Is your loan app not showing any loan offer? This common but frustrating issue blocks many Nigerians from accessing urgent funds. You are not alone.
This complete guide provides proven methods to diagnose and solve this problem specifically for Nigerian users. We cover everything from BVN issues to app glitches on platforms like FairMoney and Branch.
Follow our expert tips to understand why your loan limit disappeared and learn actionable steps to restore your offers. Let’s get your app working again.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you start troubleshooting, ensure you have the following ready. This preparation saves time, especially with Nigeria’s unpredictable internet.
- Your Smartphone: The primary device where the loan app is installed. Ensure it has at least 50MB of free space and a stable data connection. If yours is faulty, using a trusted friend’s phone at a reputable cyber café can work.
- BVN (Bank Verification Number): This is non-negotiable. Have your 11-digit BVN ready for re-verification if needed. It links your financial history across all platforms.
- Valid Government ID: Your original NIN slip, International Passport, Driver’s License, or Voter’s Card. Apps often re-verify this.
- Access to Your Registered Phone Number & Email: You will need to receive and enter OTPs (One-Time Passwords). If you lost the SIM, you must retrieve the number from your network provider first.
- Basic Personal & Employment Info: Your exact home address, next of kin details, and employer information. Inconsistencies here cause instant rejection.
- Potential Fees (₦100 – ₦50): You may need to pay for a new NIN slip verification (₦500) or a BVN linking charge (₦25) via USSD if your profile is unlinked. Some cyber cafés charge ₦200-₦500 for this service.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Perform a Basic “Device & App” Health Check
First, force-stop the loan app in your phone settings and clear its cache. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > “Clear Cache.” Then, restart your phone. This fixes minor glitches caused by bad network switches or outdated temporary data. If the problem persists, check Google Play Store or Apple App Store for an app update; Nigerian apps like FairMoney update frequently to comply with new regulations.
Step 2: Verify Your BVN and NIN Linkage
Log into your bank’s mobile app or use the USSD code *565*0# to check your BVN details. Ensure your name matches exactly with your ID card. A mismatch is a major blocker. To link your NIN to your BVN, dial *346*3# from your registered number. This process can take 24-48 hours to reflect across all platforms, so be patient. Many offers disappear because this linkage is pending or failed.
Step 3: Conduct a Full Profile Re-Verification
Open the loan app and navigate to the profile or security section. Look for an option like “Re-verify Identity” or “Update Profile.” You will be prompted to re-submit photos of your ID and a live selfie. Ensure you have strong light (daylight is best) and a plain background. The app’s AI might reject blurry or shadowed pictures—a common reason for failure in areas with erratic power.
Step 4: Check Your Credit Report (It’s Free)
Visit the official website of CRC Credit Bureau or FirstCentral Credit Bureau—the two major ones in Nigeria. You are entitled to one free credit report per year. Request yours to see if there’s a default or error listed. If you see an unknown debt, you must dispute it directly with the bureau; this can take up to two weeks to resolve but is crucial for restoring your eligibility.
Step 5: Wait Strategically and Re-apply
After completing steps 2-4, do not bombard the app with loan requests. Wait for 7-10 working days. This allows all systems to update. Then, log in fresh and check for offers. If none appear, use the app’s customer support—preferably via email or in-app chat for a documented trail. Avoid using the app on public Wi-Fi at cafes when checking your final status, as this can trigger security flags.
Alternative Methods
If the digital process fails, these physical alternatives in Nigeria can resolve deeper issues blocking your loan offer.
Visit a Physical Bank Branch for BVN/NIN Issues:
If USSD codes fail, go to the branch of the bank where you first registered your BVN. Request a BVN update or correction form. This is the most authoritative way to fix name mismatches or unlinked NIN. It’s better when you have major discrepancies or have lost access to your registered phone number. Be prepared to spend most of the day and bring all original IDs.
Go to an NIMC Enrolment Centre:
For persistent NIN linkage problems, locate an official National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) centre in your state (e.g., Alausa in Lagos, Garki in Abuja). You can request a profile update or a re-issuance of your NIN slip. This method is better when your biometrics are failing verification across all apps. Note that you may need to pay a token fee for a reprinted slip.
Use an Accredited Cyber Café with Financial Services:
Some established cyber cafés, especially those partnered with fintechs as agents, have dedicated systems and staff trained to handle these verifications. They can guide you through the process on their stable internet and even contact support on your behalf. This is a better option if your own internet is poor or you are not tech-savvy. Always ensure they are reputable to avoid fraud.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: “BVN Already Linked to Another Profile” Error
This happens when you used your BVN on a different phone number with another loan app, or a family member used it. Nigerian apps strictly tie one BVN to one primary profile.
Solution: You must identify and fully exit the old profile. Contact the customer support of the loan app you used first (e.g., Carbon, FairMoney). Request them to permanently delete or deregister your BVN from their system. Only after they confirm this can you successfully register on the new app. This process can take 3-5 working days.
Problem: “We Cannot Verify Your Identity Right Now” After Selfie
This is often due to poor network during upload, a blurry selfie, or a mismatch between your live face and your ID photo (e.g., significant weight change, beards).
Solution: Attempt verification during off-peak hours, like early morning or late night, for better network. Use a plain, well-lit background. If your appearance has changed, try to look more like your ID photo (remove glasses, tie hair back). If it fails 3 times, wait 24 hours as the system may temporarily flag you for too many attempts.
Problem: App Shows “No Offers” After Recent Loan Repayment
You repaid a loan but your limit hasn’t been restored or increased. This could be due to a delayed system update or a slight delay in your repayment being logged.
