Your Bank Verification Number (BVN) is your financial identity in Nigeria, linking all your bank accounts. Forgetting this 11-digit number can halt transactions, but you don’t need to visit a bank branch. This complete guide provides proven methods to retrieve your BVN online instantly.
We detail the official, secure steps for all major Nigerian banks like GTBank, Zenith, and Access Bank. You’ll also get expert tips to protect your details from fraudsters while using these services. Follow this authoritative, step-by-step process to resolve your BVN queries from anywhere.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you begin the process to check your BVN online, ensure you have the following ready. This preparation saves time, especially with Nigeria’s occasional network fluctuations or if you’re using a cyber café.
- A Registered Phone Number: This is the mobile number linked to your bank account during BVN enrollment. It is crucial for receiving USSD codes and one-time passwords (OTP). If you’ve changed numbers, you must update it at your bank first.
- Your Debit Card Details: For some bank apps or online portals, you may need the 16-digit number on your ATM card. Keep your card handy.
- Basic Account Information: Know your account number for the specific bank you are querying from. You cannot use your GTBank account number to check BVN via First Bank’s USSD.
- Internet Access or Airtime: A data connection for banking apps/websites or at least ₦20 airtime for USSD codes. Cyber cafés are an alternative, but ensure you use a secure, private browser session.
- Valid Identification: While not always needed for a simple check, having your National ID, Driver’s License, or International Passport is wise for verification if you encounter issues.
Important Note: Checking your BVN is free of charge via official bank channels. Never pay anyone or any website for this service. The only cost is your standard data or USSD airtime deduction.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Choose Your Preferred Method Decide whether to use USSD, your bank’s mobile app, or internet banking. USSD (*565*0#) is the most universal and works on any phone, but requires airtime. Mobile apps are most reliable if you have data. If bank websites are loading slowly, a common issue during peak hours (12 PM – 3 PM), be patient or switch to USSD.
Step 2: For USSD – Dial the Code on Your Registered Line On the phone number linked to your account, dial ***565*0#**. You must use the SIM card in the phone registered with your bank. The system will process for a few seconds. If you get a “Service not available” response, wait a few minutes and try again, as network congestion is frequent.
Step 3: Follow the On-Screen Prompts The menu will typically ask you to select a bank or confirm a request. Navigate using the numbers indicated. You may be asked to enter your account number for verification. Ensure you enter the correct account number for the bank you selected in the menu.
Step 4: Receive and Secure Your BVN Your 11-digit BVN will be displayed on your screen and sent via SMS. Immediately save this number in a secure place—like a password manager or a private note on your phone. Do not screenshot and share it. The SMS serves as your proof and backup.
Step 5: For Mobile/Internet Banking (Alternative) Log into your bank’s official app or website. Navigate to sections like “My Profile,” “Services,” or “BVN Services.” Your BVN is often displayed on your account dashboard or profile page. Be sure you are on the official app from Google Play or Apple Store, not a third-party link.
Step 6: Verify and Cross-Check If you check via multiple methods (e.g., USSD and app), confirm the number is identical. Any discrepancy is rare but must be reported to your bank immediately. If no BVN is found, it likely means the phone number you used is not the one registered; you must visit your bank branch for resolution.
Alternative Methods
If the online methods fail—perhaps due to a changed phone number or system errors—you have reliable offline alternatives. The most direct is visiting your bank branch. Go to the customer service desk with a valid original ID (National ID, Voter’s Card, International Passport) and your debit card. A teller can retrieve your BVN from the system. This is best for resolving deep-seated issues like biometric mismatches.
You can also check via an ATM machine. Insert your card, enter your PIN, and select services like “BVN Inquiry” or “Other Services.” Your BVN may be displayed on screen. However, not all ATM vendors or banks have this feature activated, so it’s less reliable than a branch visit.
For those who enrolled through their university (e.g., UNILAG, UNN) or NYSC camp during a mass registration, contact that institution’s ICT or Bursary unit. They often keep a record of BVNs linked to student accounts. This method is typically slower but useful if your bank account originated from a school fee collection account.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: “This number is not registered” or “BVN not found” error.
Solution: This is the most common issue and means the phone number you’re using is not the one linked to your BVN. You must visit your bank branch with a valid ID to update your phone number on the BVN registry. This cannot be resolved online or over the phone for security reasons.
Problem: USSD code (*565*0#) is not working or says “Service Timeout.”
Solution: This is often due to network congestion on your mobile network (like MTN, Glo, Airtel) or the NIBSS platform. First, ensure you have sufficient airtime. Wait 10-15 minutes and try again. If it persists, switch to a different method like your bank’s mobile app or try the code very early in the morning (before 8 AM) when network traffic is low.
Problem: The bank app or internet banking portal is not displaying the BVN.
