Need to recharge your phone but out of cash or tired of USSD codes? You can buy airtime directly from your bank account. This modern method is fast, secure, and integrates seamlessly with your banking.
This complete guide explains every proven method used in Nigeria today. We cover mobile apps, internet banking, and even automated options for busy Nigerians.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you start, ensure you have the following ready. The process is straightforward, but missing one item can cause delays, especially during network issues common in areas like Lagos or Abuja.
- A Functional Bank Account: Your account with any Nigerian commercial bank (e.g., GTBank, Zenith, FirstBank, UBA) must be active and in credit. Some banks require your account to be at least 24 hours old for digital transactions.
- Bank Verification Number (BVN): Your BVN must be linked to your bank account. This is a mandatory regulatory requirement for all financial transactions in Nigeria.
- Registered Phone Number: You need the mobile number linked to your bank account for OTP (One-Time Password) authentication. This is the number your bank uses for alerts.
- Internet Access & a Device: A smartphone with data or access to a stable Wi-Fi connection. If you’re using a cyber café, ensure it’s a trusted one to avoid phishing scams.
- Banking Platform Credentials: Your User ID and password for your bank’s mobile app or internet banking portal. For USSD banking, remember your secure PIN.
Important Note: Most banks charge a small ₦10 to ₦50 fee for airtime purchases via their digital platforms, separate from the airtime value. Ensure you have a little extra in your account to cover this.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these clear steps to successfully buy airtime from your bank account. The exact menu names may vary slightly between banks like Access Bank and Fidelity Bank, but the general flow is the same.
Step 1: Log into Your Banking Platform
Open your bank’s mobile app or official internet banking website on your phone or computer. Enter your username and password securely. If you’re using USSD banking, dial the official code like *737# for GTBank or *901# for FirstBank. Watch out for: Fake apps or phishing websites. Always use your bank’s official channels.
Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Airtime’ or ‘Top-Up’ Menu
Once logged in, look for a menu labeled “Airtime Recharge,” “Buy Airtime,” “Top-Up,” or “Quickteller.” This is usually under a “Payments” or “Bills” section. On USSD, you’ll select it from the list of options. Watch out for: Network timeouts, especially during peak hours. Be patient if the menu is slow to load.
Step 3: Select Recipient and Enter Details
You will be asked to choose: “Self” (for your own line) or “Others” (for a third party). Then, enter the 11-digit Nigerian phone number you want to recharge. Double-check this number carefully. A mistake sends your airtime to a stranger.
Step 4: Choose Network Provider and Amount
Select the correct telecom network (MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile). Next, enter the exact amount of airtime you wish to buy (e.g., ₦500, ₦1000). Some apps have quick-select buttons for common amounts. Watch out for: The platform may default to your own network. Always verify before proceeding.
Step 5: Authorize the Transaction
You will be shown a transaction summary. Confirm all details are correct. To finalize, you will need to enter a One-Time Password (OTP) sent via SMS to your registered phone number or input your transaction PIN. Watch out for: Delayed OTPs. If it doesn’t arrive within 2 minutes, request a new one; do not resend the transaction multiple times.
Step 6: Receive Confirmation
After successful authorization, you will see an on-screen confirmation with a transaction reference number. Save this reference. Within seconds to a few minutes, you and the recipient will receive two SMS alerts: one from your bank for the debit and one from your telecom provider for the airtime credit.
Alternative Methods
Beyond direct bank transfers, Nigerians have other reliable, official channels to buy airtime using funds from their accounts. Choosing the best method depends on your location, internet access, and urgency.
1. USSD Banking Codes: This is the best option if you have a basic phone or are in an area with poor internet service, like some parts of Niger or Benue State. Simply dial your bank’s dedicated USSD code (e.g., *945# for UBA, *822# for Sterling Bank) from your registered line and follow the on-screen prompts. It works without data but may incur a small ₦10-₦20 network charge.
2. Visiting a Bank Branch or ATM: For those uncomfortable with digital platforms or needing to resolve a failed transaction, visiting your bank’s branch is a solid alternative. You can fill a deposit slip to credit a specific phone number. Some newer ATMs, especially in major branches in Lagos or Abuja, also have an “Airtime Purchase” option on their menu.
3. Authorized Third-Party Platforms: Services like Quickteller or your telecom’s official app (MyMTN, Airtel Thanks App) allow you to pay for airtime using your debit card, which draws directly from your bank account. This method is ideal if your bank’s app is down, as it uses a different payment gateway.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with a straightforward process, you might encounter hiccups. Here are the most common issues Nigerians face when buying airtime from their bank and how to resolve them.
Problem: “Transaction Failed” but Account Debited
This is a frequent and frustrating issue, often caused by network glitches between your bank and the telecom provider (like Glo or MTN). Your bank deducts the money, but the airtime doesn’t arrive.
Solution: Do not attempt the transaction again immediately. First, wait 1-2 hours, as the transaction may reverse automatically. If it doesn’t, contact your bank’s customer service immediately with your transaction reference number. For banks like Zenith or Access, use their official social media handles on Twitter (X) for faster escalation.
Problem: OTP Not Delivered
You initiate the purchase but the One-Time Password SMS from your bank never arrives. This is common during peak network congestion or if you have DND (Do Not Disturb) activated on your line.
Solution: First, ensure you have a strong signal. If after 2 minutes you get nothing, use the “Resend OTP” option on the app. If the problem persists, check if you have activated “Full DND” on your line by dialing *244#. You may need to temporarily deactivate it for banking alerts.
Problem: “Invalid Phone Number” Error
The banking portal rejects the 11-digit number you entered, even though it looks correct.
