Nigeria Banks A-Z: From Access to Zenith and Code to Care
Ultimate Guide to Nigeria Banks from A-Z (Access to Zenith)! USSD codes, account management, easy money transfers, and customer care.
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to Nigeria Banks, where we share the power of banking and provide crucial knowledge to improve your financial freedom and security.
This article will discuss the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), USSD Codes for Banks, and the best Nigerian banks, from A to Z, Access Bank to Zenith Bank. We also discuss top FinTech disruptors like OPay and MoniePoint,
This article helps you manage your bank accounts, transfer money, check your bank account balance, check your BVN, and points you to more support with the bank customer care options.
Let’s discover how Nigerian banking can help you financially!
Table of Contents
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is important in ensuring the stability and growth of Nigeria’s banking sector and is headed by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN Governor).
CBN Governance of the Banking Ecosystem
- CBN regulates the Nigerian banking industry.
- CBN creates and implements monetary policies to stabilize prices and boost growth.
- CBN’s financial institution oversight protects customers and stakeholders.
- CBN oversees the system to ensure openness, accountability, and good governance.
Responsibilities of the CBN Governor
- Managing Monetary Policy: Develop and implement monetary policies to contain inflation, stabilize prices, and promote economic growth.
- Regulating Banks and Financial Institutions: Guarantee compliance with regulatory rules to promote a safe and secure banking system.
- Safeguarding Financial Stability: Protects depositors and boosts public confidence by overseeing the banks and the financial system.
- Currency Issuance and Foreign Exchange Management: Ensures a sufficient supply of banknotes and coins while managing the foreign exchange reserves and the market.
Top 10 Best Banks in Nigeria
Nigeria has several top-performing banks. Here are the best banks in Nigeria, which DecodeNaija has identified based on the value of total assets as shared by Statista, and customer satisfaction feedback:
1. Access Bank
Access Bank has always been a trailblazer and offers various products and services. Access Bank offers innovative digital banking solutions. They offer savings accounts, loans, investments, and business banking.
2. Zenith Bank
Zenith Bank has a large branch network and serves people, businesses, and corporations with several banking services. Their fast customer assistance and user-friendly online and mobile banking platforms demonstrate their consumer contentment.
3. First Bank of Nigeria (FBN)
First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) has a long history of banking excellence. FBN offers millions of Nigerians a variety of financial products, including savings accounts, loans, investments, and digital banking.
4. United Bank of Africa (UBA)
United Bank of Africa (UBA) has a comprehensive range of banking services, including individualized banking, innovative products, and convenient digital platforms. They serve individuals, corporations, and governments with a customer-focused approach.
5. GTBank (Guaranty Trust Bank)
GTBank offers secure, easy account access through digital banking. They offer personal and commercial accounts, loans, investments, and online banking. They seek to push service leveraging technology.
6. Stanbic IBTC
Stanbic IBTC Bank is a subsidiary of Standard Bank Group, a leading African banking institution. Stanbic IBTC provides individualized banking, wealth management, and investment products focusing on innovation. They serve individuals, enterprises, and corporations.
7. Sterling Bank
Sterling Bank is a customer-oriented financial institution that strives to deliver exceptional banking experiences. They offer customized banking solutions to individuals and corporations. They offer savings, loans, investments, and digital banking.
8. Fidelity Bank
Fidelity Bank is noted for its client service and customized financial solutions. They offer savings accounts, loans, investments, and digital banking. Fidelity Bank prioritizes customer relationships and financial goals.
9. Union Bank of Nigeria
Union Bank has a century-long history in Nigeria. They offer personal and commercial accounts, loans, investments, and digital banking. Union Bank supports customers’ financial goals and provides competitive service.
10. Ecobank Nigeria
The pan-African Ecobank Group includes Ecobank Nigeria. Ecobank’s many branches and ATMs make Nigerian banking convenient. They offer accounts, loans, investments, and digital banking services.
These top Nigerian banks focus on customer experience, financial excellence, and technological innovation. While this list provides a summary, it’s crucial to examine your individual financial goals and preferences when picking a bank that meets your expectations.
Nigeria Bank USSD Codes
What is a Bank USSD Code?
Bank USSD codes, or Unstructured Supplementary Service Data codes, are short, unique character combinations (usually starting with “*”) that allow customers to access banking services through their mobile phones.
These codes enable users to perform various transactions, check balances, transfer funds, and more, without needing an internet connection or specific mobile banking apps. They provide convenient and accessible banking services anytime, anywhere.
