BVN stands for Bank Verification Number. It is a unique identification number that is assigned to each customer of a bank in Nigeria. The BVN is used to verify the identity of bank customers and to help protect them against financial fraud. It is linked to all of a customer's bank accounts and can be used to access any of those accounts.
The Bank Verification Number (BVN) system was introduced in Nigeria in 2014. It was implemented as a measure to improve the security of the banking system in the country and to help protect bank customers against financial fraud. The BVN is a unique identification number that is assigned to each customer of a bank in Nigeria, and it is linked to all of the customer's bank accounts. The BVN is used to verify the identity of bank customers and to help prevent fraud.
To enroll in the BVN program, a bank customer must visit a participating bank branch and provide a valid form of identification, such as a government-issued ID card or passport. The customer's biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph, is also collected. This information is then used to create the BVN, which is linked t the customer's bank accounts.
Once a BVN has been issued, it can be used to verify the identity of the bank customer whenever they want to access their bank accounts or make transactions. The BVN can also be used to help prevent financial fraud, such as identity theft or unauthorized access to a customer's bank accounts.
Ways to Check your BVN.
There are several ways to check your Bank Verification Number (BVN) in Nigeria:
Steps to check BVN Via SMS:
You can send an SMS to any of the following shortcodes to check your BVN:
5650#
5651#
To check your Bank Verification Number (BVN) via SMS in Nigeria, follow these steps:
- Open your SMS app on your phone.
- In the "To" field, enter one of the following shortcodes: 5650# 5651#
- Send the SMS.
- You will receive an SMS with your BVN information.
Note: Some banks may charge a small fee for this service. Be sure to check with your bank to find out if there are any fees associated with checking your BVN via SMS.
Steps to check BVN Online:
You can check your BVN online by visiting the website of your bank. Most banks in Nigeria have a BVN check feature on their website where you can enter your BVN to view your details.
To check your Bank Verification Number (BVN) online, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the official website of your bank.
- Look for a link or button that says "BVN," "Online BVN verification," or something similar.
- Click on the link and you will be taken to a page where you can enter your BVN.
- Enter your BVN in the designated field and click on the "Submit" or "Verify" button.
Note that not all banks in Nigeria offer online BVN verification. You may need to visit a branch of your bank to verify your BVN in person.
Steps to check BVN Through your bank's mobile app:
If your bank has a mobile app, you may be able to check your BVN through the app. Look for the BVN check feature in the app and enter your BVN to view your details.
To check your Bank Verification Number (BVN) through your bank's mobile app, follow these steps:
- Open your bank's mobile app on your phone.
- Log in to your account using your user ID and password.
- Look for the option to view your BVN. This might be in the "Account" or "Profile" section of the app.
- Click on the option to view your BVN.
- Your BVN should be displayed on the screen.
Note: The specific steps and location of the BVN viewing option may vary depending on your bank and the mobile app you are using. If you are having trouble finding the option to view your BVN, you may want to try contacting your bank for assistance
Steps to check BVN at a bank branch:
You can also visit a bank branch and request to check your BVN. You will need to provide valid identification and may be asked to provide your biometric information as well. To check your Bank Verification Number (BVN) at a bank branch, you will need to follow these steps:
- Visit the bank branch where you opened your account.
- Inform the bank staff that you would like to check your BVN.
- Provide a valid form of identification, such as a national ID card, driver's license, or international passport.
- The bank staff will verify your identity and retrieve your BVN from their records.
- They will then provide you with your BVN.
Via USSD:
You can also check your BVN by dialing the USSD code for your bank. For example, if you are using First Bank, you can dial 8940# to check your BVN.
How to Register BVN
To register for a Bank Verification Number (BVN) in Nigeria, follow these steps:
- Find a participating bank branch: BVN registration is available at most bank branches in Nigeria. You can check with your bank to see if they offer BVN registration.
- Prepare your identification documents: You will need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a government-issued ID card or passport, to enroll in the BVN program.
- Go to the bank branch: Visit the bank branch where you want to register for a BVN and speak to a customer service representative. They will provide you with the necessary forms and instructions.