Solution: This often happens when trying to recharge a number on a different network than the one you selected. Double-check that you chose MTN for an MTN number, not Airtel. Also, ensure you didn’t include the leading zero (e.g., use 0803XXX, not 0803XXX).
Problem: Bank App or Internet Banking Portal is Down
You try to log in but get an error message, or the airtime purchase page won’t load. This occurs during system maintenance, usually on weekends or late nights.
Solution: Switch to an alternative method. Use the USSD code for your bank as a reliable backup. Alternatively, you can use an authorized third-party platform like Quickteller with your debit card details, which draws from the same account.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Understanding the exact costs and how long transactions take helps you manage your expectations and avoid being overcharged.
Official Bank Charges: Most Nigerian banks charge a small convenience fee for airtime purchases via their digital platforms. This typically ranges from ₦10 to ₦50 per transaction, regardless of the airtime amount. For example, buying ₦500 airtime may cost you ₦510 total from your account balance. This fee is automatically deducted and appears on your statement.
Unofficial Costs to Avoid: Be wary of third-party agents or cyber café attendants who might charge an extra “service fee” of ₦50 to ₦200 for “helping” you. Doing it yourself via your bank’s official channel is always free of these markups. The process from initiation to airtime credit is almost instant, usually within 30 seconds to 2 minutes for successful transactions.
Timeline for Failed Transactions: If a transaction fails but debits your account, reversals are not instant. By CBN guidelines, banks have up to 24 hours to automatically reverse it. If the money is not back in your account after one working day, you must contact your bank with your transaction reference.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
Staying safe is crucial. Be vigilant against these common scams targeting Nigerians trying to buy airtime or manage their finances.
- Fake Banking Apps and Phishing Links: Only download your bank’s app from the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Never click on links in SMS or WhatsApp messages claiming to be from your bank offering “easy recharge.” These lead to fake portals designed to steal your login details.
- Over-the-Counter Agent Fraud: Avoid giving your phone, ATM card, or banking details to roadside agents or even cyber café operators to help you recharge. They can save your details for fraudulent transactions or install keyloggers on public computers.
- “Credit Alert” or “Airtime Doubling” Scams: Ignore any message, social media post, or broadcast promising to double your airtime or send you a credit alert if you send a small amount first. This is an advance-fee fraud (419) and is completely fake.
- Unsolicited “Customer Care” Calls: Your real bank will never call you to ask for your OTP, PIN, or online banking password. If you receive such a call, especially from an unknown number, hang up immediately and call your bank’s official customer service line from their website.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
This method of buying airtime is universally accepted across Nigeria. Any airtime purchased directly from your bank account works for all standard services on your chosen network: making calls, sending SMS, and purchasing data bundles via the usual USSD codes (like *131# for MTN or *123# for Glo). It is treated exactly like airtime bought from a physical vendor.
What You Should Do Next: If you haven’t tried this before, start with a small test amount, like ₦200, to your own line using your bank’s mobile app. This builds confidence without risk. Ensure you save the transaction reference. Next, explore setting up automated airtime top-ups for yourself or family members if your bank offers this recurring payment feature, ensuring you never run out of credit.
Honest Limitations: This method is primarily for topping up your airtime wallet. It cannot be used to pay for specific postpaid bills (like a monthly MTN Fiber bill) or to make direct transfers to another person’s bank account. For those transactions, you must use the dedicated “Bill Payment” or “Funds Transfer” menus within your banking platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy airtime for someone else (a third party) from my bank account?
Yes, you can. During the process on your bank’s app or USSD, you will select the option for “Others” or “Third Party” instead of “Self.” Then, simply input the recipient’s correct 11-digit Nigerian phone number and their network provider. The airtime will be credited directly to their line, and they will receive the standard SMS alert.
What should I do if I enter the wrong phone number?
Act immediately. If the transaction is still pending authorization (before entering your OTP), cancel it. If it has been completed, the airtime is gone. Contact your bank’s customer service with the transaction reference. They may attempt to contact the recipient’s network provider, but recovery is not guaranteed. This highlights why double-checking the number is crucial.
Is there a daily limit on how much airtime I can buy?
Yes, banks impose daily transaction limits for security. This limit varies by bank and your account type but typically ranges from ₦20,000 to ₦100,000 for airtime purchases. You can check your specific limit within your mobile app’s settings or by contacting your bank’s customer care. This limit is separate from your general transfer limit.
Why is my bank app charging me extra ₦50 for airtime?
This is the standard convenience fee charged by most Nigerian banks for processing the transaction through their digital platform. It is not a scam. The fee, usually between ₦10 and ₦50, covers the cost of the service and is automatically deducted alongside your airtime purchase. Always review the transaction summary before confirming to see the total debit.
Can I use this method to buy data bundles directly?
Generally, no. This process typically credits your general airtime wallet. To buy a data plan, you would first use this method to load airtime, then use that airtime balance to purchase a data bundle by dialing the appropriate USSD code for your network (e.g., *131# for MTN). Some bank apps are now integrating direct data purchase options, so check your “Bills Payment” menu.
Do I need a smartphone or internet to buy airtime from my account?
Not necessarily. If you have a basic (feature) phone, you can use USSD banking by dialing your bank’s code (like *737# for GTBank). This method works without mobile data or an app, using only your phone’s call function. You will need a stable mobile network signal and your USSD banking PIN to authorize the transaction.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and reflects general procedures for Nigerian banking platforms. Banking interfaces, fees, and processes are subject to change by individual financial institutions. Always refer to your bank’s official website, customer service, or published terms and conditions for the most current and accurate information. The author is not affiliated with any bank or telecom provider mentioned.