Comprehensive List of Nigerian Bank USSD Transfer Codes

Introduction

Transferring money using USSD codes has become an everyday thing for many Nigerians. It’s fast, easy, and doesn’t need an internet connection, making it perfect for anyone, no matter where they are or what phone they’re using.

Whether you’re paying bills, sending money to friends, or recharging your phone, USSD codes are a lifesaver. But remembering all the different codes for each bank? That can be tricky.

This guide is here to make your life simpler by giving you a complete list of USSD transfer codes for Nigerian banks. It’s all about helping you find what you need quickly without the hassle of searching all over the internet.

What are USSD Transfer Codes?

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) transfer codes are shortcodes you can dial on your phone to carry out financial transactions.

These codes usually start with * and end with #. What makes them great is that they work on any mobile phone and don’t need internet access, just network service.

Benefits of Using USSD Codes

Ease of Use: They’re simple. All you need to do is dial the code and follow the prompts.
No Internet Needed: This is a huge plus, especially in areas with poor internet coverage.
Fast Transactions: Sending money or paying bills takes just a few seconds.
24/7 Availability: It doesn’t matter if it’s midnight or a public holiday.

Comprehensive List of Nigerian Bank USSD Transfer Codes

Here’s a full list of USSD codes for banks in Nigeria. I’ve also added a short guide on activating each one, in case you’re new to this.

1. Access Bank

Code: *901#
Services: Transfers, Airtime, Bill Payments, Account Balance
Activation: Dial *901*0# and follow the prompts to register your number.

2. First Bank

Code: *894#
Services: Transfers, Airtime, Bill Payments, Account Balance
Activation: Dial *894*0# and follow the steps to set up your PIN.

3. GTBank

Code: *737#
Services: Transfers, Airtime, Bill Payments, Account Balance
Activation: Dial *737*0# and follow the prompts.

4. UBA (United Bank for Africa)

Code: *919#
Services: Transfers, Airtime, Bill Payments, Account Balance
Activation: Dial the code and register your account by creating a PIN.

5. Zenith Bank

Code: *966#
Services: Transfers, Airtime, Bill Payments, Account Balance
Activation: Dial *966*00# and follow the instructions.

6. Fidelity Bank

Code: *770#
Services: Transfers, Airtime, Bill Payments, Account Balance
Activation: Dial the code and follow the prompts to register.

7. Union Bank

Code: *826#
Services: Transfers, Airtime, Bill Payments, Account Balance
Activation: Dial the code to set up your account and PIN.

8. EcoBank

Code: *326#
Services: Transfers, Airtime, Bill Payments, Account Balance
Activation: Dial *326# and follow the steps.

9. Stanbic IBTC Bank

Code: *909#
Services: Transfers, Airtime, Bill Payments, Account Balance
Activation: Dial the code and follow the prompts.

10. Polaris Bank

Code: *833#
Services: Transfers, Airtime, Bill Payments, Account Balance
Activation: Dial the code and register.

11. Sterling Bank

Code: *822#
Services: Transfers, Airtime, Bill Payments, Account Balance
Activation: Dial *822*1# and follow the instructions.

12. Heritage Bank

Code: *745#
Services: Transfers, Airtime, Bill Payments, Account Balance
Activation: Dial the code to set up your account.

13. Wema Bank (ALAT)

Code: *945#
Services: Transfers, Airtime, Bill Payments, Account Balance
Activation: Dial *945*100# and follow the instructions.

Other List of Nigerian Bank USSD Transfer Codes

Here’s a list of USSD codes for various Nigerian banks:

Bank	USSD Code	Transfer Code Example
Access Bank	*901#	9011AmountAccount Number#
ALAT by Wema	*945#	945Account Number*Amount#
Ecobank	*326#	326Amount*Account Number#
FCMB	*329#	329Amount*Account Number#
Fidelity Bank	*770#	770Account Number*Amount#
First Bank	*894#	894Amount*Account Number#
GTBank	*737#	7372AmountAccount Number#
Heritage Bank	*745#	7452AmountAccount Number#
Keystone Bank	*7111#	7111Amount*Account Number#
Polaris Bank	*833#	833Amount*Account Number#
Stanbic IBTC	*909#	90922AmountAccount Number#
Sterling Bank	*822#	8225AmountAccount Number#
UBA	*919#	9194Account NumberAmount#
Union Bank	*826#	8262AmountAccount Number#
Unity Bank	*7799#	77992Account NumberAmount#
Wema Bank	*945#	945Account Number*Amount#
Zenith Bank	*966#	966Amount*Account Number#

How Do I Use These Codes?

1. Registration.

Before using USSD services, you may need to register your number with your bank. This often involves dialing a specific code and following the prompts to set up a PIN for security.

2. Transferring Funds.

To transfer money, dial the transfer code for your bank, enter the recipient’s account number, the amount, and confirm with your PIN.

For example, with GTBank, you would dial 737210001234567890# to transfer ₦1,000 to account number 1234567890.

3. Checking Balance.

Most banks allow you to check your account balance by dialing a specific code. For instance, First Bank users can dial 89400# to view their balance.

4. Buying Airtime.

You can recharge your phone or someone else’s by dialing the appropriate code. With Access Bank, you’d dial 901Amount# for self-recharge or 901Amount*Phone Number# to recharge another number.

Security Tips

Keep Your PIN Confidential: Your PIN authorizes transactions; never share it with anyone.
Use Your Registered Phone Number: Always perform USSD transactions from the mobile number linked to your bank account.
Be Aware of Phishing Attempts: Banks will not ask for your PIN or account details via unsolicited messages.

Tips for Using USSD Transfer Codes Safely

Keep Your PIN Secure: Never share your PIN with anyone.
Use a Trusted Network: Avoid public places where someone might watch you.
Double-Check Before Confirming: Always check the recipient’s account details before completing any transaction.
Beware of Scammers: Banks will never ask for your PIN or any sensitive details.

FAQs

Q: Can I use USSD codes if my phone doesn’t have internet?

Yes, USSD codes don’t require internet access. You only need mobile network service.

Q: What should I do if my transaction fails?

Check your account balance to confirm if the money was debited. If it was, contact your bank’s customer care with the transaction details.

Q: Is there a limit to how much I can transfer using USSD?

Yes, most banks have daily transaction limits. This can range from ₦50,000 to ₦1,000,000, depending on your bank and account type.

Q: What happens if I lose my phone?

Contact your bank immediately to disable USSD transactions on your line.

Conclusion

USSD transfer codes are a game-changer for managing finances in Nigeria. They’re quick, reliable, and available anytime you need them.

By keeping this list handy, you’ll always know how to access your bank’s services. What’s your favourite feature of USSD banking, and how often do you use it?