Whether you’re a small business owner in a busy Lagos market or a student in a remote village, staying connected to your money shouldn’t depend on a 4G signal.
We’ve all been there: you need to pay for a taxi or send money to a loved one, but your mobile data is exhausted or the banking app keeps spinning. In Nigeria, the “No Internet, No Problem” solution is USSD banking. This guide provides the most updated list of Nigerian bank USSD codes for 2026, including traditional banks and the fastest-growing fintechs like OPay, Moniepoint, and PalmPay. Are you ready, Let’s get started.
Full List of Nigerian Bank USSD Codes (2026 Updated)
To use USSD codes for banking in Nigeria, dial your bank’s specific shortcode (e.g., *737# for GTBank) from the phone number registered to your account. You can transfer money, buy airtime, and check balances without an internet connection or a smartphone. Note that a standard ₦6.98 network session fee applies to most USSD transactions as per the latest NCC and CBN regulations.
| Bank Name | Primary USSD Code | Main Features (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| First Bank | *894# | Transfers, Airtime, Mini-statements |
| GTBank | *737# | Fast transfers, Data, One-off payments |
| Zenith Bank | *966# | Account opening, Balance, E-bills |
| Access Bank | *901# | PIN reset, Cardless withdrawal, Loans |
| UBA | *919# | Bills, Airtime, Offline transfers |
| OPay | *955# | Fintech transfers, Betting, POS cash |
| PalmPay | *861# | Cashback recharges, Transfers, Security |
| Moniepoint | *5573# | Business banking, POS retrieval, Transfers |
| Fidelity Bank | *770# | Account funding, Airtime (Self/Others) |
| FCMB | *329# | Data purchase, PIN reset, Transfers |
| Wema (ALAT) | *945# | Digital banking menu, Bill payments |
| Sterling Bank | *822# | Manage cards, Transfers, Balance |
| Union Bank | *826# | PIN creation, Secure transfers |
| Stanbic IBTC | *909# | Pension checks, Mutual funds, Transfers |
| Polaris Bank | *833# | BVN updates, Account blocking |
| Ecobank | *326# | Rapid transfer, Airtime top-up |
| Unity Bank | *7799# | Betting wallet (Bet9ja), Balance check |
| Kuda Bank | *894# | (Partnered with FirstBank for deposits) |
💡 Pro Tip: If your banking app is failing during a “bad network” day, the USSD string usually still goes through because it uses the cellular signal (GSM) rather than data (GPRS/LTE).
How to Transfer Money and Buy Airtime via USSD
Using these codes is straightforward, but most banks now allow you to “short-cut” the menu by typing a direct string. This saves time and prevents session timeouts.
Step-by-Step: Sending Money (The Generic Way)
- Dial your bank’s code (e.g., *901# for Access Bank).
- Select the “Transfer” option from the on-screen menu.
- Enter the amount you wish to send.
- Input the recipient’s 10-digit NUBAN account number.
- Select the recipient’s bank from the list provided.
- Enter your 4-digit or 5-digit USSD PIN to authorize.
Fast Airtime Recharge Strings
- Self Recharge: Dial *BankCode*Amount# (e.g., *894*500# for ₦500 on First Bank).
- Third-Party Recharge: Dial *BankCode*Amount*PhoneNumber# (e.g., *737*1000*08012345678# for GTBank).
The 2026 CBN Cash Policy: What You Need to Know
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) updated its cash withdrawal policy effective January 1, 2026. These rules directly impact how much you can move or withdraw via USSD and other channels.
- Individual Limit: You can withdraw or transfer up to ₦500,000 per week across all channels (ATM, USSD, POS).
- Corporate Limit: Businesses are capped at ₦5 million per week.
- Excess Fees: If you exceed these limits, individuals pay a 3% fee on the extra amount, while corporates pay 5%.
- No Deposit Fees: Great news—the CBN has removed all charges for cash deposits in 2026!
Understanding these limits is vital for your business growth, especially if you handle high-volume transactions daily.
