Ever been in a situation where you need to pay an urgent bill but have no data or cash for transport to a payment agent? There’s a simple solution right on your mobile phone. Paying bills using USSD codes is a lifesaver for millions of Nigerians.
This method allows you to settle essential payments like electricity, TV subscriptions, and even WAEC fees directly from your bank account using simple dial codes. It’s fast, secure, and works on any type of phone—no smartphone or internet required.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you dial any code, ensure you have the following ready. This preparation prevents failed transactions and saves you time and potential charges.
- A Registered Mobile Number & Bank Account: The phone number you use must be the one linked to your Nigerian bank account. You cannot use a friend’s line to pay from your account.
- Your Bank’s USSD Code: Know your bank’s shortcode by heart (e.g., *966# for Ecobank, *737# for GTBank, *919# for UBA). If you forget, you can quickly check it online or at a cyber café before proceeding.
- Sufficient Account Balance: Ensure you have enough money to cover the bill plus the USSD transfer charge (typically ₦6.98 – ₦52.50, depending on amount and bank). A failed transaction due to low balance may still attract a fee.
- Correct Customer/Biller Details: This is crucial. For electricity (IKEDC, EKEDC, etc.), you need your Meter Number. For DSTV/GOTv, have your Smartcard Number ready. A single wrong digit means payment goes to the wrong account.
- Your Bank PIN/Token: The transaction will require authorization using your secure bank PIN or a token generated by your bank app. Never share this with anyone.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these steps carefully to complete your bill payment successfully. The process is similar across most Nigerian banks, with slight variations in menu wording.
Step 1: Dial Your Bank’s USSD Code: On your phone’s dialer, enter your bank’s shortcode (e.g., *966#, *737#, *919#) and press the call button. The code works even with low network signal, but ensure you have at least one bar for a stable connection.
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Transfers’ or ‘Pay Bills’: A menu will pop up on your screen. Select the option for “Transfers” or “Pay Bills” by typing the corresponding number. Be patient; Nigerian networks can sometimes delay this menu pop-up by 10-20 seconds.
Step 3: Select ‘Bill Payments’: From the transfer sub-menu, you will now choose the specific “Bill Payment” or “Utilities” option. Some banks like FirstBank (*894#) have a direct “Buy Airtime & Pay Bills” menu item to shorten the process.
Step 4: Choose Your Biller: You will now see a list of billers (like IBEDC, PHCN, DSTV, WAEC). Scroll and select the correct one. A common mistake is picking “IKEDC” when you are an “EKEDC” customer—they are different. If your biller isn’t listed, your bank may not support it via USSD.
Step 5: Enter Payment Details Accurately: You will be prompted to enter the specific details: Meter Number, Smartcard Number, or Reference Number. Type slowly and double-check. After this, enter the exact amount to pay (e.g., ₦5,000 for electricity).
Step 6: Confirm Details & Authorize: The screen will show a summary. Verify the biller name, your account number, and the amount. If anything is wrong, cancel immediately. If correct, proceed and enter your secret Bank PIN to authorize the payment.
Step 7: Wait for Confirmation: Do not close the session! Wait for the “Transaction Successful” message and a **reference number**. You will also receive two SMS alerts: one debit alert from your bank and one payment confirmation from the biller (this can take from 2 minutes to 24 hours for services like electricity token). Save the reference number in case of issues.
Alternative Methods
While USSD is universal, other payment channels exist and may be better suited for specific bills or situations. Knowing your alternatives ensures you’re never stranded.
For educational fees like WAEC, NECO, or JAMB, the examining bodies often mandate payment through their dedicated online portals or designated banks. For instance, JAMB requires using its portal to generate a payment code (e-PIN) before you can pay at a bank. USSD may not work here.
Using bank apps or internet banking is ideal for complex payments or when you need a receipt instantly. Platforms like Quickteller or Payarena also offer robust online bill payment with wider biller options than some bank USSD menus.
For individuals uncomfortable with technology, visiting physical payment centers remains reliable. You can pay electricity bills at designated offices like IKEDC in Lagos or EEDC in Enugu, and TV subscriptions at authorized dealers like MultiChoice walk-in centres. This is best when you need to make enquiries or resolve a billing dispute simultaneously.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with the right steps, you might encounter hitches. Here are common Nigerian-specific issues and how to resolve them.
Problem: “Transaction Failed” but money was deducted.
This is a frequent and frustrating issue. The debit alert comes, but you get a failure message and no service (e.g., no electricity token).
Solution: Do not panic or try again immediately. First, wait 24 hours as the transaction may reverse automatically. If it doesn’t, contact your bank’s customer care immediately with the transaction reference number. For bill-specific issues (like DSTV not updated), you will also need to contact the biller’s support (e.g., MultiChoice) with proof of payment from your bank.
Problem: “Biller Not Available” on USSD menu.
You need to pay your state’s water board (e.g., LWC) or a specific university’s acceptance fee, but it’s not listed.
Solution: This means your bank’s USSD platform does not support that biller. Switch to using your bank’s mobile app or internet banking, which typically has a more comprehensive list. Alternatively, use a generic payment platform like Quickteller or visit a physical payment point.
Problem: Delayed service delivery after payment.
You paid for a prepaid electricity token, but the token SMS from DisCo (like AEDC or BEDC) is delayed for hours or even a day.
