USSD Code to Check your Bank Account Number in Nigeria

A USSD code, sometimes referred to as a “quick code” or “feature code”, is a protocol that allows you to access various services quickly on your mobile phone using short codes. When you dial a USSD code, your request is sent to your mobile network’s computers, which process the request and send back information or perform the service you require.

One very useful application of USSD codes is to check your bank account number if you have forgotten or misplaced it. Most major banks in Nigeria have set up USSD codes that customers can dial to retrieve their account numbers instantly.

In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of what USSD codes are, the benefits of using USSD to check your account number, a step-by-step guide on how to check your account number via USSD for various banks in Nigeria, and some frequently asked questions about the process.

Benefits of Checking Account Number via USSD

Here are some of the major benefits of using a bank’s USSD code to check your account number:

Instant access

USSD provides near real-time access allowing you to get your account number instantly, as long as you have network coverage. No need to call customer service or visit a branch.

Convenient

To check your account number via USSD, all you need is your mobile phone. You can access the service conveniently from anywhere at any time.

No internet required

USSD codes work directly via your mobile network. Unlike bank apps and websites, you do not need internet access or data to retrieve your account number.

Secure

Banking USSD codes are highly secure and encrypted, protecting your personal and banking information.

No paperwork

The process is completely paperless. Your account number is delivered directly to your mobile phone screen.

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Account Number via USSD

The process of checking your bank account number via USSD is very simple. The exact steps may slightly vary across banks, but the general procedure is the same:

1. Unlock your phone and open up the phone dialer/keypad.

2. Key in the bank’s checking account number USSD code – see list below for codes for major Nigerian banks.

3. Press the green call button to activate the USSD session.

4. Follow the prompts and input any additional information requested e.g. Bank Verification Number.

5. Your 10-digit account number should then be displayed directly on your phone screen.

6. You can write this down or take a screenshot for your records before the session times out.

List of Codes to Check Account Number for Top Nigerian Banks

Below are the USSD codes available from Nigeria’s leading banks to instantly retrieve your account number:

Access Bank: *901*0011#

Citibank Nigeria: *915*181*Last 4 digits of your account number#

Ecobank Nigeria: *326*214#

Fidelity Bank: *639#

First Bank of Nigeria: *894#

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB): *737*060#

Heritage Bank: *322*00#

Jaiz Bank: *389*301#

Keystone Bank: *7111# 2; *922#

Polaris Bank: *833*0#

Stanbic IBTC Bank: *909*011#

Standard Chartered Bank: *52222#

Sterling Bank: *822*0#

Union Bank: *826*7#

United Bank for Africa (UBA): *919*10#

Unity Bank: *7799*401#

Wema Bank: *945*n0# (Where n is the last digit of your account number)

Zenith Bank: *966*10#

As you can see, the syntax varies slightly but typically includes the bank identification code, a checking account number keyword (e.g. 0011), and the USSD termination/send instruction (#).

Once you dial the code correctly, the next steps involve following the menu prompts to supply any other information requested e.g. your Bank Verification Number (BVN). Ultimately this allows the bank to verify your identity before displaying your account details.

Common Questions about Checking Account Number via USSD

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about retrieving your bank account number via USSD code:

How much does it cost?

The process is completely free across all banks. However, standard USSD session rates/charges from your mobile network may apply.

Is it available on any phone type?

Yes, you can use a USSD code on any type of mobile phone to check your account number – smartphone or basic/feature phone. As long as you have a SIM card from a supported mobile network.

What if I enter the wrong details?

Typically if you enter incorrect details like an inaccurate BVN, the process will fail and you will be asked to input the correct information before proceeding. As long as you have the right mobile number registered with your bank, you can retry until successful.

What if I’m having issues with my mobile network?

Because USSD relies on your mobile carrier’s network, weak/intermittent signals or issues with your mobile network can disrupt the session. Try moving to a location with better network coverage and see if this stabilizes your connection.

What if the code is not working?

If a bank’s code seems to not be working, first double check number you are dialing against this list. Also try restarting your mobile device and ensure your SIM card balance is not too low or expired. If issues persist, you may need to contact your bank for further troubleshooting.

What happens when I dial a USSD code?

When you dial a bank’s USSD code, your request is forwarded to the bank’s computers which process it in real-time and respond back directly to your phone.

Do I need internet to use USSD codes?

No, USSD codes rely on your mobile network only and do not require internet connectivity or mobile data to work.

Will the USSD code work on any phone type?

Yes, you can use bank USSD codes on any GSM mobile phone including feature phones and smartphones connected to a local mobile network.

Is there any charge for using USSD codes?

While the bank’s USSD access is free, your mobile network provider may charge their standard rates for USSD sessions.

How do I find my bank’s checking account USSD code?

Refer to the list in this post which contains the account checking USSD codes for all major Nigerian banks.

What details do I need to provide to retrieve my account number?

You will need to input your registered Bank Verification Number (BVN) and sometimes other identifiers for added security before accessing account details.

How long does the account number take to be returned?

It only takes a few seconds to receive the 10-digit account number directly on your mobile phone screen once you enter the right information.

What if I input the wrong verification details?

Typically you will get error messages prompting you to input the correct details before proceeding with account number retrieval.

Who can I contact if I have problems using the codes?

If you have any persistent issues, contact your bank’s customer service team for troubleshooting assistance.

Conclusion

Checking your bank account number via USSD can be tremendously useful in case you ever need quick and convenient access to your number. Whether you forgot, misplaced your bank documents or cards containing the information or just need to reference the details for any other reason – help is always at your fingertips no matter where you are in Nigeria.

As outlined above, all the major Nigerian banks have activated USSD codes specifically for customers to seamlessly retrieve their 10-digit account numbers instantly. So the next time you need quick and secure access to your number, simply grab your phone, punch in the code and dial away. No internet, paperwork or customer service calls required.