These days, it’s more important than ever that banking is quick and easy. Customers of banks can do a lot of different transactions from their phones, without having to connect to the internet, using simple but powerful tools called USSD codes.
Short codes, which usually start with * and end with #, are used to make a direct link between your phone and the service provider’s app. Real-time instant messaging service that’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This makes it very handy for people of all ages and backgrounds.
USSD have made banking services more accessible to everyone, even in places where standard banking infrastructure is weak or nonexistent. USSD codes have made it easy for millions of Nigerians to quickly and safely move money, check their account balances, and pay their bills. This has helped more people get access to financial services and pushed for a cashless economy.
We will be looking at how USSD codes work and give you the full list of USSD codes for the major Nigerian banks.
LIST OF ALL BANK TRANSFER CODES IN NIGERIA
| Banks | USSD Codes | Transfer Within The Bank | Transfer to Other Banks |
| ACCESS BANK | *901# | Â *901*Amount*Account Number# | *901*Amount*Account Number# |
| ZENITH BANK | *966# | *966*Amount*Account Number# | *966*Amount*Account Number# |
| GTBANK | *737# | *737*1*Amount*Account Number# | *737*2*Amount*Account Number# |
| WEMA BANK | *945# | *945*Account Number*Amount# | *945*Account Number*Amount# |
| FIRSTBANK | *894# | *894*Amount*Account Number# | *894*Amount*Account Number# |
| KEYSTONE BANK | *7111# | *7111*Amount*Account Number# | *7111*Amount*Account Number# |
| UBA | *919# | *919*3*account number*amount# | *919*4*account number*amount# |
| FCMB | *329# | *329*Amount*Account number# | *329*Amount*Account number# |
| STERLING BANK | *822# | *822*Amount*Account Number# | *822*Amount*Account Number# |
| STANBIC IBTC BANK | *909# | *909*11*Amount*Account Number# | *909*22*Amount*Account Number# |
| FIDELITY BANK | *770# | *770*Account*Amount# | *770*Account*Amount# |
| HERITAGE BANK | *745# | *745*1*Amount*Account Number# | *745*2*Amount*Account Number# |
| POLARIS BANK | *833# | *833*Amount*Account Number# | *833*3# |
| STANDARD CHARTERED BANK | *977# | *977*Amount*Account Number# | *977*Amount*Account Number# |
| TITAN TRUST BANK | *922# | *922# | *922# |
| UNION BANK OF NIGERIA | *826# | *826*1*Amount*Account Number# | *826*2*Amount*Account Number# |
| UNITY BANK | *7799# | *7799*1*Account Number*Amount# | *7799*2*Account Number*Amount# |
| PREMIUM TRUST BANK | *858# | *858*1*Amount*Account Number# | *858*2*Amount*Account Number# |
| OPTIMUS BANK | *930# | *930*2# | *930*2# |
| PARALLEX BANK | *1242# | *1242*Amount*Account Number# | *1242*Amount*Account Number# |
| JAIZ BANK | *773# | *773*Amount*Account Number# | *773*Amount*Account Number# |
| TAJ BANK | *898# | *898*Amount*Account Number# | *898*Amount*Account Number# |
| LOTUS BANK | *5045# | *5045*Amount*Account Number# | *5045*3*Amount*Account Number# |
HOW TO ACTIVATE USSD SERVICE ON YOUR PHONE
It is easy and quick to start using USSD banking if you have never done it before. To set up USSD banking on your phone for the first time, follow these steps. This will let you use a number of financial services without being connected to the internet.
Step 1: Make Sure It Works
Check to see if your phone can handle USSD transfers. USSD works with most feature phones and tablets. Along with that, you should make sure you use the same phone number you registered with your account when you open the account at the bank.
Step 2: Activate USSD Banking
Dial the general USSD code for your bank. You can find your bank’s USSD code from the list above or use your bank’s website or call your bank’s customer service.
For Zenith bank, dial *966#, for GTBank, dial *737# or for Access Bank, dial *901#.
Step 3: Sign up or register
When you dial the USSD code, follow the on-screen instructions to sign up for USSD banking. Most of the time, this is done by choosing “Register” from the USSD menu.
Type in your account number as requested.
During the setup process, make a PIN for USSD transfers. Pick a PIN that is strong but not too hard to remember.
Step 4: Set up security questions (if required)
When you first open an account at some banks, you may be asked to set up protection questions and answers. Pick questions and answer that are unique to you and hard for other people to figure out.
Step Five: Confirmation
After you enter all the necessary information, the bank will send you a confirmation message letting you know that your USSD banking registration was successful. This message usually has your USSD banking PIN or a welcoming message that tells you how to use the service in simple terms.
Step 6: Start USSD Banking
Once USSD banking is activated, you can do things like check your account balance, send money to someone else, pay fees, and more. To get to the full list of services, just dial the bank’s USSD code again and follow the on-screen instructions to do different banking jobs.
LIST OF USSD TRANSFER CODES FOR MAJOR NIGERIAN BANKS
With USSD codes, it’s much easier to use Nigeria’s banking system. Each major bank has its own USSD code that customers can use to do a variety of banking transactions directly from their phones.
