Hey there, are you curious about how to check your BVN number or retrieve it? I know it can be confusing sometimes, but don’t worry, I’m here to help.
People often need to find their BVN number quickly in urgent situations, so they may search for the BVN code or how to check BVN through various means, especially when it involves telecom companies like MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile.
If you’re looking for a straightforward answer, keep reading as this post will guide you on how to obtain your BVN number, how to check it on your phone, and how to retrieve it if necessary.
Additionally, you’ll learn some essential information about your BVN and how to keep it safe from fraud. Let’s get started!
What is a BVN in Nigeria?
BVN stands for Bank Verification Number, and it’s a unique 11-digit number that’s linked to all of your bank accounts in Nigeria. Basically, it’s like an ID card that can be used at any financial institution.
Your BVN contains your personal information like your fingerprint, signature, and selfie photo. It works like an identity card that you can use at any financial institution.
The Nigerian government made it compulsory for everyone to have a BVN to operate a bank account in 2014. If you don’t have a BVN, your bank accounts will be frozen.
Is BVN Important?
Yes, Your BVN is important because it’s verified across every financial institution in Nigeria, and it’s linked to your biological traits such as your fingerprint, signature, and facial photograph.
How to Get Your BVN
To get your BVN, you need to follow these simple steps:
- Visit your bank and ask for a BVN enrollment form.
- Fill out the form and provide a valid ID card (voter’s card, driver’s license, national ID, NIN slip).
- Provide your biometric information by having your fingerprints, photograph, and signature captured.
- After the biometric process, you will be given a ticket ID.
- Your BVN will be issued to you in a few days.
Remember, if you have more than one bank account, you must link them to your BVN to avoid deactivation. To do this, visit any of your banks and fill out a form to complete the process.
Code to Check Your BVN
- To check your BVN number for any bank in Nigeria, simply dial *565*0# using the phone number linked to your bank account.
Your 11-digit BVN will be displayed on your phone screen. It is important to note that there is a charge of up to 20 Naira for using this service.
To avoid frequent charges, you can copy and save your BVN number once it is displayed on your phone.
How to Check Your BVN on MTN
- If you want to check your BVN on MTN, it’s very simple. Just dial *565*0# using the phone number that you used during your BVN enrolment.
Your 11-digit BVN will be displayed on your phone screen. However, please note that there is a charge of up to 20 Naira for this service, so make sure you have at least 20 Naira airtime balance on your MTN line before dialing the code.
How to Check Your BVN on Airtel
- If you have an Airtel SIM card and you want to check your BVN, you need to make sure that you have at least 20 Naira in your account balance. Then, dial the code *565*0# on the Airtel line that you used when registering for your BVN.
Wait for a few moments and your 11-digit BVN will be displayed on your phone’s screen. Sometimes it may take longer for the number to appear, so be patient.
How to Check Your BVN on Glo
- To check your BVN with your Glo SIM, dial *565*0# and your 11 digit BVN number will appear on your phone’s screen.
This service costs ₦20, so make sure you have at least ₦20 in your main account balance on your Glo line before dialing the code.
How to Check Your BVN on 9mobile
- To check your BVN on 9mobile, dial *565*0# using the phone number you registered with for your BVN.
Your 11-digit BVN will then appear on your phone’s screen as a pop-up message. It is important to note that this is a premium service that costs 20 Naira, so ensure that you have enough airtime before dialing the code.
How to Check Your BVN Online
- To check your Bank Verification Number (BVN) online, simply open your Bank’s mobile banking app on your mobile device and log in.
- Then, click on the menu option, which is usually represented by three dashes, and you will find your 11-digit BVN displayed somewhere on your screen.
Unlike the USSD code to check BVN, checking your BVN online via your bank’s Mobile App is free of charge. That means you won’t be charged any 20 Naira whatsoever. The only thing required is a data connection.
Alternatively, you can check your BVN online by visiting the NIBSS BVN Online Portal, entering your BVN details, and password, and clicking on the “Login” button.
