiently, supporting the Central Bank’s cashless economy drive.

Why USSD Banking Supports Financial Inclusion

Nigeria still has millions without reliable internet. The *822# service allows them to:

• Create accounts.

• Save money securely.

• Make transactions anytime.

USSD bridges the gap between digital and traditional banking, ensuring equal access for all citizens.

Conclusion

Sterling Bank’s *822# Smart Code continues to stand out as one of Nigeria’s simplest, fastest, and most inclusive mobile banking systems.
It lets customers perform transactions without the internet — perfect for busy workers, students, and rural residents alike.

By combining convenience with regulatory compliance and data security, *822# ensures safe, real-time banking for every Nigerian.

Customer Support:

• Helpline: 017003270

• Website: sterling.ng

• General CBN Help Line: *300#