USSD Codes for All Nigerian Banks (2026): Transfer, Airtime and Balance Check Codes
Are you looking for the USSD codes for all Nigerian banks in 2026? Whether you want to transfer money, check your account balance, buy airtime, or pay bills, knowing your bank’s USSD code can make everyday transactions easier.
USSD banking allows customers to access certain banking services directly from their mobile phones without using mobile internet data.
Many Nigerian banks offer USSD banking, including Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GTBank, FirstBank, UBA, Fidelity Bank, and FCMB.
In this article, you will find an updated list of Nigerian bank USSD codes, instructions on how to use them, and useful banking security tips.
What Is a USSD Code?
USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data.
It is a communication technology that allows mobile phone users to access interactive services by dialling short codes.
For example, a GTBank customer can dial *737# to access the bank’s USSD banking menu, while an Access Bank customer can use *901#.
Unlike mobile banking applications, USSD banking generally does not require internet connectivity.
However, users still need a working mobile network connection, and transaction charges or session fees may apply.
List of USSD Codes for Nigerian Banks in 2026
Below are the main USSD banking codes for established Nigerian banks.
| S/N | Bank Name | USSD Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Access Bank | *901# |
| 2 | Ecobank | *326# |
| 3 | FCMB | *329# |
| 4 | Fidelity Bank | *770# |
| 5 | FirstBank | *894# |
| 6 | Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) | *737# |
| 7 | Jaiz Bank | *773# |
| 8 | Keystone Bank | *7111# |
| 9 | Polaris Bank | *833# |
| 10 | Stanbic IBTC Bank | *909# |
| 11 | Standard Chartered Bank | *977# |
| 12 | Sterling Bank | *822# |
| 13 | TAJBank | *898# |
| 14 | Union Bank | *826# |
| 15 | United Bank for Africa (UBA) | *919# |
| 16 | Wema Bank | *945# |
| 17 | Zenith Bank | *966# |
Note: These are widely documented main USSD codes. The codes for TAJBank, Keystone Bank, and Polaris Bank should be reconfirmed through each institution’s official channels before use. Not every licensed bank has a publicly verified USSD service, so this table should not be mistaken for a complete directory of every bank licence in Nigeria.
USSD Codes for Popular Nigerian Banks and How to Use Them
1. Access Bank USSD Code – *901#
Access Bank customers can use *901# for supported transactions such as money transfers, airtime purchases, and account enquiries.
Useful Access Bank codes include:
- Main banking menu:
*901# - Check account balance:
*901*00# - Transfer money:
*901*Amount*AccountNumber# - Buy airtime for yourself:
*901*Amount# - Deactivate account access in an emergency:
*901*911#
For example, to buy ₦1,000 airtime for your registered phone number, dial *901*1000# and follow the instructions.
2. GTBank USSD Code – *737#
Guaranty Trust Bank customers can access several banking services through *737#.
Useful GTBank codes include:
- Main banking menu:
*737# - Check balance:
*737*6*1# - Transfer to a GTBank account:
*737*1*Amount*AccountNumber# - Transfer to another bank:
*737*2*Amount*AccountNumber# - Buy airtime:
*737*Amount# - Open an account:
*737*0#
For example, to initiate a ₦5,000 transfer to another bank, enter the appropriate account number in the transfer shortcut or use the main menu and follow the instructions.
3. Zenith Bank USSD Code – *966#
Zenith Bank provides USSD banking through its *966# EazyBanking service.
Customers can use it to access eligible account services, transfer money, buy airtime, and make account enquiries.
Common shortcuts include:
- Main banking menu:
*966# - Check account balance:
*966*00# - Transfer money:
*966*Amount*AccountNumber# - Buy airtime:
*966*Amount*PhoneNumber# - Open an account:
*966*0#
4. FirstBank USSD Code – *894#
FirstBank customers can use *894# to access supported banking services.
