In Nigeria, where network issues and data costs are real concerns, knowing how to send money without internet is a vital financial skill. This guide provides expert tips and proven methods for every Nigerian, from rural dwellers to urban professionals. You can complete transactions securely using just your basic mobile phone or through trusted agents.
We’ll explore practical steps using USSD codes, bank branches, and licensed agent networks. You’ll learn the exact procedures, costs, and limits to make informed decisions. This complete guide ensures you can send funds anytime, anywhere, even with zero internet connectivity.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you initiate any transaction, gathering the correct items is crucial for a smooth process. The requirements vary slightly by method, but core essentials remain the same.
- A Basic Mobile Phone: Any phone that can make calls and send SMS is sufficient for USSD banking. You do not need a smartphone or internet data.
- Your Bank’s USSD Code: Know the shortcode for your bank (e.g., *901# for Access, *737# for GTB, *966# for EcoBank). This is dialled like a phone number.
- Sender’s Information: Your own BVN-linked phone number and bank account details. Your transaction limits are tied to your BVN.
- Recipient’s Details: You must have the correct recipient’s full name as registered with their bank and their 10-digit account number. For agent networks, their phone number is often enough.
- Transaction Fees: Have extra cash for charges. USSD transfers typically cost ₦6.98 – ₦45 (CBN-approved), while agent services may charge ₦50 – ₦300 depending on amount and location.
- PIN/Password: Your mobile banking PIN or USSD transaction PIN. Never share this with anyone, even agents or cyber café attendants.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these clear, numbered steps to send money using the most common internet-free method: USSD banking. This process works for all major Nigerian banks.
Step 1: Dial Your Bank’s USSD Code: On your basic phone, dial the official shortcode for your bank (e.g., *966# for EcoBank, *737# for GTBank). This is free and works even with low network signal. Watch out for fake codes; always use the code on your bank’s official website or debit card.
Step 2: Navigate the USSD Menu: You will receive a pop-up menu. Select the option for “Transfers” or “Send Money” by typing the corresponding number (e.g., “3” for transfers). Use the “Reply” or “Send” button on your phone to proceed after each selection. Be patient, as menu loading can be slow during peak network hours.
Step 3: Select Transfer Type: Choose between transferring to an account number in the same bank or to another bank. For other banks, you may need to select the recipient’s bank from a list. This is where knowing the recipient’s bank name is crucial.
Step 4: Enter Recipient Details: Carefully input the recipient’s 10-digit account number. The system will often display the account name for confirmation. This is a critical security step. If the name does not match who you intend to pay, cancel immediately. Mismatches are a common sign of error or fraud.
Step 5: Input Amount and Add Note: Type the amount you wish to send. You may have an option to add a short reference (e.g., “For Mama”). This helps the recipient identify the transaction. Remember that amounts above ₦500,000 may have stricter limits without a token.
Step 6: Authorize with Your PIN: You will be prompted to enter your secure USSD or mobile banking PIN. This is not your ATM PIN. Never share this PIN. After entering, you will get a final screen summarizing the transaction details (amount, recipient, fee).
Step 7: Confirm and Receive Alert: Confirm the details are correct. Once you send the final confirmation, you will receive two SMS alerts: a debit alert from your bank and a credit alert sent to the recipient. If you don’t get a confirmation SMS within 5 minutes, but your money was debited, contact your bank’s customer care immediately with the transaction reference.
Alternative Methods
Beyond USSD, several other reliable methods exist for sending money without an internet connection in Nigeria. Choosing the best option depends on your location, urgency, and the recipient’s access.
1. Using Licensed Agent Networks (POS Agents): This is ideal if you or the recipient prefers to handle cash. Visit any licensed POS agent for banks, Paga, or OPay. Provide the recipient’s phone number or bank details and the cash. The agent processes it for a fee (₦100-₦500). This method is superior in rural areas like villages in Enugu or Niger State where bank branches are scarce.
2. Over-the-Counter at Bank Branches: Visit any branch of your bank. Fill out a paper transfer or deposit slip with the recipient’s details and submit it with your valid ID (Driver’s License, Voter’s Card, etc.). The teller processes the transaction. This is the best method for large amounts exceeding daily USSD limits or when you need an official paper trail.
3. Through Remittance Centers: For receiving international transfers as cash, visit a licensed bureau de change or agent of services like Western Union or MoneyGram in major cities like Lagos or Abuja. The sender abroad initiates the transfer, and you collect the cash locally with a reference number and ID.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with the right steps, you might hit a snag. Here are common issues Nigerians face when sending money without internet and how to resolve them.
Problem: “Transaction Failed” but Money Was Debited
You get a failure message after entering your PIN, but your account is debited. This is a common “pending reversal” issue often caused by network timeouts with your bank or NIBSS.
Solution: Do not attempt the transfer again immediately. First, check your balance via USSD (*906# for most banks). Wait 24 hours for an automatic reversal. If the money doesn’t return, visit your bank branch or call customer care with the transaction reference number from your SMS alert for escalation.
Problem: Recipient’s Name Mismatch Error
The USSD system shows a name that doesn’t perfectly match your recipient’s known name (e.g., “Adebayo” instead of “Adebayor”).
Solution: Cancel the transaction immediately. Contact the recipient to confirm their exact account name as registered with their bank. Even a small typo by the bank during account opening can cause this. Using the correct account number is not enough; the name must verify.
Problem: USSD Menu Not Responding or Portal Down
You dial the code but get no response, or the menu freezes. This happens frequently during peak hours or due to service maintenance.
Solution: Switch to an alternative method. Use a different network (if your phone is dual-SIM), or visit a nearby POS agent to complete the transfer. For urgent transfers, going directly to a bank branch is the most reliable workaround when USSD is down.