Solution: This is often due to the biller’s system, not your bank. First, ensure you entered the correct meter number. If correct, dial the DisCo’s dedicated token retrieval USSD code (e.g., *130* for many DisCos) or visit their official Twitter/Facebook page; they often post updates when their token delivery portal is down.
Problem: Entered wrong beneficiary details.
You accidentally paid for another person’s DSTV subscription by entering a wrong Smartcard number.
Solution: This is difficult to reverse. Immediately call your bank AND the biller’s customer service to report the error. They may be able to cancel the service on the wrong account and reapply it to yours, but this is not guaranteed. This highlights why double-checking details before authorizing is critical.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Understanding the costs and how long transactions take helps you plan and avoid being overcharged.
The primary cost is your bank’s USSD transfer charge, regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This is typically between ₦6.98 for smaller amounts and up to ₦52.50 for larger transactions. There is no extra “bill payment fee” charged by your bank for using the service itself.
Be wary of agents or cyber cafés that charge exorbitant fees (e.g., ₦200 or more) to “help” you dial the code. They are only providing a service you can do yourself for the standard bank charge. The bill amount (e.g., ₦15,000 for DSTV) is also fixed; no one should charge you more.
For timelines, the debit from your account is instant. Service delivery varies: DSTV/GOTv reconnection is usually within 15 minutes. Electricity tokens can take from 5 minutes to 24 hours, depending on your DisCo’s system. Exam fee confirmations (WAEC/NECO) may take 48-72 hours to reflect on the exam portal.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
Staying secure is crucial. Be alert to these common scams targeting Nigerians during bill payments.
- Fake USSD Codes & Phishing Links: Never dial a code sent via SMS, WhatsApp, or social media claiming to be from your bank (e.g., “*955#” scams). Always use the official code you know. Similarly, avoid clicking links to “urgent bill payment” portals; they steal your banking details.
- Overcharging Agents: Unauthorized agents or cyber café operators may claim there’s an “extra network charge” or “processing fee.” The only legitimate fee is your bank’s USSD charge. Perform the transaction yourself to avoid this.
- “Helpful” Strangers & Shoulder Surfing: Do not let anyone watch you enter your secret USSD PIN at an ATM queue or public place. Scammers memorize your PIN and later steal your phone to complete transactions.
- Fake Customer Care Numbers: When seeking help, use only the official customer care numbers found on your bank’s website or the back of your ATM card, not numbers from Google ads or random blogs, which often connect to fraudsters.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Bill payment via USSD is widely accepted across Nigeria but has its boundaries. It is the standard for major recurring utilities and services.
You can reliably use it for all major electricity distribution companies (DisCos) like EKEDC, IBEDC, and AEDC, TV subscriptions (DSTV, GOtv, Startimes), and airtime/data top-ups. Acceptance for government payments is growing but inconsistent; you may pay for some state’s internal revenue (like Lagos State) but not others, and federal fees like passport applications typically require other channels.
The main limitation is that not every single biller is integrated with every bank’s USSD platform. If your specific biller isn’t listed, your next step should be to try your bank’s mobile app or visit their website. For absolute certainty, especially for large, one-off payments like school fees or property taxes, always confirm the approved payment channels directly from the billing organization (e.g., the school’s bursary or the state’s official website) before attempting payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for WAEC or NECO fees using USSD?
No, you typically cannot. Examination bodies like WAEC and NECO have specific procedures. You must first generate an invoice or payment reference on their official portals. This generates a unique Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) number, which you then pay at a designated bank branch or online via the Remita platform. USSD is not directly integrated for these federal exam fees.
What happens if I pay my electricity bill but don’t get the token?
First, wait up to 24 hours, as token delivery from DisCos like BEDC or KEDCO can be delayed. If it doesn’t arrive, dial your DisCo’s token retrieval USSD code (often *130#) or contact their customer care directly with your meter number and payment reference. Always save your transaction reference from your bank for this purpose.
Is it safe to pay bills using USSD?
Yes, it is very safe as the transaction is encrypted between your phone and your bank’s secure server. The key safety rule is to never share your secret USSD/PIN with anyone. Ensure no one is watching you enter it. The risk comes from phishing (fake codes) and user error, not from the technology itself.
Can I use any phone to pay bills with USSD?
Absolutely. USSD technology works on every type of mobile phone—from the oldest button phone (torchlight phone) to the latest smartphone. You do not need an internet connection, WhatsApp, or a banking app. You only need a line registered with your bank and network signal to dial the code.
Why was my transaction declined even though I have money?
Common reasons include: 1) You have insufficient balance to cover the bill plus the USSD charge, 2) Your daily transfer limit is exceeded, 3) You entered incorrect details (like a wrong meter number), or 4) Your bank has temporarily blocked USSD services for your account. Check your balance and limits, then try again carefully.
How do I check my electricity bill via USSD before paying?
Most electricity distribution companies (DisCos) have their own dedicated USSD codes for balance inquiry. For example, for Ikeja Electric (IKEDC), you can dial *130#. You need to know your DisCo’s specific code, which is usually advertised on their website or in their office. This code is separate from your bank’s USSD code.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes to educate Nigerian readers on common procedures. Financial regulations, USSD charges, and biller integration may change. Always confirm payment details directly with your bank and the official billing company before transacting. The author is not affiliated with any financial institution or service provider mentioned. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, users assume responsibility for their transactions.