First Bank USSD Code (*894#): The Ultimate Guide to Banking in 2026
Have you ever been stuck at a supermarket checkout with a “declined” card and zero data on your phone?
It is a frustrating experience that most of us have faced at least once. But here is the deal: banking in 2026 does not have to depend on a 5G connection or a fancy smartphone. Whether you are using the latest iPhone or a trusty “kpalasa” feature phone, you can take full control of your finances in seconds.
I remember helping a friend who had lost his wallet and phone at a crowded event. He was panicked about his bank account being drained. Within two minutes, we used my phone to dial a simple code that blocked his account instantly. That is the power of knowing your way around USSD banking.
In this guide, I will show you exactly how to master the First Bank USSD code to transfer money, buy airtime, and secure your hard-earned cash without ever stepping into a banking hall.
The Magic Number: What is the First Bank USSD Code?
The official First Bank USSD code is *894#. This “magic number” is the gateway to the Quick Banking service, allowing First Bank customers to perform transactions 24/7 without internet data.
By dialing *894#, you get instant access to a menu-driven platform where you can:
- Transfer money to any bank in Nigeria.
- Check your real-time account balance.
- Buy airtime and data for yourself or others.
- Generate mini-statements of your last five transactions.
- Pay utility bills like DStv and GOtv.
The best part? It works on MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile. While there is a standard network charge of N6.98 per session (stipulated by the CBN), the convenience of banking from your palm is worth every kobo.
How to Register First Bank USSD for the First Time
Are you ready to start banking on the go? Registration is simple, but you will need your First Bank debit card (ATM card) handy for this one-time setup.
Follow these steps to activate your profile:
- Dial *894*0# on the phone number linked to your First Bank account.
- A list of masked debit card numbers linked to your account will appear on your screen.
- Select your preferred debit card from the list.
- Enter the 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) for that ATM card.
- Create a new 5-digit USSD PIN (This is the secret code you will use to authorize all future USSD transactions).
Now: Your registration is complete! You can now send money or buy airtime anytime. If you ever need to reset this, simply dial the same registration code (*894*0#) to start over.
Transfer Money Instantly with First Bank Transfer Code
Sending money shouldn’t feel like a chore. With the First Bank transfer code, you can move funds to family and friends in less than 30 seconds.
To send money, use this syntax: *894AmountAccount Number#
For example, if you want to send N5,000 to an account number 1234567890, you would dial *89450001234567890#.
Step-by-Step Transfer Guide
- Dial the transfer string (*894AmountAccount Number#).
- Select the beneficiary’s bank from the list that appears.
- Confirm the name of the person you are sending money to (always double-check this!).
- Enter your 5-digit USSD PIN to authorize the payment.
It gets better: If you are sending money to another First Bank user, the transaction is often even faster. For broader banking needs, you can check out our list of other Nigerian bank USSD codes to help your friends on other networks.
How to Check Your First Bank Balance and Mini-Statement
Ever wondered exactly how much is left in your account before making a purchase? You don’t need to find an ATM or log into an app.
To check your balance, simply dial: *894*00#
Your real-time balance for all linked accounts will be displayed on your screen instantly. If you need more detail, you can request a mini-statement by dialing *894*Account Number#. This will send you an SMS showing your last five transactions, which is perfect for tracking where your money went.
Buy Airtime and Data in Seconds
Running out of credit in the middle of an important call is the worst. Thankfully, the First Bank airtime code is one of the fastest ways to top up.
Recharge for Yourself
Simply dial *894*Amount#. If you want N2,000 airtime, dial *894*2000#. The airtime is credited to your registered SIM immediately.
Recharge for Others
To send “urgent 2k” airtime to a friend, dial *894AmountPhone Number#. You will be prompted to enter your 5-digit PIN to confirm the gift.
Buying Data
In 2026, staying connected is a priority. Dial *894*2# to see the data menu. From here, you can select daily, weekly, or monthly bundles for your specific network provider.
