How to Open a Moniepoint Personal Account (BVN or NIN, Step by Step)

Moniepoint's support page says that without a correct BVN or NIN, your account stays at Level 0. That one step is what turns a sign-up into a usable account.

What you'll need

• A smartphone with the Moniepoint Personal Banking app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Your phone number or email address.
• Your BVN or NIN.
• Good lighting for a face check.
• Your residential address.

How to open the account, step by step

These are the steps Moniepoint describes in its own guide:

1. Download the Moniepoint Personal Banking app and open it.
2. Sign up with your phone number or email address.
3. Set a password and a transaction PIN.
4. Log in and tap Proceed in the Create Account section.
5. Choose NIN or BVN verification and tap Next.
6. If details linked to your phone number appear and they're yours, confirm them. If not, enter your NIN or BVN yourself.
7. Do the face verification: position your face in the oval and follow the prompts.
8. Add the remaining Level 1 details, such as your residential address and attestation.

If a screen looks different on your phone, follow the app's prompts. They're the version that counts.

The KYC levels, and what each one needs

Level	What Moniepoint asks for
Level 0	Signed up but no BVN or NIN yet; limited use
Level 1	Correct BVN or NIN, face verification, residential address, PEP status, source of income and attestation
Level 2	BVN or NIN (whichever you haven't given), matching names and date of birth on both, plus next of kin
Level 3	Levels 1 and 2 done, then face verification, address details, proof of address upload, address verification and an indemnity

Each level raises your transaction limits. Moniepoint lists the current limits for each level in its guide and app, so check there rather than relying on a figure that may have changed.

The catch at Level 2: your records must match

This is where many people get stuck. Moniepoint's support page says your names and date of birth must match on both your NIN and your BVN. If your BVN says one spelling and your NIN another, or the dates differ, the upgrade fails. The fix isn't in the app: you have to correct the record at your bank or with NIMC first. Check both records before you try to upgrade.

If your NIN won't verify

• "Invalid NIN": Moniepoint says the number entered is wrong. Retrieve the right one by dialling *346# from the number you registered with NIMC.
• "Verification failed": contact Moniepoint support on +234 201 888 9990 or [email protected] for an explanation.
• Face check fails: Moniepoint says you can retry. Use good light, remove glasses and hold the phone at eye level.

Tips for a face check that passes first time

• Stand facing a window or a bright light, not with the light behind you.
• Hold the phone at eye level and keep your whole face inside the oval.
• Take off sunglasses or a cap, and keep your expression natural unless the app asks you to smile.
• Make sure the photo on your NIN record is recent enough to look like you. Moniepoint compares your face with the picture in the NIN database.

If it keeps failing, close the app, check your internet connection and try again later. A weak connection can stop the upload part-way through.

Business account or personal account?

Moniepoint has a separate business account for registered businesses. Its support page lists different requirements for that, including your business registration type, RC number, TIN and CAC documents. If you're a freelancer or creator being paid as an individual, the personal account is the one you want. You can always open a business account later once your business is registered.

Finding your BVN or NIN first

Don't know your numbers? Dial *565*0# from your BVN-linked number for your BVN. For your NIN, the NCC's FAQ says to dial *346# and press 1 from the number you registered with NIMC, or check your enrolment slip.

After you open it

Once you're verified, set up the basics before you share your account number with anyone. Turn on transaction alerts so every credit and debit shows up straight away. Add your next of kin early, since you'll need it for Level 2 anyway. Save the support number and email from Moniepoint's guide in your contacts, so you're not searching social media for a helpline when something goes wrong. That's how people end up calling fake numbers.

If you plan to receive payments from clients, send yourself a small test transfer from another bank first and check it lands. It's a two-minute check that saves an awkward conversation with a client later.

Is Moniepoint right for you?

Moniepoint is a licensed microfinance bank, and its personal app suits everyday payments and receiving transfers. If you're earning online and want a Naira account for payouts, it's a reasonable option alongside a traditional bank. I'd get to Level 2 straight away, since payouts and transfers bump into Level 1 limits quickly.

For the wider picture on getting paid from abroad, see my guides to Payoneer in Nigeria and earning apps that pay through OPay or PalmPay.

Stay safe

Download the app only from the official app store. Never share your password, transaction PIN or OTP with anyone, including someone claiming to be from Moniepoint. And be wary of anyone offering to "upgrade your level" for you. The upgrade only happens inside your own app, with your own face check.

Frequently asked questions

Can I open a Moniepoint account with NIN only?

Yes. Moniepoint accepts a BVN or NIN for Level 1. You'll need both, with matching details, for Level 2.

Why is my Moniepoint account still on Level 0?

Moniepoint says accounts stay at Level 0 until you provide a correct BVN or NIN.

What does Moniepoint need for Level 3?

Levels 1 and 2 completed, then face verification, address details, proof of address, address verification and an indemnity.

What should I do if my NIN says invalid?

Retrieve the correct NIN by dialling *346# from your NIMC-registered number and try again.