Wondering how to activate USSD for all banks in Nigeria? You’re in the right place. USSD banking is the fastest way to perform transactions without internet or a mobile app, using just your basic phone.
This complete guide provides the exact codes and proven methods for every major Nigerian bank. We cover GTBank, Zenith, UBA, Access Bank, First Bank, and others with clear, step-by-step instructions tailored for Nigerian users.
What is USSD Banking and Why Every Nigerian Needs It
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) banking is a real-time, menu-driven service that lets you access your bank account using short codes from your registered phone number. It works on any type of mobile phone—smart or basic—without requiring internet data.
In Nigeria, with over 200 million mobile lines (NCC, 2023) and varying internet connectivity, USSD is a critical financial inclusion tool. It allows you to:
* Transfer money to any bank.
* Buy airtime for yourself and others.
* Pay bills (DSTV, PHCN, WAEC, etc.).
* Check your account balance.
* Generate bank statements.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulates these services to ensure security and interoperability, making it a trusted channel for millions.
General Prerequisites for Activating USSD Banking
Before you dial any code, ensure you meet these mandatory requirements common to all Nigerian banks:
- A Registered Phone Number: Your mobile number must be linked to your bank account. This is usually the number you provided during account opening.
- An Active Bank Account: Your account must be in good standing, not dormant.
- Your Debit Card Details (Often Required): For activation, most banks will ask for the last 6 digits of your debit card and the 4-digit PIN. Have your physical card ready.
- A Secure Environment: Always perform activation and transactions in a private setting to protect your PIN and card details.
Summary Box: What You Need Before Starting
* Your phone linked to your bank account.
* Your physical debit card (for card number and PIN).
* A minimum of N10-N20 airtime for the USSD session.
* Your Bank Verification Number (BVN) may be requested.
How to Activate USSD for All Major Nigerian Banks: Step-by-Step Codes
Here is the definitive, bank-by-bank breakdown. The primary code to activate or register for the service is often different from the code used for daily transactions.
1. How to Activate GTBank (GTCO) USSD Code (*737#)
GTBank’s *737# service is one of the most popular. To activate USSD for GTBank*:
- Dial *737*1#** from your registered phone number.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
- You will be asked to enter the last 6 digits of your GTBank debit card.
- Then, create a 4-digit USSD PIN (this can be different from your card PIN).
- Confirmation SMS will be sent upon successful activation.
- For daily transactions, simply dial *737# and follow the menu.
2. How to Activate Zenith Bank USSD Code (*966#)
For activating USSD for Zenith Bank, the process is straightforward:
- Dial *966*0#** from your registered number.
- Enter the last 6 digits of your Zenith debit card.
- Create a secure 5-digit USSD PIN.
- You will receive a confirmation message.
- Use *966# for all subsequent transactions like transfers and airtime purchase.
3. How to Activate UBA Bank USSD Code (*919#)
UBA’s *919# service is widely used. Here’s how to activate USSD for UBA*:
- Dial *919*0#** on your registered line.
- Select option for “Registration”.
- Input the last 6 digits of your UBA debit card.
- Set up a new 4-digit USSD PIN.
- Once confirmed, dial *919# to access the full menu of services.
4. How to Activate Access Bank (Diamond) USSD Code (*901#)
To activate USSD for Access Bank, including former Diamond Bank accounts:
- Dial *901*0#** from your linked mobile number.
- Choose the “Register” option.
- Provide the last 6 digits of your Access Bank debit card.
- Create a 4-digit USSD PIN.
- After successful setup, use *901# for everyday banking.
5. How to Activate First Bank USSD Code (*894#)
Activating USSD for First Bank uses a slightly different code structure:
- Dial *894*0#** on your registered phone.
- You will be prompted to enter your ATM card details.
- Set your USSD PIN.
- A confirmation SMS will follow.
- The transaction code is *894#.