How to Check Your BVN on Phone
It is very easy to check your BVN on your mobile phone, and the good news is that there are different ways to do this. Here are some options:
- Dial BVN USSD Code: Just dial *565*0# on the phone line you used to enroll for BVN.
- Use Bank’s Mobile App: Open your bank’s mobile app, select the menu option, and your BVN will be displayed.
- Visit BVN Online Website: Open your web browser and go to the NIBSS BVN ONLINE PORTAL, then follow the prompts to check your BVN.
BVN Code for All Banks
- To check your BVN for any bank in Nigeria, you can easily dial *565*0# on the phone number used during BVN registration.
Once you dial this code, your 11-digit BVN will be displayed on your phone’s screen. However, please note that a service fee of N20 will be charged for this service.
This code works for all banks in Nigeria, including GTB, First Bank, UBA, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Ecobank, Polaris, Union, Unity Bank, and many more.
How to Retrieve BVN Without Phone Number
- If you have lost your phone number linked to your BVN, you can still retrieve your 11-digit bank verification number by visiting your bank.
- Make sure you have an active account with the bank.
- The bank may require you to fill out a form or answer some questions to verify your identity.
- Once verified, they will provide you with your BVN.
Benefits and Uses of BVN
For Nigerian bank account holders, having a BVN is essential due to its benefits and uses.
- BVN serves as a means of financial identification across all banks in Nigeria, protecting all bank accounts from unauthorized access and transactions.
- It also makes it easy to track financial transactions across all bank accounts of an individual, limiting internet/cyber fraud.
- Additionally, having a BVN makes it easier to obtain instant loans from financial institutions, and it helps to standardize the efficiency of banking operations.
These benefits make it necessary for all bank account holders to have a BVN.
Cost of Checking Your BVN
It has been repeatedly mentioned how to check BVN on various network providers including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, as well as the BVN USSD code for all banks.
However, if you missed it earlier, here’s a reminder.
- Checking your BVN number using any network provider’s SIM card is not free, as it is a premium service that incurs a charge of up to ₦20.
- This implies that each time you dial the code to check your BVN on your line, you will be charged ₦20.
Frequently Asked Questions about Checking Your BVN
To check your BVN number, simply dial *565*0# on your phone.
*565*0# is the general USSD code for BVN that works with every bank and network provider in Nigeria.
Dial *565*0# and copy or write down the 11-digit number displayed on your phone’s screen to get your BVN.
If you don’t have sufficient airtime, you can check your BVN on your bank’s mobile app. Log in, click on the menu option and you would find the number somewhere on the screen.
No, you cannot have more than one BVN. One BVN can be linked to all your accounts across every bank in Nigeria.
You can get your BVN by dialing *565*0# or using your bank’s mobile app to check your BVN.
How can I check my BVN without a phone number?
You can check your BVN without a phone number by visiting your bank, filling out a form, and submitting it to retrieve your BVN.
How do I check my BVN phone number?
Dial *565*0# on the line linked to your bank account. If your BVN is displayed on your screen, then that line is your BVN phone number. If 11 digits are not displayed, then visit your bank and ask to know your BVN phone number.
How many digits is a BVN?
A BVN in Nigeria is 11 digits long.
How can I use my BVN to check account details?
To check your account details with your BVN, visit your bank and fill in the given form with your BVN and other necessary information.
What is an example of a BVN number?
A BVN is an 11-digit number. An example could be 12345678901 (not a real BVN).
How do I know my BVN?
You can know your BVN by dialing the USSD code to check the BVN or by logging into your bank’s mobile app and navigating to the menu bar.
To Wrap It Up…
In Nigeria, having a Bank Verification Number (BVN) is mandatory to operate a bank account. Your account will be blocked without one.
Nowadays, BVN is required for various transactions such as opening new accounts, upgrading your account, applying for loans, making corrections to your details, and more. This post has provided information on how to check BVN on any network provider, including MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile.
I hope this post has been helpful. Do you have any questions or contributions? Leave a comment in the comment section.