Problem: Daily Transfer Limit Exceeded
You try to send money but get an alert that you’ve surpassed your daily limit, which is often lower for USSD (e.g., ₦500,000) than for online banking.
Solution: You cannot override this limit via USSD. To send a larger amount, you must use an alternative channel. Visit your bank branch to perform an over-the-counter transfer, which has a much higher limit, or split the transaction and send it over multiple days.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Understanding the costs and how long transactions take is key to avoiding surprises. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sets official charges, but additional fees can apply.
For USSD transfers, the CBN-approved fee is a flat ₦6.98 for transactions below ₦5,000 and a maximum of ₦45 for amounts above that. This fee is automatically deducted by your bank.
When using POS agents or merchant outlets, they charge a separate service fee. This is typically between ₦100 to ₦500, depending on the amount and location. Agents in busy Lagos or Abuja hubs may charge less due to competition, while those in remote areas may charge more. Always confirm the total fee before handing over cash to avoid overcharging.
Timelines: USSD and bank branch transfers to accounts within Nigeria are usually instantaneous. However, delays of 5-30 minutes can occur during network glitches or on month-ends. Transfers processed via agents are also typically instant. For any transaction, always wait for the confirmation SMS before assuming it is complete.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
Staying secure is paramount. Be vigilant against these common scams targeting Nigerians during money transfers.
- Fake POS Agents & Overcharging: Only use agents at reputable shops or with clear branding. Unlicensed agents may manipulate POS machines to show failed transactions while pocketing your cash. Always wait for the printed receipt and your SMS alert before leaving.
- Phishing USSD Codes & Fake Portals: Never dial a USSD code sent via SMS or WhatsApp from an unverified number. Scammers create codes like *955# to steal your details. Only use the official code from your bank’s website or the back of your debit card.
- “Helpful” Strangers & Shoulder Surfing: Do not let anyone “assist” you in typing your USSD PIN at an agent stand or cyber café. Shield your phone screen when entering sensitive information to prevent shoulder surfing.
- WhatsApp/Facebook “Urgent Help” Scams: A common ploy is a message from a “friend’s” hacked account asking you to send money urgently via a specific agent number. Always call the person directly on their known number to verify the request before sending any funds.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
The methods described are universally accepted across Nigeria. USSD transfers work between all licensed commercial banks, microfinance banks, and mobile money operators. POS agents are ubiquitous, found in nearly every neighborhood, market, and transport park, from the Ariaria Market in Aba to Computer Village in Lagos.
However, be aware of limitations. Daily transaction limits for USSD are lower than for internet banking, often capped between ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000 depending on your bank. Also, while agent networks are widespread, their liquidity can be limited in remote areas early in the morning or late at night, meaning they may not be able to facilitate large cash withdrawals or deposits.
Your next step is to practice with a small amount. If you’ve never used USSD banking, start by dialing your bank’s code to check your balance. Then, send a small token like ₦500 to a trusted family member’s account to familiarize yourself with the menu. Save your bank’s customer care number (often on the back of your debit card) in your phone for immediate help. Finally, always inform your recipient once you initiate a transfer and ask them to confirm receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money without internet if my phone is not a smartphone?
Absolutely. USSD banking is designed for basic “torchlight” phones that can only make calls and send SMS. As long as your phone number is registered with your bank and linked to your BVN, you can dial the shortcode and complete transfers without any internet data or smartphone features.
Which method is the cheapest to send money without internet in Nigeria?
The cheapest method is using your bank’s USSD code, as charges are capped by the CBN at ₦6.98 to ₦45. Using a POS agent incurs an additional service fee (₦100-₦500), making it more expensive. For the lowest cost, always use USSD if you have the recipient’s correct account details.
How long does it take for a USSD transfer to reflect?
It should be instant. Once you receive the debit alert SMS, the recipient should get their credit alert within seconds. However, during network congestion, especially on month-ends or Fridays, delays of up to 30 minutes can occur. If it takes longer, contact your bank with the transaction reference.
What should I do if a POS agent says the transaction failed but I didn’t get an alert?
Do not leave the agent’s stand. Politely insist on waiting for the SMS alert from your bank, which is your proof. Ask the agent to print the transaction receipt from their machine. If there’s a dispute, immediately call your bank’s customer care from the spot to confirm the transaction status.
Can I send money to Opay or Palmpay without internet?
Yes. For Opay, the recipient can give you their phone number. You can send from your bank account to their Opay account using the *955# USSD code and selecting “Transfer to Opay”. For Palmpay, use their USSD code *933#. You can also use a POS agent that supports these platforms.
Is it safe to use USSD banking on a public or borrowed phone?
It is not recommended. Avoid using public phones or cyber café devices for USSD banking, as your PIN could be stored or seen. If you must use a borrowed phone, clear the SMS inbox and call log containing the USSD menu and your alerts immediately after the transaction.
What is the maximum amount I can send via USSD in a day?
The daily limit varies by bank but is typically between ₦500,000 and ₦1,000,000 for most tier-1 banks. This limit is tied to your BVN. You can check your specific limit by dialing your bank’s USSD code and navigating to the “Limit” or “Services” menu.
Can I receive international money (like from abroad) without internet?
Yes. The sender abroad uses a service like Western Union or MoneyGram. They will give you a Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN). You then take that number and a valid ID (Voter’s Card, International Passport) to any authorized agent location in Nigeria to collect the cash in Naira.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines and standard banking procedures. Financial service charges, USSD codes, and daily limits are subject to change by individual institutions. Always confirm specific details directly with your bank or licensed service provider before initiating transactions. The author is not a licensed financial advisor, and this content does not constitute formal financial advice.