- What a BVN is, in one paragraph
- Every way to check your BVN
- Check your BVN by USSD, step by step
- The catch: the code only works on one number
- Lost your BVN-linked number? Try these
- BVN or NIN: which one are they asking for?
- Updating the phone number on your BVN
- Keep your BVN private
- When the code doesn't work
- Why you'll need your BVN to get paid
- My advice
- Frequently asked questions
To check your BVN, dial *565*0# from the phone number you used when you registered your BVN. Your 11-digit Bank Verification Number shows on the screen within seconds, on any phone, with or without internet.
The code only works from the number linked to your BVN. If you've lost that line, you'll need one of the other routes below: the NIBSS portal, the NIBSS BVN helpdesk, your bank, or a NIMC office.
What a BVN is, in one paragraph
Your Bank Verification Number is a unique 11-digit number that links all your bank accounts in Nigeria to you and your biometric data. Kuda Microfinance Bank's guide notes it was launched on 14 February 2014 by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). Banks, fintech apps and wallets ask for it when you open an account or upgrade your limits, which is why you'll need it again and again.
Every way to check your BVN
| Method | What you need | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| USSD *565*0# | The phone number linked to your BVN | Fastest; works without internet; a small network fee may apply |
| NIBSS validation portal | Full name, date of birth and BVN-linked phone number | A small verification fee applies |
| NIBSS BVN helpdesk | Call 0700-2255-226 or email [email protected] | Give your name, date of birth, email and BVN-linked number |
| Your bank | Your account details and ID | Ask in the app, at a branch or by phone |
| NIMC office | Your NIN | Useful if you've lost the BVN-linked line |
Check your BVN by USSD, step by step
- Use the SIM that was registered with your BVN.
- Open your phone's dialler.
- Dial *565*0# and press call.
- Your BVN appears on the screen. Write it down or screenshot it somewhere private.
Kuda's guide says this works across MTN, Glo and Airtel, on any phone. Your network may deduct a small service charge from your airtime.
The catch: the code only works on one number
This is the bit that trips most people up. The USSD code only returns your BVN if you dial from the exact number linked to it. Dialling from your other SIM, or a new line, won't work. If you changed numbers years ago and never updated your bank, you'll need the helpdesk, the NIBSS portal or your bank instead.
It's worth fixing while you're at it. Ask your bank to update the phone number on your BVN record, so future checks, OTPs and alerts reach the phone you use today.
Lost your BVN-linked number? Try these
- Your bank's app: some apps show your BVN on the profile or account details screen.
- A branch visit: take ID, and the bank can confirm your BVN and update your phone number.
- NIBSS BVN helpdesk: call 0700-2255-226 or email [email protected] with your full name, date of birth, email address and the phone number linked to your BVN.
- A NIMC office: Kuda's guide says you can check at a NIMC office if you have a NIN.
BVN or NIN: which one are they asking for?
Wallets and banks now ask for one or both. Your BVN comes from your bank and links your bank accounts. Your NIN, the National Identification Number, comes from NIMC and links your national identity. The NCC's FAQ notes that some BVN holders were automatically allocated a NIN, and suggests dialling *346# from the number linked to your BVN to see if you have one. If an app asks for both, the names and date of birth on the two records should match, or the check will fail.
Updating the phone number on your BVN
If the number linked to your BVN is one you no longer use, the USSD check, OTPs and some app sign-ups will keep failing. The fix sits with your bank, not with an app. Visit a branch of a bank where you hold an account, take a valid ID, and ask to update the phone number on your BVN record. Banks may ask you to fill in a form and confirm your identity with your fingerprints. Once it's updated, dial *565*0# from the new number to confirm it worked.
Do the same if your name or date of birth on the BVN is wrong. A mismatch between your BVN and NIN is one of the most common reasons wallet upgrades fail, and only the record holder can correct it.
Keep a note of the date you made the change and the staff member who helped. If the new number still doesn't work after a few days, you'll have the details to follow up.
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Keep your BVN private
Your BVN on its own can't empty your account, but it's a key piece of your identity. Only give it to your bank or a licensed app you're signing up with. Never share it with someone who calls or messages claiming your account will be blocked unless you "update your BVN". That's one of the most common scams in Nigeria. Your bank won't ask for your BVN, PIN or OTP over the phone. If you think your details have been misused, report it to your bank immediately.
When the code doesn't work
- No response or an error: check you're dialling from the BVN-linked line and that it has airtime.
- Number linked to several BVNs or inactive: use the helpdesk or your bank.
- Network trouble: try again later, or switch to the NIBSS portal.
Why you'll need your BVN to get paid
If you earn online, a BVN is part of nearly every payout route in Nigeria. Domiciliary accounts, wallets and many payout platforms ask for it during verification. My guides on PayPal in Nigeria, Payoneer in Nigeria and receiving AdSense payments in Nigeria show where it comes in.
My advice
Dial *565*0# once today from your BVN-linked number and save the result somewhere safe and private. If the code doesn't work because you've changed numbers, sort it out with your bank now, before a payout or account upgrade forces you to rush.
Frequently asked questions
What is the code to check BVN?
Dial *565*0# from the phone number linked to your BVN.
Can I check my BVN from another number?
No. The USSD code only works from the BVN-linked number. Use the NIBSS helpdesk, the NIBSS portal, your bank or a NIMC office instead.
Is checking my BVN free?
Not always. Your network may charge a small fee for the USSD check, and the NIBSS portal charges a small verification fee.
How many digits is a BVN?
A BVN is a unique 11-digit number.