- Provide your biometric information: The bank will collect your biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph, to create your BVN.
- Wait for your BVN to be processed: It may take a few days for your BVN to be processed and linked to your bank accounts. The bank will let you know when your BVN is ready to be used.
- Use your BVN: Once you have your BVN, you can use it to verify your identity and access your bank accounts whenever you need to. You should keep your BVN information safe and secure to protect against financial fraud.
How to check your BVN with Nigeria banks.
UBA
To check your Bank Verification Number (BVN) with UBA, you can follow these steps:
- Visit any UBA branch near you and request for a BVN check. You will need to provide your valid ID and other required documents for verification.
- Dial *919# from your registered phone number and select the option to check your BVN.
- Send an SMS with the text "BVN" to 20123 from your registered phone number. You will receive an SMS with your BVN information.
- Visit the UBA website and click on the "BVN" tab in the top menu. Follow the prompts to check your BVN online.
- Download the UBA Mobile App from the App Store or Google Play Store, and use it to check your BVN.
Please note that you will need to have an active account with UBA and be registered for their mobile banking services to use the above methods. If you are not registered, you can visit a UBA branch and request to be registered.
Access bank.
Here are the methods you can follow to retrieve your Bank Verification Number (BVN) from Access Bank:
- Using Access bank USSD code: dial the access bank USSD code (*901#) on your registered phone number and follow the prompt that display, select the number that's about enquiries, select BVN enquiry and it should return with a prompt showing your bvn number.
- Visit a local branch of Access Bank: Go to the nearest branch of Access Bank and speak to a customer service representative. You will need to provide a valid government-issued ID such as national ID card, voter's card or international passport, and proof of address.
- Contact Access Bank customer service: You can also contact Access Bank customer service by phone, email or visiting any of the bank branch near you, you will be asked to provide some information that will help verify your identity such as phone number and account details.
- Provide required information: Once the bank representative has verified your identity, they will provide your BVN to you.
- Retrieve your BVN online: you can check your BVN via the bank's internet banking platform, but only if you have an active account with the bank.
Please note that, the bank may also ask you to provide other personal identification such as passport, utility bill, or drivers' licence.
Also keep in mind that, in order to retrieve your BVN, you will need to provide proof of identity and sometimes proof of address, so be sure to have these documents with you when you visit the bank or contact customer service.
Guaranty Trust Bank (GT Bank)
Here are the steps you can follow to view your Bank Verification Number (BVN) with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank):
Dial *737# using the phone number that is registered with your GTBank account.
Select the "Balance Enquiry" option from the menu that appears on your screen.
Your 11-digit BVN number will be displayed along with your account balance.
GT Bank may charge 10NGN for the service.
Please note that this service is only available to those who have already registered for BVN.
Alternatively, you can also check your BVN through the bank's mobile app, internet banking platform, or by visiting a GTBank branch in person.
How to Protect your BVN
Due to the growing number of banking crimes in the country, keeping your BVN confidential is one thing every banking client has to do. You have Protect BVN to avoid theft of your personal information since con artists are likely to use these info to scam you or others, this can be detrimental either way.
Here are a few steps you can take to protect your Bank Verification Number (BVN):
- Keep your BVN confidential: Do not give out your BVN to anyone, including family members or friends.
- Be careful when using your BVN: Be careful when entering your BVN on any website or form. Only provide your BVN on a website that is secure, and make sure the website is legitimate before you enter your BVN.
- Secure your phone and SIM card: Keep your phone and SIM card secure, and do not lend it to anyone. Your BVN may be linked to your phone number, so it is important to keep your phone and SIM card secure.
- Keep your personal information updated: Make sure that your personal information is up to date with your bank. If there are any changes to your personal information, such as your phone number or address, make sure you inform your bank.
- Report lost or stolen BVN: If your BVN is lost or stolen, report it to your bank immediately. They can help you to freeze your BVN and prevent it from being used by anyone else.
- Be careful of phone scams, phishing email and website that impersonates your bank.
By following these steps, you can help to protect your BVN and keep your personal information secure.