Popular shortcuts include:
- Main banking menu:
*894# - Account balance:
*894*00# - Transfer money:
*894*Amount*AccountNumber# - Buy airtime for yourself:
*894*Amount#
Customers registering for the first time should follow the bank’s official activation instructions.
5. UBA USSD Code – *919#
United Bank for Africa offers USSD banking through *919#.
The service supports eligible transfers, payments, airtime purchases, and other account functions.
To get started, dial *919# from the phone number registered with your UBA account and follow the menu.
Different transactions may have different menu options and confirmation requirements.
6. Fidelity Bank USSD Code – *770#
Fidelity Bank customers can access instant banking services through *770#.
Useful shortcuts include:
- Main service:
*770# - Check account balance:
*770*0# - Transfer funds:
*770*DestinationAccount*Amount# - Open an account:
*770*01# - Change PIN:
*770*00# - Block a card:
*770*911#
Always verify the recipient account details before confirming a transfer.
7. FCMB USSD Code – *329#
First City Monument Bank offers banking services through *329#.
Useful shortcuts include:
- Main banking menu:
*329# - Check account balance:
*329*00# - Transfer money:
*329*Amount*AccountNumber# - Buy airtime:
*329*Amount# - Reset PIN or create a transaction code:
*329*0#
FCMB also provides certain self-service security features through its main USSD menu.
8. Wema Bank USSD Code – *945#
Wema Bank customers can use *945# to access several banking services.
Popular options include:
- Main banking menu:
*945# - Check account balance:
*945*0# - Account opening:
*945*1# - Change PIN:
*945*00# - Register for USSD:
*945*01# - Restrict account access:
*945*911#
Wema Bank’s ALAT customers should follow the bank’s current instructions for any services specific to their account type.
9. Stanbic IBTC USSD Code – *909#
Stanbic IBTC Bank offers USSD banking through *909#.
Customers can access supported services such as transfers, airtime purchases, bill payments, and account opening.
Useful shortcuts include:
- Main banking menu:
*909# - Instant account opening:
*909*37# - Create or change USSD PIN:
*909*11*1#
10. Sterling Bank USSD Code – *822#
Sterling Bank customers can access its USSD banking service through *822#.
The service supports transfers, airtime purchases, account enquiries, and bill payments.
Dial *822# from your registered phone number and follow the prompts.
11. Ecobank USSD Code – *326#
Ecobank customers in Nigeria can access its mobile banking services through *326#.
The service provides access to eligible payment, transfer, airtime, and account-related functions.
Dial *326# and select the required service.
12. Union Bank USSD Code – *826#
Union Bank’s commonly documented USSD code is *826#.
Customers can use its menu for available banking transactions, including transfers and airtime purchases.
Dial *826# and follow the registration or transaction prompts.
13. Standard Chartered Bank USSD Code – *977#
Standard Chartered Bank customers in Nigeria can access eligible banking services through *977#.
Useful shortcuts include:
- Main banking menu:
*977# - Balance enquiry:
*977*00# - Transfer funds:
*977*Amount*AccountNumber# - Buy airtime:
*977*Amount# - Emergency blocking service:
*977*911#
The service is available to eligible individual account holders using their registered mobile numbers.
How to Activate USSD Banking in Nigeria
Although the exact registration process differs by bank, the general steps are similar.
- Ensure you have an eligible account with the bank.
- Use the mobile number registered with your bank account.
- Dial the bank’s official USSD code.
- Select the registration or activation option.
- Follow the identity verification instructions.
- Create a secure transaction PIN when prompted.
- Complete the activation process.
Some banks may request identity information or card-related verification during registration. Only enter such information in a verified official banking channel.
How to Transfer Money Using a Bank USSD Code
To transfer money using USSD banking:
- Dial your bank’s main USSD code.
- Select the transfer option.
- Choose whether the transfer is within your bank or to another bank.
- Enter the recipient’s account number.
- Select the recipient’s bank if required.
- Enter the amount.
- Review the recipient’s displayed name and transaction details.