Solution: First, confirm the repayment has been fully debited from your bank account and you have a receipt/screenshot. Loan apps in Nigeria typically update limits within 24-72 hours after repayment. Do not apply elsewhere during this period, as multiple credit checks can lower your score. If nothing changes after 3 days, contact support with your repayment proof.
Problem: NIN Portal is “Down” or Experiencing Delays
The NIMC portal frequently experiences downtime or slow processing, especially mid-month or during policy changes, halting your verification.
Solution: Avoid checking during peak times (10am – 4pm on weekdays). The best time to attempt linkage via USSD (*346*3#) is early morning (7am-9am) or weekends. If the portal is down for more than 48 hours, consider the alternative method of visiting a physical NIMC enrolment centre as they have offline processes.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Fixing a loan app issue involves minimal official fees but potential incidental costs. The main official charges are for BVN-NIN linkage via USSD (₦25) and a potential NIN slip reprint at an NIMC centre (₦500). Some banks may charge ₦100 – ₦200 for a BVN correction form.
Be wary of unofficial fees. Agents or cyber cafés may overcharge up to ₦2,000 for a “fast track” service that doesn’t exist. In Lagos or Abuja, these unofficial rates are often higher. Never pay anyone to “unblock” your loan offer directly; this is always a scam.
The realistic timeline varies. A simple app cache clear takes minutes. BVN/NIN updates take 24-48 hours to reflect. Disputing a credit report error with CRC Credit Bureau can take 7-14 working days. If visiting physical centres, allocate a full day for the process. Overall, expect a resolution within 3 to 10 business days for most complex issues.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
- Agents Promising “Guaranteed” Loan Approval: No individual can guarantee a loan offer. Avoid anyone on social media or at cyber cafés claiming they have a “direct link” to loan app agents for a fee (often ₦3,000 – ₦10,000). They will take your money and disappear.
- Fake Customer Support Numbers & WhatsApp Groups: Scammers create fake customer service numbers that appear in Google searches. They will ask for your OTP, BVN, or bank details to “unlock” your account. Only use contact details from the official app or website.
- Phishing Links for “BVN Verification”: You may receive SMS or emails with links to fake CBN or NIMC portals asking you to “re-validate” your BVN due to an “upgrade.” These sites steal your login credentials. Official portals always use .gov.ng domains.
- Upfront “Processing” or “Insurance” Fees: Legitimate Nigerian loan apps never ask for an upfront payment to process your application or as “collateral insurance.” Any request for payment via bank transfer, airtime, or gift cards before disbursement is a definitive scam.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Once your loan app is fixed and showing offers, the funds are typically disbursed directly to the bank account or wallet linked to your profile. These loans are accepted for personal use across Nigeria—from paying bills and school fees to covering business inventory or emergency repairs. They are not official tender and cannot be used for specific formal transactions like paying government taxes directly to a treasury account.
Your next step should be to borrow responsibly. Only take an amount you can comfortably repay on your next payday, even if a higher limit is offered. Defaulting will damage your credit score and cause the same “no offer” problem to reoccur, but this time it will be much harder to fix.
Remember, a restored loan offer is a tool, not a permanent solution. Use this as an opportunity to build a positive credit history. Consider setting a small, recurring monthly reminder to check your free annual credit report from CRC Credit Bureau to monitor your financial health and ensure no errors creep back in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my loan offer disappear after I updated the app?
This is common after major app updates that introduce new compliance checks. The update may have triggered a mandatory re-verification of your BVN or NIN linkage in the background. Log out, clear the app cache, and log back in. If the offer doesn’t return within 24 hours, follow the full re-verification steps in your profile section.
Can I use one BVN for two different loan apps in Nigeria?
No, you cannot actively use the same BVN on two different loan apps simultaneously. Your BVN is tied to one primary account per lending platform. If your BVN is already registered on App A, you must formally close that account before it can be fully and successfully registered on App B, otherwise you will get a profile conflict error.
How long does it take for a loan offer to return after repayment?
For timely repayments, most Nigerian loan apps like FairMoney or Branch will refresh and potentially increase your limit within 24 to 72 hours. However, if you repaid late (even by a few hours), the system may take 7-14 days to reassess your eligibility. Avoid checking repeatedly within the first 24 hours.
I was blocked by Opay NairaNow, will it affect other apps?
Yes, it likely will. Many Nigerian digital lenders share credit information with credit bureaus like CRC. A default or block on one platform can be reported, leading to reduced offers or outright rejection on other apps that check your credit report. You must resolve the issue with the app that blocked you first.
What does “pending partner verification” mean on my loan app?
This means the app (e.g., PalmCredit, Aella) is checking your data against a third-party database, often your mobile network (MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile) for SIM registration validity or a credit bureau. Delays here are usually due to network partner downtime. Wait 12-48 hours. If it remains, contact support.
Is it true that uninstalling and reinstalling the app fixes the issue?
Sometimes, but it’s not a guaranteed fix. Uninstalling deletes all app data. When you reinstall, you force a fresh login and sync. This can resolve corrupted local data. However, if the problem is server-side (like your BVN status), it won’t help. Always ensure you know your login details before uninstalling.
Will visiting a physical bank branch speed up my BVN correction?
Yes, for fundamental errors like a wrong name or date of birth on your BVN, visiting your bank’s branch is the fastest and most authoritative solution. The online portal can be slow for such core changes. At the branch, with valid ID, the correction is processed directly into the central system, though it may still take 24-48 hours to propagate.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on expert analysis of common technical and procedural issues with Nigerian digital lending platforms. We are not affiliated with any loan app, bank, or government agency. Financial regulations and app interfaces change frequently. Always confirm procedures and official fees directly with the relevant institution—your bank, NIMC, or the loan app’s verified support channels—before taking action.