Expert Tips for Secure and Efficient USSD Banking in Nigeria
While USSD is convenient, security is paramount. Follow these expert tips:
- Never Share Your PIN: Your USSD PIN is as sensitive as your ATM PIN. No bank official will ever ask for it.
- Beware of Phishing: Ignore SMS or calls asking you to dial unfamiliar codes like
*932*…to “unblock your account.” Only use the official codes from your bank’s website. - Log Out Properly: Always end a USSD session by selecting the “Exit” option or simply end the call. Do not just close your phone.
- Monitor Charges: USSD transactions attract a CBN-approved N6.98 charge per session, plus a small fee for transfers. Keep track.
- Change Your PIN Regularly: If you suspect anyone might know your PIN, change it immediately by dialing your bank’s USSD code and looking for the “Change PIN” option.
Alternative Methods
If the USSD self-service activation fails, you have two reliable alternative methods. The best choice depends on your location and urgency.
1. Activation via Your Bank’s Mobile App: If you have a smartphone and data, this is often faster. Log into your bank’s official app (like GTWorld or Zenith Mobile). Navigate to the services or settings menu, where you will typically find an option to “Enable USSD Banking” or “Register for *737#”. The app will authenticate you directly, often bypassing the need for your card details. This method is superior if you are tech-savvy and want to avoid network-related USSD glitches.
2. Visiting Your Bank Branch: This is the most definitive solution. Walk into any branch of your bank across Nigeria, from Lagos to Kano. With your original valid ID (National ID, Voter’s Card, or International Passport) and your debit card, request a staff member to register your line for USSD banking. They will update your profile and complete the activation. This is the best option if you have changed your phone number, consistently get “Number Not Linked” errors, or have lost your debit card. While it requires time, it guarantees resolution.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: “Number Not Linked” or “Invalid Registration” Error
This is the most frequent issue. It means the phone number you are dialing from is not the one officially on your bank’s record, often because you changed your Glo, MTN, or Airtel line without updating the bank.
Solution: You must physically visit your bank branch with a valid ID (National ID, Voter’s Card) to update your phone number. No amount of dialing the code will fix this. After the update, wait at least 24 hours before trying activation again.
Problem: USSD Portal Not Responding or Timing Out
You dial the code but get no menu, a “Service Not Available” message, or the connection hangs. This is common during network congestion on certain providers or during bank server maintenance, often on weekends or month-ends.
Solution: First, ensure you have airtime. Wait 10-15 minutes and try again. If it persists, try the activation late at night or early morning when network traffic is low. As a last resort, use the alternative method via your bank’s mobile app, which doesn’t rely on the USSD gateway.
Problem: “Invalid Card Details” After Multiple Attempts
You’re sure you entered the correct last 6 digits of your card, but the system rejects it. This can happen if your card is blocked, expired, or if you’ve recently requested a replacement card whose details haven’t fully updated in the system.
Solution: Confirm your card is active by attempting a small POS purchase. If it’s blocked, visit your bank to unblock it. If you have a new card, use the details from the newest card. If the problem continues, you must activate via the bank branch where they can override the card requirement.
Problem: Successful Activation but Transactions Fail
You can log in with your USSD PIN, but when you try to transfer or buy airtime, it fails with a vague “Transaction Declined” message.
Solution: This is often a daily limit issue. New USSD registrations sometimes have very low transaction limits (e.g., ₦5,000). Check your limit via the USSD menu. Also, ensure you have sufficient balance above the transaction amount plus the ₦6.98 USSD charge and transfer fee.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
The activation of USSD banking itself is free of charge. No bank is permitted by the CBN to charge you for registering for the service. Be wary of agents or cyber café operators who claim there is an activation fee; this is a scam.
However, using the service incurs costs. Each USSD session has a CBN-mandated fee of ₦6.98, deducted from your airtime. Financial transactions like transfers attract an additional bank charge, typically between ₦10 to ₦50, deducted from your account balance.
