Nigerian banks use the Bank Verification Number (BVN) to keep track of the identity and activities of each individual that has an account with them. It is also usually required by many platforms as a form of identification or KYC verification. In this post, you will learn how to check your BVN.
We will discuss what BVN is and how it works, its benefits, and how to check BVN on MTN, 9mobile, Airtel and GLO lines. You will also learn how to check BVN on the internet without airtime or USSD codes.
What is BVN, and how does it work?
BVN is an abbreviation for Bank Verification Number. It is like an ID matric number used by banks and other financial institutions. They will use your BVN to identify you and your bank account details.
BVN is unique, meaning that each human has only one BVN, and no other person can use it other than that person it was allocated to in the beginning. It is an 11-digit number allocated to Nigerians once they do their biometric registration.
Why do we need Bank Verification Number (BVN)
Although you may be honest and God-fearing, not everyone out there is. While you prefer working for your own money, some people prefer using their knowledge and time to steal from other people.
They will steal/compromise/bypass your password and other details to access your account. Once that happens, they will take as much money as they can from you. Even if you have millions, they’ll take it all.
Also, some people (fraudsters) open multiple bank accounts to use them for money laundering, ransoming, mass scamming, Ponzi schemes, and the like. Once they’re done, they’ll stop using the account and open new ones. The cycle goes on like that.
So what can be done to stop/prevent these? A BVN!
The root problem was found. Identity. If the bank/police/can know the identity (name, address, date of birth, fingerprint, picture) of the bad people, the problem will be solved.
On February 14, 2014, the CBN and all other banks in Nigeria agreed to start using a centralised biometric identification system. That identification system is known as Bank Verification Number (BVN).
Benefits and uses of BVN
- It is accepted as a means of identification across all banks in Nigeria
- BVN allows for easy identification, verification, and validation of customers across multiple electronic platforms
- Gone are the days when Nigerians can obtain loans online and avoid repayment. With BVN, financial institutions can track customers
- BVN has limited the frequency of Cyber Fraud.
- The BVN database is accessible by certain financial institutions. Instead of manually providing your bio-data (names, phone numbers, addresses, dates of birth), it will be automatically generated
Note: If you obtained your BVN from a particular bank, you won’t need to create another one for your account with other banks.
It doesn’t matter if you have 1 or 9 bank accounts. You will still have only one BVN, and you can use it to link all bank accounts.
How can I check my BVN on my MTN SIM?
Note: You can only check your BVN on the same SIM you used to register. This is for your protection in case a third party wants to gain illegal access.
- Launch your dialer app on your mobile phone
- Press *565*0#
- Dial the code. A menu will pop up
- Follow the on-screen instructions and get your Bank Verification Number (BVN)
How do I check my BVN on my Airtel number?
Note: You can only check your BVN on the same SIM you used to register. This is for your protection in case a third party wants to gain illegal access.
- Launch your dialer app on your mobile phone
- Press *565*0#
- Dial the code. A menu will pop up
- Follow the on-screen instructions and get your Bank Verification Number (BVN)
How can I check my BVN on Glo SIM?
Note: You can only check your BVN on the same SIM you used to register. This is for your protection in case a third party wants to gain illegal access.
- Launch your dialer app on your mobile phone
- Press *565*0#
- Dial the code. A menu will pop up
- Follow the on-screen instructions and get your Bank Verification Number (BVN)
How do I check my BVN on the 9mobile line?
Note: You can only check your BVN on the same SIM you used to register. This is for your protection in case a third party wants to gain illegal access.
- Launch your dialer app on your mobile phone
- Press *565*0#
- Dial the code. A menu will pop up
- Follow the on-screen instructions and get your Bank Verification Number (BVN)
How to check my BVN online without airtime
Aside from the MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile USSD methods, you can also check your Bank Verification Number (BVN) online without airtime.
Download and install the mobile app of your bank. All banking apps now support this feature. Some mobile money wallets also have it.
How much does it cost to check your BVN?
You will only need to pay if you’re checking through MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile USSD codes. In that case, a small fee of ₦20 will be deducted from your airtime.
If you’re checking online through your banking app or online wallet, you won’t have to pay any fee. Just turn on your data connection or connect to wifi and log in to your mobile app.
