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Complete List of USSD Codes for All Nigerian Banks (2026)

By Comparex Team2026-04-1710 min read

USSD banking lets you perform transactions from any phone -- no internet, no app download required. Just dial a code and follow the prompts. This is the most complete and up-to-date list of USSD codes for Nigerian banks in 2026.

How USSD Banking Works

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) uses your phone's cellular connection to communicate with your bank. It works on any phone -- smartphone or feature phone -- and does not require data. You simply dial the bank's shortcode, enter your PIN, and complete your transaction.

Important: You must use the phone number linked to your bank account. USSD transactions are authenticated using your SIM and a 4-digit PIN you set up during registration.

Tier 1 Banks

Access Bank - *901#

ActionCode
Transfer Money*901*Amount*Account Number#
Check Balance*901*00#
Buy Airtime (Self)*901*Amount#
Buy Airtime (Others)*901*Amount*Phone Number#
Pay Bills*901*000#
Open Account*901*0#

GTBank (Guaranty Trust) - *737#

ActionCode
Transfer Money*737*1*Amount*Account Number#
Check Balance*737*6*1#
Buy Airtime (Self)*737*Amount#
Buy Airtime (Others)*737*Amount*Phone Number#
Create Account*737*0#

First Bank - *894#

ActionCode
Transfer Money*894*Amount*Account Number#
Check Balance*894*00#
Buy Airtime (Self)*894*Amount#
Buy Airtime (Others)*894*Amount*Phone Number#
Pay Bills*894*Amount*Merchant Code#

UBA (United Bank for Africa) - *919#

ActionCode
Transfer Money*919*3*Account Number*Amount#
Check Balance*919*00#
Buy Airtime (Self)*919*Amount#
Buy Airtime (Others)*919*Amount*Phone Number#

Zenith Bank - *966#

ActionCode
Transfer Money*966*Amount*Account Number#
Check Balance*966*00#
Buy Airtime (Self)*966*Amount#
Buy Airtime (Others)*966*Amount*Phone Number#
Pay Bills*966*0*Merchant Code*Amount#

Tier 2 Banks

Fidelity Bank - *770#

ActionCode
Transfer Money*770*Account Number*Amount#
Check Balance*770*0#
Buy Airtime (Self)*770*Amount#

Sterling Bank - *822#

ActionCode
Transfer Money*822*Amount*Account Number#
Check Balance*822*00#
Buy Airtime*822*Amount#

Stanbic IBTC - *909#

ActionCode
Transfer Money*909*Amount*Account Number#
Check Balance*909*00#
Buy Airtime*909*Amount#

Union Bank - *826#

ActionCode
Transfer Money*826*1*Amount*Account Number#
Check Balance*826*00#
Buy Airtime (Self)*826*Amount#

FCMB - *329#

ActionCode
Transfer Money*329*Amount*Account Number#
Check Balance*329*00#
Buy Airtime (Self)*329*Amount#

Ecobank - *326#

ActionCode
Transfer Money*326*Account Number*Amount#
Check Balance*326*0#
Buy Airtime*326*Amount#

Wema Bank (ALAT) - *945#

ActionCode
Transfer Money*945*Account Number*Amount#
Check Balance*945*0#
Buy Airtime*945*Amount#

Fintech Banks

OPay - *955#

ActionCode
Transfer Money*955*Amount*Account Number#
Check Balance*955*0#
Buy Airtime*955*Amount#

Kuda - *5573#

Kuda primarily operates through its app but supports USSD for basic transactions.

PalmPay

PalmPay uses *862# for USSD transactions.

Daily Transfer Limits

BankUSSD Daily Limit
GTBankN200,000
Access BankN200,000
UBAN200,000
First BankN100,000
Zenith BankN200,000
OPayN200,000

Tips for Safe USSD Banking

  1. **Never share your USSD PIN** with anyone, including bank staff.
  1. **Always confirm the account name** displayed before completing transfers.
  1. **Lock your SIM** with a PIN to prevent unauthorized USSD access if your phone is stolen.
  1. **Check your balance** after every transaction to confirm it went through correctly.
  1. **Report unauthorized transactions** immediately to your bank.

Common USSD Errors and Fixes

  • **"Transaction not permitted"**: Your account may not be activated for USSD. Visit a branch or call customer support.
  • **"Wrong PIN"**: After 3 wrong attempts, your USSD access is usually blocked. Call your bank to reset.
  • **"Network error"**: USSD depends on your mobile network. Try again when signal is stronger, or try from a different location.
  • **Session timeout**: USSD sessions expire after about 2 minutes. Complete your transaction quickly.

Our Take

USSD banking is essential for financial inclusion in Nigeria. Even if you use a banking app daily, memorize your bank's basic USSD codes as a backup for when you have no internet access.

USSDbankingGTBankAccess BankUBAZenithFirst Bankcodes

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