The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policy has made the Bank Verification Number (BVN) a compulsory requirement for all bank account holders. Every customer must link their BVN to their account. Without linking it, the account will not remain active, and no transactions can be carried out.
Since the implementation, many people are required to provide their BVN during new account opening, transfers, loan applications, and other financial services. But what if you forget your BVN or can’t access it quickly? What should you do? How can you retrieve it and move to the next step?
The good news is that you can check your BVN online and through other easy methods. This guide explains every method step-by-step of how to check BVN Number online, so you can get your BVN in just a few minutes.
What Is a BVN?
BVN means Bank Verification Number. It is an 11-digit number issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria to every bank customer.
One person has only one BVN, even if you have multiple bank accounts. It helps protect your money, identity, and banking records.
How to Check Your BVN Number Online
There are several ways to check your BVN online, such as:
- Checking your BVN via your bank’s mobile app
- Through your bank’s official website
- Using the NIMC Mobile App
However, you can also check your BVN offline. The quickest BVN offline checking method is by dialing a USSD code on your phone. You can also call your bank’s customer care to request your BVN, but this requires proper verification.
Let’s take a look at each method below:
1. Your Bank’s Mobile App
Most Nigerian banking apps allow you to view your BVN inside your profile.
Steps:
- Open your bank mobile app.
- Log in with your username or fingerprint.
- Go to the Profile, Settings, or Account Details section.
- Look for BVN.
- It will display your 11-digit number.
For instance Zenith Bank, Access More, GTWorld, UBA Mobile and FirstMobile apps display it on the interface.
If it is not visible, check the “Security” or “Personal Information” page.
2. Through Your Bank’s Banking Website
If you use online banking on a browser, your BVN is usually shown in your profile section.
Steps:
- Visit your bank’s official online banking website.
- Sign in.
- Open your Account Information.
- Your BVN will appear under your personal details.
This method works for customers using laptops or phones.
Particularly, if you are banking with GTB, once you login into your account via GTB official website, your BVN is boldly displayed on the screen.
3. Check BVN Through NIMC Mobile App (Optional)
The NIMC Mobile ID App sometimes displays BVN for users who linked their NIN with their bank.
How:
- Install NIMC Mobile ID from Play Store.
- Log in with your NIN.
- Open the My Digital ID section.
- BVN may appear under “Other IDs”.
Note: This method works only when your bank details match your NIN records.
How to Check BVN Offline
If your internet is not working, or you can’t access your bank app maybe due to lack of data or network related issues, use this simple code:
Dial 565*0# on Your Phone
This service works with MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile Telecom. It works on any phone (Android, iPhone, or keypad phone). If you dial the code on a phone number not registered with your bank, it will not work.
Steps:
- Dial *565*0# on the phone number linked to your BVN.
- Your BVN will appear on your screen.
- A small fee applies (usually ₦20 or ₦30).
For instance, if you are an MTN subscriber and you used your MTN line to register your BVN, here is how to check your BVN:
- Open your phone dialer, type 5650#, and press Send.
- Enter your date of birth in this format: DDMMYYYY, then press Send. Your BVN will be displayed on your screen or sent to you via SMS.
How to Check BVN Through Customer Care
If you cannot access your phone or internet:
1. Visit Your Bank Branch
Enter your bank to request for your BVN. You may ask for an ID card (NIN, Voter’s card, National ID slip)to confirm your identity and once it goes through. They will print your BVN.
2. Call Your Bank Customer Support
Many banks can send it to your registered email after verifying your identity.
Is It Safe to Check BVN Online?
Yes, it is safe as long as you use official banking platforms. Never enter your BVN on random websites. Also, never share your BVN on WhatsApp, Facebook, or with strangers.
- Your BVN should only be used on:
- Your bank app
- Official banking portals
- Secure government portals like NIMC (when required)
Common BVN Problems and Fixes
1. BVN Not Showing on App
- Update your app or check under “Profile.”
2. Wrong Phone Number
- Visit your bank to update your mobile number.
3. BVN Mismatch
- This means your NIN and bank details do not match. Update your record at your bank or NIMC.
Conclusion
Checking your Bank Verification Number online is fast and easy with the various methods explained earlier.. You can use your bank app, online banking, NIMC app, or the simple USSD code *565*0#. With these steps, you can always access your BVN anytime you need it.
ALSO READ: How to Send Money from Ghana to Nigeria: Simple Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I check BVN online without a phone number?
- Yes. Use your bank app or internet banking.
2. Is there a free code to check BVN?
- No. *565*0# comes with a small fee.
3. Can someone steal my money with my BVN?
- No. BVN alone cannot empty your account. Fraud usually happens when people also share OTP, PIN, or passwords.
4. Can I check BVN on another phone?
- Yes, but only if the SIM linked to your BVN is inside that phone.
5. Can banks retrieve BVN for me?
- Yes. Visit any branch with a valid ID.