- Confirm using the required PIN or authentication method.
You should receive confirmation when the transaction is processed.
If the transfer fails or remains pending, contact your bank rather than repeatedly sending the same amount without checking the transaction status.
How to Check Your Bank Account Balance Using USSD
Checking your account balance is one of the most common uses of USSD banking.
For example:
| Bank | Balance Enquiry Code |
|---|---|
| Access Bank | *901*00# |
| GTBank | *737*6*1# |
| Zenith Bank | *966*00# |
| FirstBank | *894*00# |
| Fidelity Bank | *770*0# |
| FCMB | *329*00# |
| Wema Bank | *945*0# |
| Standard Chartered | *977*00# |
These shortcuts may change, so the safest fallback is to dial your bank’s official main USSD menu and select balance enquiry.
Benefits of USSD Banking in Nigeria
USSD banking provides several advantages.
1. No Internet Data Required
Customers can access supported banking services without mobile data.
2. Works on Basic Mobile Phones
USSD banking is available on many ordinary mobile phones, not only smartphones.
3. Convenient Transactions
Customers can transfer money, purchase airtime, and perform other transactions without visiting a bank branch.
4. Supports Financial Inclusion
USSD banking can improve access to financial services for customers who have limited internet connectivity.
5. Useful in Emergencies
Some banks provide emergency codes for restricting accounts, blocking cards, or disabling banking channels.
Are There Charges for Using Bank USSD Codes?
USSD transactions are not necessarily free.
Customers may incur network session charges, transfer fees, or other service charges, depending on the bank, transaction type, and applicable rules.
For example, some banks disclose USSD session charges of ₦6.98 for eligible sessions.
Before confirming a transaction, review the displayed charges and the bank’s current fee schedule.
Important USSD Banking Security Tips
Banking fraud remains a serious concern, especially when criminals impersonate financial institutions.
To protect your account:
- Never share your banking PIN with anyone.
- Do not disclose one-time passwords or authentication codes.
- Avoid dialling unfamiliar codes sent by strangers.
- Confirm recipient names before making transfers.
- Contact your bank immediately if your phone or SIM card is stolen.
- Use official banking websites to verify emergency blocking codes.
- Avoid entering sensitive details on suspicious websites.
Remember that genuine bank staff should not require you to reveal your transaction PIN to resolve an account issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the USSD Code for GTBank?
The GTBank USSD banking code is *737#.
What Is the USSD Code for Access Bank?
Access Bank customers can use *901#.
What Is the USSD Code for Zenith Bank?
Zenith Bank’s USSD banking code is *966#.
What Is the USSD Code for FirstBank?
FirstBank’s commonly documented USSD code is *894#.
What Is the USSD Code for UBA?
UBA customers can use *919# for eligible banking transactions.
Can I Transfer Money Without Internet Data?
Yes. USSD banking allows eligible transactions without mobile internet, provided your mobile network connection is available.
Can I Use USSD Banking Without an ATM Card?
Some banks support registration and transactions without a physical debit card. However, the exact identity verification method depends on the bank.
Why Is My Bank USSD Code Not Working?
Possible reasons include poor network connectivity, insufficient airtime for applicable charges, registration problems, temporary service interruptions, or account restrictions.
Contact your bank if the problem continues.
Can I Use My Bank USSD Code on Another Phone Number?
USSD banking generally requires the phone number linked to the customer’s account. Follow your bank’s official process if you need to change that number.
Conclusion
Knowing the USSD codes for Nigerian banks can help you access essential banking services quickly and conveniently.
Popular codes include *901# for Access Bank, *737# for GTBank, *966# for Zenith Bank, *894# for FirstBank, *919# for UBA, and *770# for Fidelity Bank.
USSD banking remains useful for money transfers, airtime purchases, account enquiries, and other supported services, particularly when internet access is unavailable.
For safe banking, use only your institution’s verified USSD codes, protect your transaction PIN, and confirm all payment details before authorising transactions.