Why USSD Banking Saved My Life: A Personal Experience
Last month, I was traveling to a remote part of Ogun State. My car broke down, and the mechanic didn’t have a POS machine. To make matters worse, my phone had “Emergency Calls Only” for data, so my mobile banking apps were useless.
The great news is? USSD worked.
I dialed *955# (OPay), sent the ₦15,000 repair fee to the mechanic’s Zenith Bank account, and received the debit alert via SMS within seconds. Even without a 4G signal, I wasn’t stranded. If you haven’t set up your USSD PIN yet, you are leaving your financial safety to chance. It takes less than two minutes to activate.
Top Fintech USSD Codes: OPay, PalmPay, and Moniepoint
Digital banks have taken over Nigeria because of their speed. If you use these platforms, here are the direct codes you need for 2026.
OPay USSD Code (*955#)
OPay is a favorite for its 99% transaction success rate. Use *955*2*Amount*AccountNumber# to send money to any bank. If you lose your phone, immediately dial *955*131# from any other phone to block your account and protect your funds.
PalmPay USSD Code (*861#)
PalmPay is famous for giving recharges at a discount. Dial *861# to access their menu. It’s particularly useful for paying utility bills like DSTV or electricity when your data is off.
Moniepoint USSD Code (*5573#)
Mainly used by business owners, Moniepoint’s USSD code *5573# is robust. It allows you to check your POS daily sales and transfer funds to suppliers even when you aren’t near your shop’s terminal.
How to Reset or Change Your USSD PIN
Forgot your PIN? Don’t panic. You don’t always need to visit the bank. Most banks allow a reset if you have your Debit Card and BVN handy.
- First Bank: Dial *894*0# and follow the prompts to reset.
- Zenith Bank: Dial *966*60# to manage your PIN settings.
- Access Bank: Dial *901*0# to create or change your transaction PIN.
💡 Pro Tip: Never use easy-to-guess PINs like 1234, 0000, or your birth year. Fraudsters often try these first if they get hold of your SIM card.
Security Checklist: Protecting Your USSD Banking
USSD is convenient, but it can be a target for “SIM Swap” fraud. Follow these rules to stay safe in 2026:
- SIM Card Lock: Set a PIN on your SIM card itself (via phone settings). This prevents thieves from putting your SIM in another phone to dial bank codes.
- Never Share OTP: No bank official will ever ask for your USSD PIN or an OTP (One-Time Password) over the phone.
- Report Stolen Phones: If your phone is missing, immediately dial your bank’s “Deactivate” code from a friend’s phone. For example, First Bank users should dial *894*911#.
If you’re looking for more ways to manage money digitally, you might want to learn how to transfer Trust Wallet funds or explore how to borrow money instantly for emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the *737# code only for GTBank?
Yes. *737# is the exclusive USSD code for Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank). Other banks have their unique codes, such as *894# for First Bank and *919# for UBA.
2. Why am I being charged ₦6.98 for every dial?
This is a mandatory USSD session charge implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the CBN. It goes to the telecom providers (MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9Mobile) for providing the infrastructure that allows you to bank without data.
3. Can I use USSD codes on a “Palasa” or feature phone?
Absolutely. USSD technology was designed specifically to work on all mobile devices, from the oldest Nokia button phones to the latest Samsung S25 Ultra.
4. What is the USSD code for OPay and PalmPay?
The OPay USSD code is *955# and the PalmPay USSD code is *861#. Both allow you to perform transfers and pay bills without internet access.
5. How do I block my account if my phone is stolen?
Every bank has an emergency “Stop” code. For instance, dial *901*911# for Access Bank or *894*911# for First Bank from any phone to deactivate your profile immediately.
6. Can I transfer money to other banks via USSD?
Yes. All Nigerian bank USSD codes support Inter-bank transfers. You will be asked to select the recipient’s bank from a list during the transaction process.
Final Thoughts
Banking in 2026 is faster than ever, but knowing these Nigerian bank USSD codes ensures you are never locked out of your funds, regardless of your internet connection or location. Whether you are managing a growing business or just sending money to family, these codes are your financial safety net.
Which bank code do you use the most, and have you ever had issues with the ₦6.98 session charge? Let us know in the comments below!
