HOW-TO

How to Check Your Bank Account Balance With USSD

A short USSD code on the SIM linked to your account lets you see your bank balance in seconds, even on a basic phone with no data.

Step by step

1. Dial from your registered SIMUse the phone number linked to your bank account. USSD balance checks will not work from an unregistered line.
2. Enter your bank's USSD codeFor example GTBank *737#, Access Bank *901#, UBA *919#, Zenith *966# or First Bank *894#. Confirm the exact current code on your bank's official website.
3. Select the Balance optionChoose 'Check Balance' or 'Account Balance' from the menu. GTBank customers can dial the shortcut *737*6*1# to reach account details directly.
4. Enter your USSD PINType the 4-digit USSD banking PIN you set up. Do not enter your card PIN, BVN or any OTP.
5. Read your balanceYour available balance shows on screen and often arrives by SMS. Close the session when done.

Why USSD is handy for balances

Because USSD runs over the plain mobile network, you can see your balance on any handset, with no data and no app. That makes it the fastest option when you are at a market stall, on a basic phone, or simply out of data. The trade-off is that the service is tied to the SIM you registered with your bank, so you must dial from that line.

Codes vary, so confirm yours

There is no one balance code for Nigeria. Each bank runs its own USSD service and arranges the menu differently, so the Balance option sits in a different place from bank to bank. The common main codes are GTBank *737#, Access Bank *901#, UBA *919#, Zenith Bank *966# and First Bank *894#. Some banks also publish a direct balance shortcut, but these change from time to time, so treat the official website or your card leaflet as the source of truth rather than a forwarded WhatsApp list.

What you need first

You need your registered SIM, a little airtime for the session fee, and your 4-digit USSD PIN. If you have never set up USSD banking, most banks let you activate it by dialling the main code and following the registration prompts, which usually ask for part of your card details on the device itself. Make sure your BVN and phone number are correctly tied to the account, as a mismatch is a common reason USSD refuses to work.

When USSD fails

If the code hangs or errors, try again after a few minutes, since network congestion is common. Confirm you are on the registered SIM and have airtime. If it still fails, your bank app or an ATM will show the balance, and you can also check your account number with USSD to be sure you are looking at the right account. A blank or error response can also mean the session simply timed out, so avoid pausing too long between menu choices. Persistent failures are worth reporting to your bank through its official customer-care line, using the number on the back of your card rather than one sent to you.

Staying safe on USSD

The same code that shows your balance can also move money, so guard your USSD PIN and never dial codes that a stranger sends you. If you ever lose the phone, see how to block your account if your phone is stolen immediately, because whoever holds your registered SIM can attempt transactions.

SabiGuide is an independent guide and is not affiliated with any government agency. Fees, links and steps can change — always confirm on the official portal before you act. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.