Access Bank USSD Code List
| Bank | Transaction | USSD Code to Dial |
|---|---|---|
| Access Bank | Account Opening | *901*0# |
| Access Bank | Account Deactivation | *901*911# |
| Access Bank | Buy Airtime | *901*Amount# (e.g: *901*1000#) |
| Access Bank | Buy Airtime for Another Number | *901*Amount*Mobile Number# |
| Access Bank | Check Account Balance | *901*00# |
| Access Bank | Loan Code | *901*11# or *426*11# |
| Access Bank | Money Transfer Code | *901*Amount*NUBAN Account Number# (e.g: *901*1000*1234512345#) |
| Access Bank | BVN Check | *565*0# |
| Access Bank | BVN Update | *901*BVN# |
To use the USSD codes, dial the code on your mobile phone, select the relevant option from the options menu, follow the prompts, and complete the transaction.
Zenith Bank USSD Code List
| Bank | Transaction | USSD Code to Dial |
|---|---|---|
| Zenith Bank | Account Opening | *966*0# |
| Zenith Bank | Account Deactivation | *966*911# |
| Zenith Bank | Buy Airtime | *966*Amount# (e.g: *901*1000#) |
| Zenith Bank | Buy Airtime for Another Number | *966*Amount*Mobile Number# |
| Zenith Bank | Check Account Balance | *966*00# |
| Zenith Bank | Loan Code | None |
| Zenith Bank | Money Transfer Code | *966*Amount*NUBAN Account Number# (e.g: *966*1000*1234512345#) |
| Zenith Bank | BVN Check | *565*0# |
| Zenith Bank | BVN Update | *966*BVN# |
To use the USSD codes, dial the code on your mobile phone, select the relevant option from the options menu, follow the prompts, and complete the transaction.
First Bank USSD Code List
| Bank | Transaction | USSD Code to Dial |
|---|---|---|
| First Bank | Account Opening | *894*0# |
| First Bank | Account Deactivation | *894*911# |
| First Bank | Buy Airtime | *894*Amount# (e.g: *901*1000#) |
| First Bank | Buy Airtime for Another Number | *894*Amount*Mobile Number# |
| First Bank | Check Account Balance | *894*00# |
| First Bank | Loan Code | None |
| First Bank | Money Transfer Code | *894*Amount*NUBAN Account Number# (e.g: *894*1000*1234512345#) |
| First Bank | BVN Check | *565*0# |
| First Bank | BVN Update | *894*BVN# |
To use the USSD codes, dial the code on your mobile phone, select the relevant option from the options menu, follow the prompts, and complete the transaction.
Nigeria Bank Transfer Codes
Bank transfer codes make money transfers easier than before. Here are the USSD transfer codes for the top 10 banks in Nigeria, which are used by dialing the number on your mobile phone and following the menu prompts.
- Access Bank Transfer Code: Dial *901#
- Zenith Bank Transfer Code: Dial *966#
- First Bank Transfer Code: Dial *894#
- UBA Transfer Code: Dial *919#
- GTB Transfer Code: Dial *737#
- Stanbic IBTC Transfer Code: Dial *909#
- Sterling Bank Transfer Code: Dial *822#
- Union Bank Transfer Code: Dial *826#
- Fidelity Bank Transfer Code: Dial *770#
- Ecobank Transfer Code: Dial *326#
These bank transfer numbers let you send money to other bank accounts, recharge your phone, pay bills, and more from your phone. Transfers are fast, secure, and available 24/7.
Nigeria Bank Customer Care
Banking is easier with good customer service. The Customer Care Number is a very helpful number to have and there are also other ways to get customer care from the banks.