Here is a list of some USSD codes for Nigeria’s major banks, so you can easily manage your money.
ACCESS BANK TRANSFER CODE (*901#)
Access Bank transfer code using USSD is *901*Amount*Account Number#. You can use this USSD code to transfer money to another Access Bank account and also other banks in Nigeria.
GTBANK TRANSFER CODE (*737#)
Dial *737*1*Amount*Account Number# to do a bank transfer to another GTBank account. However, if you want to transfer to another bank in Nigeria from GTBank, simply dial *737*2*Amount*Account Number#.
ZENITH BANK TRANSFER CODE (*966#)
Zenith bank transfer code is *966*Amount*Account Number# for all electronic bank transfers to Zenith bank account and other banks in Nigeria.
FIRST BANK (FBN) TRANSFER CODE (*894#)
To do an electronic bank transfer using USSD, dial *894*Amount*Account Number# on your registered mobile number. This FBN transfer code allows you to send money to another FirstBank account or to other accounts in any Nigeria bank.
FCMB TRANSFER CODE (*329#)
Transfer code for FCMB is *329*Amount*Account Number#. Dial the USSD code from your registered mobile number to do transfer to another fcmb account and other bank accounts in Nigeria.
UBA TRANSFER CODES (*919#)
UBA transfer code to another UBA account is *919*3*Account Number*Amount#. Dial *919*4*Account Number*Amount# to do electronic transfer via USSD from UBA to another account in a commercial bank in Nigeria. The transfer code for UBA Prepaid card is *919*32# and the transfer code for UBA to send money to a mobile wallet, fintech or a microfinance bank is *919*6#. Ensure you dial the USSD code from your registered mobile number.
UNION BANK TRANSFER CODES (*826#)
The transfer code for union bank to another union bank account via USSD is *826*1*Amount*Account Number#. The transfer code for union bank to another bank in Nigeria is *826*1*Amount*Account Number#. Ensure you dial the union bank transfer code from your registered mobile number.
ECOBANK TRANSFER CODES (*326#)
Transfer code for Ecobank is *326*Amount*Account Number#. You can use this USSD code from your registered mobile number to send money to another Ecobank account and other bank accounts within Nigeria.
FIDELITY BANK TRANSFER CODES (*770#)
Fidelity bank transfer code to another bank is simple. Just dial *770*Account Number*Amount# from your registered mobile number to send money to another fidelity bank account and other bank accounts in Nigeria.
STERLING BANK TRANSFER CODES (*822#)
Sterling Bank transfer code to another bank is *822*Amount*Account Number#. To send money to another sterling account using USSD code, dial *822*Amount*Account Number# from a registered phone number.
WEMA BANK TRANSFER CODES (*945#)
To send money using wema bank transfer code, dial *945*Account Number*Amount# from a registered mobile number. The transfer code allows all wema bank customers send money to another wema bank account and other bank accounts in Nigeria.
UNITY BANK TRANSFER CODES (*7799#)
Unity Bank transfer code to another bank is *7799*2*Account Number*Amount#. If you want to send money to another unity bank account using USSD code, just dial *7799*1*Account Number*Amount# from a registered phone number.
HOW TO USE USSD TRANSFER CODE IN NIGERIA
Transferring money between and within banks in Nigeria using USSD codes is easy and can be done on your phone in a few steps.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to use USSD codes to start a bank transfer, making sure that the process is quick and safe.
Step 1: Dial the Code
Use your registered phone to dial your bank’s USSD code. Some examples of this code are *901# for Access Bank and *737# for GTBank. It starts with * and ends with #. All Nigerian banks transfer codes are listed above for your convenience.
Step 2: Choose the Transfer Option.
A menu will show up on your screen after you dial the USSD code for your bank. Pick the choice to send money by typing in the number that appears on the menu. For example, if choice 2 is “Transfer,” you would type 2 and send.
Step 3: Type in the Account Number of the Recipient.
Type in the account number of the person or business you want to send money to. If you don’t want to send money to the wrong account, make sure the NUBAN number is correct.
Step 4: Pick the Recipient’s Bank.
Once you enter the account number, you will be asked to pick the recipient’s bank from a list. Type in the number that goes with the right bank.
Step 5: Type in the Amount
Type in the amount of money you wish to send. Make sure that your account has enough money to cover the payment amount and related charges.
Step 6: Confirm the Details
A summary of the transaction will be shown to you so that you can confirm it. This summary usually has the name of the receiver, the amount, and the bank information for the recipient. Carefully look over all the details to make sure they are right.
Step 7: Authorize the Transfer
To complete the transaction, enter your PIN or any other necessary form of identification. Important: This step protects the transaction and stops people who aren’t supposed to be there from getting in.
Step 8: Finish the transaction.
Enter your PIN and confirm the transaction. Your bank will then send you a message letting you know that the transfer went through successfully. You will get an error message that tells you why the transaction could not be finished if there is a problem.
TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON ISSUES IN USSD BANKING
With USSD banking, you can easily and safely handle your money transfers, but sometimes users may run into problems. By knowing how to deal with these typical issues, you can keep your USSD banking experience smooth and effective. This guide will show you how to fix some common problems with USSD banking.
Problem 1: The USSD code isn’t working.
Signs: This means that the code doesn’t get an answer or an error message.
What to do:
- Check the USSD code: Make sure you dial the right USSD code for your bank. Codes can look alike, so check to make sure there aren’t any extra numbers or characters missing.
- Network problems: Sometimes, USSD services can’t work because the network is too busy or goes down. After a few minutes, try again, or move to a place where the network is stronger.
- Account activation: Make sure that USSD transactions can be made with your account. Some banks have specific steps you need to take after you’ve registered.
- Wrong Phone Number: Make sure you dial the USSD code using your registered mobile number with the bank. If you registered your MTN line with Zenith Bank and use your Glo line to registered with Access Bank. Do not dial *966# on your Glo line to use Zenith Bank USSD banking.
Problem 2: The transaction failed.
Signs: You get a message that says “transaction failed” when a deal doesn’t finish.
What to do:
- Check your account balance: to make sure you have enough money in it to cover the transaction and any service fees that may apply.
- Check the recipient’s details: Check the account name and bank a second time. Transactions can fail if the information given is wrong.
- Service downtime: Sometimes, banks have to do repairs on their systems, which can cause service to be interrupted. Check to see if your bank has made any comments about service interruptions on their social media pages.
Problem 3: Confirmation Messages Delayed or Not Received
Signs: You’ve finished a transaction, but the confirmation message is late or not received.
What to do:
- Please wait a few minutes. Due to network issues, confirmation messages may not arrive right away. Check back in a few minutes to see if the message shows up.
- Check your account balance: If you don’t get the confirmation message, check your account balance or recent transactions for debits to see if the transaction went through.
- Talk to customer service: If your account balance hasn’t changed and you haven’t received a confirmation, call your bank’s customer service to find out what’s going on.
Problem 4: Forgot your PIN
Signs: You cannot remember the USSD banking PIN you used to register.
What to do:
- Use the “PIN reset” choice. You can reset your PIN from most USSD menus. In order to change your PIN, you will usually be asked to answer security questions.
- Talk to customer service: If the USSD system doesn’t let you change your PIN, call your bank’s customer service for help. Before they let you change your PIN, they may want to make sure you are who you say you are.
ALTERNATIVE CHANNELS TO USSD BANKING IN NIGERIA
There are many good things about USSD banking, especially how easy and accessible it is. However, it’s important to look into other ways to manage money that fit different needs and tastes.
Many other banking option can be used in addition to or instead of USSD banking in Nigeria, where the financial system is changing quickly.
Here are a few of the most important alternatives:
Mobile Banking Apps:
The layout of mobile banking apps is more feature-rich than USSD. These apps usually have all the banking features you could want, like the ability to handle complicated transactions and detailed account management.
Biometric authentication and an easy-to-use interface are some of the benefits. Another benefit is that you don’t have to remember USSD codes or go through a lot of settings. You’ll however need a smartphone and a stable internet connection.
Internet Banking:
This type of banking lets customers do their financial activities on a safe website that their bank provides. This site usually has the widest range of services, from simple account management to loan applications and setting up automatic payments.
Internet Banking allows you do more complex transactions, has higher transaction limits, and gives you access to services like accounts and forms that you can’t get through USSD. You will however, need to be able to connect to the internet and know how to use websites. Having a safe internet link is important for security.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs):
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) let you do more than just take cash. They can also transfer funds, pay bills, and top up your phone’s airtime, among other things.
ATMs are easy to find and don’t need to be connected to the internet or a mobile phone to do simple transactions. You will however, need to have a debit card, and might sometimes need to wait in line to use the ATM. Also, there is the risks of card skimming and other types of scams at ATMs.
SMS/WhatsApp Banking:
SMS banking lets users do some banking tasks through text messages. People can use this service to do easy things like check their balance or get alerts when their account is being used.
SMS banking works with very basic phones and is usually simple to set up and use. However, It doesn’t have as many features as USSD, mobile apps, or internet banking, and you might have to pay SMS costs.
Agency Banking:
In places without bank branches, basic banking services are provided by authorized agents through agency banking. Most of the time, agents can handle accounts opening, making deposits and withdrawals, paying bills, and making deposits.
Agent banking brings banking services to remote places and helps more people get access to money. However, the services may not be as extensive as those at full-service stores and you might incur additional charges for using their service.
Telebanking:
With telebanking, customers can do a number of things over the phone by talking to a customer service person or going through an automated menu system.
Telebanking is helpful for people who like talking to people in person or don’t have access to digital services but you need to be able to use a phone, and during busy times, you may have to wait a long time.
Each of these options has its own benefits, and depending on the customer’s access to technology, personal tastes, and financial needs, one may be better than the others.
These platforms make banking services in Nigeria easier to get to, safer, and more convenient for everyone, whether they are used alone or with USSD banking.
