How do I check my BVN using USSD?
Dial *565*0# from the phone number that's registered to your BVN. This only works from that specific SIM. Dialing from any other number returns an error rather than your BVN.
- Confirm you're using the phone number linked to your BVN.
- Dial *565*0# and press call.
- Follow any verification prompt. You may be asked to confirm the last four digits of a linked account.
- Your 11-digit BVN displays on screen within seconds.
A fee of roughly ₦20 is deducted from your airtime for this service. It works across MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile. The network doesn't matter, only whether the SIM is the one tied to your BVN record.
How do I check my BVN through my bank's app?
Most Nigerian bank apps display your BVN inside your profile or account details screen once you're logged in. No separate request or waiting period.
- Log in to your bank's official app (GTBank, Access, Zenith, UBA, First Bank and most others support this).
- Go to your profile, account information, or "My Details" section.
- Your BVN is usually listed alongside your account number and registered phone number.
This method is free and doesn't require your BVN-registered SIM to be active. It works as long as you can log in to your banking app.
How do I check my BVN through internet banking?
If your bank offers a web-based internet banking portal, your BVN is typically listed in the same place as your app: under your profile or account details after login. This is a useful fallback if you don't have your banking app installed on the device you're using, or if you'd rather not log in on a shared phone.
How do I check my BVN at a bank branch?
Visit any branch of a bank where you hold an account and bring a valid means of identification. A staff member can look up your BVN once your identity is confirmed.
This is the slowest method but the most reliable one if you no longer have access to your registered phone number and don't use mobile or internet banking. It doesn't depend on any SIM or app at all.
Which BVN-checking method should I use?
| Method | Speed | Cost | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| USSD (*565*0#) | Seconds | ~₦20 | Your BVN-registered SIM active |
| Bank app | Under a minute | Free | App login, any device |
| Internet banking | Under a minute | Free | Web login, any device |
| Branch visit | Same day, but slowest | Free | Valid ID, no phone/app needed |
If you have your registered SIM on hand, USSD is fastest. If you've lost that number, the app or internet banking is the better route. Reserve the branch visit for when neither of those is an option.
What if I don't have a BVN yet?
These checking methods only work if you're already enrolled. If you've never had a BVN, you'll need to enrol first at any Nigerian bank branch, which involves an application form, fingerprint and facial biometric capture, and an acknowledgement slip before your BVN is generated.
For the full enrolment process, along with how to fix a BVN that doesn't match your bank account name or date of birth, see Explainer.NG's complete BVN guide.
People also ask
Is *565*0# free?
No. It carries a fee of approximately ₦20, deducted from your airtime balance. If you'd rather avoid the charge, your bank's app or internet banking shows the same BVN for free.
Can someone else check my BVN for me?
Only if they have access to your registered phone number and dial *565*0# themselves, or if you share your banking app login, which isn't advisable. For your own security, check it yourself using one of the methods above.
Does *565*0# work on any network?
Yes. MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile all support the code. What matters is that the SIM in the phone is the specific number registered to your BVN, not which network that number is on.