Solution: Log out, clear your app cache (in phone settings), and log in again. If using a browser, try “incognito mode.” Sometimes, the BVN is hidden under a specific menu like “Profile & Settings” or “Account Services.” If completely absent, your account profile may be incomplete; contact your bank’s online support via their official Twitter (X) handle (e.g., @ubagroup, @ZenithBank) for a direct channel.
Problem: Delayed or no SMS delivery after a successful USSD query.
Solution: Network delays can hold SMS for hours. First, check if your phone’s message inbox is full, as this blocks new messages. If the BVN was displayed on-screen, note it immediately. If not, and the SMS is missing after 24 hours, the initial query may have failed. Re-dial the USSD code, ensuring you have strong network signal.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Officially, checking your BVN is free of charge. The Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and all licensed commercial banks do not charge a fee for the USSD query (*565*0#) or for retrieving your BVN via their apps and branches.
The only cost incurred is your standard network charge for USSD or data. Dialing *565*0# typically costs around ₦20, deducted from your airtime balance. Using your bank’s app consumes a small amount of data.
Be wary of agents, cyber cafés, or individuals claiming you must pay a “processing fee” of ₦500, ₦1,000, or more. This is a scam. The timeline is instant for successful online checks. If you must visit a bank branch due to a phone number mismatch, resolution can take 24 to 72 hours after submitting your request, though some banks in Lagos or Abuja may resolve it same-day.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
- Fake USSD Codes & SMS: Never dial any code other than the official ***565*0#**. Scammers send SMS with codes like *565*1# or *456*…# claiming to “upgrade” or “verify” your BVN. These are designed to steal your details and money.
- Unofficial Websites & Agents: Avoid websites like “checkbvn[dot]com” or individuals at cyber cafés offering “fast BVN retrieval for a fee.” Only use your bank’s official website, app, or the NIBSS portal. No legitimate agent will ask for your ATM PIN or online banking password.
- WhatsApp/Telegram “BVN Linking” Scams: A common scam involves messages claiming your BVN is “blocked” and you must “link” it to a new NIN or tax ID via a provided link. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and your bank will never contact you via WhatsApp for such sensitive actions.
- Over-the-Phone Requests: Do not give your BVN, account number, or OTP to anyone who calls you claiming to be from your “bank’s security department.” Hang up and call your bank’s official customer care line from their website to verify.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Your BVN is universally accepted across Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. It is mandatory for opening any new bank account, applying for loans from institutions like Lapo Microfinance Bank or Renmoney, and for high-value transactions.
Government agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for Tax Identification Number (TIN) linkage, the PenCom for RSA registration, and the Nigeria Immigration Service for passport applications also require it.
Now that you have retrieved your BVN, your next step should be to store it securely—memorize it or keep it in a password-protected note. Do not share it freely. Importantly, understand its limitations: your BVN is for identification, not authentication.
It cannot be used to approve transactions, reset your banking PIN, or access your accounts. If you discover any discrepancy in your linked personal information (name, date of birth), you must visit your bank branch immediately to initiate a correction, as errors can block future financial activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my BVN online without a phone number?
No, you cannot. The registered phone number is the primary key for all online and USSD verification methods. If you no longer have access to that number, the only option is to visit your bank branch physically with a valid ID to update your contact details on the BVN registry before any online check can work.
Is there a way to check my BVN for free?
Yes, checking your BVN is completely free. The official USSD code *565*0# only deducts your standard network charge of about ₦20 for the airtime used. Using your bank’s mobile app or internet banking portal is free, only consuming a small amount of your data. Never pay anyone a fee for this service.
Can I use my friend’s phone to check my BVN?
You can only use a friend’s phone if you dial the USSD code (*565*0#) using your own SIM card. The system identifies you by the SIM in the device, not the device itself. Simply insert your registered SIM into their phone, dial the code, and remove it afterwards. Do not use their SIM card.
What do I do if my BVN is linked to the wrong name or date of birth?
This is a serious issue that can affect transactions and loan applications. You must visit your bank branch immediately to initiate a BVN data correction. You will need to provide supporting documents like your birth certificate, affidavit, or valid national ID to prove the correct information. This process is managed by the bank and forwarded to NIBSS.
How many times can I check my BVN in a day?
There is no official limit, but excessive queries in a short period might temporarily flag your number in the system. For practical purposes, 2-3 attempts are reasonable. If the code isn’t working after two tries, wait an hour or switch to your bank’s app to avoid network-related blocks on the USSD channel.
Can I find my BVN with just my NIN number?
Not directly through public channels. While your BVN and National Identification Number (NIN) are being linked by the government, there is no self-service portal to retrieve your BVN using only your NIN. The integration is for backend verification by institutions. You must still use the traditional bank-linked methods (USSD, app, branch) to find your BVN.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available procedures from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and commercial banks. Financial regulations and processes may change. We are not affiliated with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), NIBSS, or any bank. For definitive guidance or to resolve specific account issues, please contact your bank’s official customer service directly or visit a branch.