Security First: How to Block Your First Bank Account
If you lose your phone or suspect a fraudster has access to your account, every second counts. You must act fast to protect your funds.
The First Bank emergency code to block your account or deactivate USSD is *894*911#.
What happens when you dial *894*911#?
- Instant Deactivation: Your mobile number is immediately removed from the USSD banking profile.
- Account Freeze: You can choose to block all transactions on your account until you visit a branch.
- Peace of Mind: Even if a thief has your phone, they cannot move your money without your PIN or access to the deactivated service.
Bold Tip: You can dial this code from any phone (not just yours) to block your account in an emergency. Just follow the prompts to enter your registered phone number.
First Bank USSD Limits and Charges in 2026
To keep your account safe, First Bank sets daily limits on USSD transactions. If you need to send millions, you will need to use the FirstMobile app or visit a branch, but for daily needs, the USSD limits are quite generous.
| Transaction Type | Daily Limit (N) | Service Charge (N) |
|---|---|---|
| Money Transfer | 100,000 | N6.98 (Network) + Transfer Fee |
| Airtime Recharge | 10,000 | Free (Network charge only) |
| Bill Payments | 50,000 | Varies by Biller |
| Account Balance | N/A | N6.98 |
Remember: These limits are designed to protect you. If someone gets hold of your PIN, they can’t empty a multi-million naira account in one go.
Pay Bills: DStv, GOtv, and Electricity
Why join a queue to pay for cable TV? You can use the *894# menu to keep your entertainment running.
- Dial *894# and select “Pay Bills” (usually option 3).
- Choose the category (e.g., Cable TV).
- Select your provider like DStv or GOtv.
- Enter your Smartcard or IUC number.
- Confirm the amount and enter your PIN.
For a more detailed guide on managing your cable subscriptions, check out our articles on how to subscribe DStv and activating GOtv online.
Troubleshooting: Why is My First Bank USSD Not Working?
Here’s the deal: Sometimes the code just won’t go through. Before you panic and head to the bank, check these common issues:
- Incorrect SIM: Ensure you are dialing from the exact phone number registered with your First Bank account.
- Network Issues: If your signal bars are low, USSD requests may time out. Move to a spot with better reception.
- Insufficient Airtime: Remember the N6.98 network charge. If you have N0.00 airtime balance on your SIM, the session might not start.
- Blocked Profile: If you enter the wrong PIN three times, your USSD profile will be locked for security. You will need to dial *894*0# to reset it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use First Bank USSD without an ATM card?
No, you cannot complete the full registration for transfers and bill payments without an active debit card. However, you can use *894*0# to open a new account or link your BVN even if you don’t have a card yet.
Is there a fee for checking my balance?
Yes, there is a standard network fee of N6.98 applied to every successful USSD session in Nigeria, including balance enquiries.
How do I change my First Bank USSD PIN?
Simply dial *894*0#. This is the universal code for registration and PIN resets. Follow the prompts to enter your card details and choose a new 5-digit PIN.
Does First Bank USSD work on iPhones?
Absolutely. The code *894# works on any mobile device that can make a phone call, regardless of the operating system.
What should I do if I forget my USSD PIN?
Don’t worry! You can reset it by dialing *894*0#. You will need your ATM card digits and your ATM PIN to verify your identity before creating a new USSD PIN.
Can I transfer money to other banks using USSD?
Yes, you can transfer to all commercial banks and most licensed microfinance banks in Nigeria using the *894AmountAccount Number# string.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the First Bank USSD code is like having a bank branch in your pocket. It is fast, secure, and works when your data plan fails you. From sending money in an emergency to blocking your account when things go wrong, *894# is a tool every Nigerian should know by heart.
Now that you know how to handle your banking via code, have you set up your 5-digit PIN yet? If not, dial *894*0# right now and get started!
Do you have any questions about a specific code that didn’t work for you? Let me know in the comments below!
