How to Check Your BVN Online: USSD Code And Other Ways
Your Bank Verification Number (BVN) is a unique identification number used across Nigeria’s banking system. If you have forgotten your BVN, you can retrieve it using the phone number linked to your bank profile instead of visiting a bank branch.
How to Check Your BVN With USSD
The commonly used BVN enquiry code is *565*0#. Dial it from the mobile number registered with your BVN and follow the instructions displayed on your screen. The Central Bank of Nigeria has previously published this code for customers retrieving their BVN through their registered phone number.
What You Need Before Checking Your BVN
| Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Registered phone number | Must be the number linked to your BVN |
| Mobile network | Required to send the USSD request |
| BVN registration | You must already have a BVN |
| USSD-enabled phone | A smartphone is not required |
How to Retrieve a Forgotten BVN
Insert the SIM card connected to your BVN into your phone, dial *565*0# and wait for the response. If your details are correctly matched, your BVN will be displayed or provided according to the response from the service.
Can You Check Your BVN Online?
Your bank may provide BVN-related services through its mobile app or internet banking platform. However, there is an important distinction between checking your own BVN and accessing information from the national BVN database. CBN rules restrict access to BVN information and individuals are generally permitted to access their own information rather than another person’s BVN.
What If *565*0# Does Not Work?
First confirm that you are using the phone number registered during BVN enrolment. If the request still fails, contact your bank and ask them to verify your BVN details and registered phone number. Network problems can also prevent a USSD request from completing successfully.
Can Someone Use Your BVN to Withdraw Money?
A BVN is an identification number, not a bank account number or payment instrument. Having someone’s BVN alone does not provide normal access to that person’s bank account. Nevertheless, you should not publicly share your BVN unnecessarily because it is sensitive banking information.
How to Check if Your BVN Details Are Correct
If you suspect that your name, date of birth, phone number or other information connected to your BVN is incorrect, contact your bank. BVN records are used for customer identification across participating Nigerian banks, so correcting inaccurate information can help prevent problems with banking services.
Important BVN Safety Tips
- Do not post your BVN publicly on social media.
- Do not give your banking PIN or OTP to anyone claiming to need it for BVN verification.
- Use your registered phone number when making a BVN enquiry.
- Contact your bank if you notice an unfamiliar BVN-related request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the code to check BVN?
Dial *565*0# from the phone number linked to your BVN.
Can I check my BVN without visiting a bank?
Yes. The USSD method allows eligible customers to retrieve their BVN using their registered mobile number.
Can I check another person’s BVN?
No. BVN information is protected, and individuals are not generally permitted to access another person’s BVN information.
What should I do if I lost the phone number linked to my BVN?
Contact your bank and request assistance with updating or verifying the phone number associated with your BVN.