For the timeline, self-service activation via code or mobile app is instantaneous if all details are correct. If you must visit a branch to update your phone number, the process takes about 15-30 minutes at the counter, but the update may take 24 to 48 hours to fully propagate before you can activate. Banks in busy Lagos or Abuja branches may have longer queues, so plan accordingly.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
- Fake “Customer Care” Calls & SMS: Scammers impersonate bank staff, claiming your account is blocked and urging you to dial a fake USSD code like *932*… or *903*… to “reactivate.” Never dial a code sent via SMS or mentioned on a call. Only use the official codes from your bank’s website or your debit card carrier.
- Overcharging Agents: Street agents or cyber café attendants may offer to “help” you activate USSD for a fee ranging from ₦500 to ₦2000. This is a pure scam. Activation is free. Never hand over your phone, card, or PIN to a third party.
- WhatsApp/Telegram “Quick Loan” Schemes: Fraudulent messages promise instant loans if you “register” by dialing a provided USSD code. This code is designed to authorize a funds transfer from your account to the scammer. Legitimate bank loans never require registration via a random USSD string.
- Phishing Links: Avoid clicking links in emails or texts claiming to be a “USSD activation portal.” These lead to fake websites designed to steal your login and card details. Always use the direct dial method on your phone.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Your activated USSD banking is widely accepted across Nigeria. You can use it to pay for goods at major supermarkets, settle bills for IKEDC, BEDC, PHCN, DSTV, GoTV, and WAEC scratch cards, buy airtime on all local networks, and transfer funds to any account in any Nigerian bank instantly. It is also crucial for paying into government treasuries in states like Lagos and Rivers.
Your immediate next step should be to perform a test transaction. Dial your bank’s code, log in, and check your account balance or buy a small amount of airtime. This confirms everything is working. Then, explore the menu to set your daily transaction limit to a secure level that suits your needs.
Honestly note the limitations: USSD has lower transaction limits (often ₦50,000-₦500,000 daily) compared to internet banking. It is also not designed for complex tasks like opening fixed deposits or applying for loans. For those, you will need to use your bank’s mobile app, internet banking, or visit a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use one phone number for two different bank USSD codes?
Yes, you can. Your mobile number is not exclusive to one bank. You can register the same phone number (e.g., your MTN line) for USSD banking with multiple banks, provided that number is linked to each of those individual accounts. You will use a different code and PIN for each bank.
What happens if I forget my USSD PIN?
You cannot retrieve a forgotten USSD PIN. You must reset it. Dial your bank’s main USSD code (like *737#) and look for an option like “Forgot PIN” or “Reset PIN.” You will typically need to verify your identity using your debit card details again to set a new PIN.
Why is my transfer failing even with sufficient balance?
This is usually due to one of three reasons:
1) You have exceeded your daily USSD transfer limit.
2) The recipient’s account name does not match the details you entered (this is a CBN rule).
3) Your account may have a temporary hold.
Check your limit via the USSD menu and ensure the recipient’s details are exact.
Can I activate USSD for my business or corporate account?
This depends entirely on your bank’s policy. For most corporate accounts, USSD activation is not available via self-service. You must contact your relationship manager or visit the branch that manages your business account to request the service, as it requires higher-level authorization.
How do I deactivate or block my USSD banking if my phone is stolen?
Act immediately to prevent fraud. The fastest way is to call your bank’s 24-hour customer care line from any other phone. You can also use your bank’s internet banking platform or mobile app to temporarily block the USSD service. Visit a branch as soon as possible for a permanent resolution.
Do I need to re-register if I change my SIM card but keep my number?
If you do a SIM swap with your network provider (MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile) and retain your old number, you do not need to re-register for USSD. The service is tied to the phone number, not the physical SIM. However, if the swap causes issues, you may need to visit your bank for a profile refresh.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available banking procedures and codes in Nigeria. While we strive for accuracy, specific processes, fees, and codes are set by individual financial institutions and may change. For definitive instructions, always refer to the official website or customer service channels of your bank. The author is not a registered financial advisor, and this content does not constitute professional financial advice.