1. Access Bank Customer Care
- Access Bank Customer Care Number: 0700CALLACCESS (07002255222377)
- Access Bank Customer Care Email: contactcenter@accessbankplc.com
- Access Bank Social Media: Twitter: @accessbank_help, Facebook: Access Bank Plc
2. Zenith Bank Customer Care
- Zenith Bank Customer Care Number: 012787000, 014647000
- Zenith Bank Customer Care Email: zenithdirect@zenithbank.com
- Zenith Bank Social Media: Twitter: @ZenithBank, Facebook: Zenith Bank Plc
3. First Bank Customer Care
- First Bank Customer Care Number: 1 905 2326, 708 062 5000
- First Bank Customer Care Email: firstcontact@firstbanknigeria.com
- First Bank Social Media: Twitter: @FirstBankngr, Facebook: FirstBankofNigeria
4. UBA Customer Care
- UBA Customer Care Number: 700 225 5822, 1 280 8822
- UBA Customer Care Email: cfc@ubagroup.com
- UBA Social Media: Twitter: @UBACares, Facebook: UBA Group
5. GTB Customer Care
- GTB Customer Care Number: +234 1 448 0000, 0700 4826 66328
- GTB Customer Care Email: complaints@gtbank.com
- GTB Social Media: Twitter: @gtbank_help, Facebook: GTBank
6. Stanbic IBTC Customer Care
- Stanbic IBTC Customer Care Number: 01 422 2222, 0700 909 909 909
- Stanbic IBTC Customer Care Email: customercarenigeria@stanbicibtc.com
- Stanbic IBTC Social Media: @StanbicIBTC, Facebook: Stanbic IBTC Bank
7. Sterling Bank Customer Care
- Sterling Bank Customer Care Number: 0700 343 35489, +234 1 448 5252
- Sterling Bank Customer Care Email: trueserve@fidelitybank.ng
- Sterling Bank Social Media: Twitter: @fidelitybankplc, Facebook: Fidelity Bank Plc
8. Union Bank Customer Care
- Union Bank Customer Care Number: 0700 700 7000, +234 1 271 6816
- Union Bank Customer Care Email: customerservice@unionbankng.com
- Union Bank Social Media: @UNIONBANK_NG, Facebook: Union Bank Nigeria
9. Fidelity Bank Customer Care
- Fidelity Bank Customer Care Number: 0700 343 35489, +234 1 448 5252
- Fidelity Bank Customer Care Email: trueserve@fidelitybank.ng
- Fidelity Bank Social Media: Twitter: @fidelitybankplc, Facebook: Fidelity Bank Plc
10. Ecobank Customer Care
- Ecobank Customer Care Number: 0700 500 0000, +234 1 278 7000
- Ecobank Customer Care Email: ENGContactCentre@ecobank.com
- Ecobank Social Media: Twitter: @GroupEcobank, Facebook: Ecobank Nigeria
Customer service can help with banking concerns and questions. For a smoother resolution, supply pertinent details and be kind and patient.
Ensure to check each bank’s website for updated customer service hours.
Top Nigeria FinTech Companies
Nigeria’s FinTech startups are disrupting the banking industry. These creative companies use technology to improve banking, financial services, and customer experiences.
Here are five top examples of Nigeria’s FinTechs:
Flutterwave
- Flutterwave is a renowned FinTech company that provides payment infrastructure for businesses and banks.
- It helps businesses accept online payments, handle transactions, and manage money using secure payment solutions while accepting international payments.
Interswitch
- Nigerian FinTech startup Interswitch offers integrated payment and transaction processing.
- Its platform lets users pay, move funds, and manage finances via cards, smartphones, and the web. It offers online payments, e-commerce, and POS systems.
Paystack
- Nigerian firms use Paystack’s online payment systems. It provides a secure payment gateway for online payments, subscriptions, and recurring billing.
- Nigerian e-commerce platforms, startups, and enterprises like Paystack’s user-friendly interface and solid functionality.
OPay
- OPay, a leading Nigerian FinTech company, provides digital financial services.
- Money transfers, bill payments, and airtime recharge are smooth on its mobile payment network. The OPay app includes ride-hailing, meal delivery, and online shopping.
MoniePoint
- MoniePoint, a Nigerian FinTech startup, provides digital financial services to the unbanked and underbanked.
- Its agent banking network lets customers deposit, withdraw, transfer, and pay bills through approved agents.
Nigeria’s FinTech startups are digitally transforming banking and boosting financial inclusivity. Their innovative solutions and user-centric approach make financial services more accessible, efficient, and convenient for consumers and organizations.
FAQ: Nigeria Banks and Codes
Conclusion
In conclusion, banking in Nigeria offers secure and convenient financial management opportunities. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governs the banking landscape, ensuring stability and regulation.
The Top 10 Banks in Nigeria—Access Bank, Zenith Bank, First Bank, UBA, GTBank, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Union Bank, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, and Ecobank Nigeria—provide various services to meet customer needs.
Using transfer codes and mobile banking apps, customers can easily transfer money, check account balances, and access their funds. Registering for online banking empowers customers to have greater control over their accounts, perform transactions, and access services 24/7.
Customer care contacts are available for prompt assistance, while ATMs allow convenient cash withdrawals. With a clear understanding of these services, customers can efficiently manage their accounts and achieve their financial goals.
