How to Check Your BVN and NIN in Nigeria 2026
Every method to check, retrieve and link your BVN and NIN. USSD codes, bank apps, NIMC portal and SIM linking for all 4 networks — all in one place.
Check your BVN and NIN
The quickest ways, how to link your NIN to your SIM, and what changes cost.
Your Bank Verification Number (BVN) is an 11-digit number that links all your bank accounts.
- Dial Dial from the phone number registered with your bank. A small airtime charge applies.
- Bank app: most banking apps show your BVN under your profile or account details.
- Bank branch: take a valid ID and your registered phone.
Your National Identification Number (NIN) is the 11-digit number issued by NIMC. You need it for your SIM, bank account, passport, JAMB, WAEC and NYSC.
- Dial Dial from the phone number you used at enrolment.
- NIMC app: the official NIMC mobile app shows your NIN and digital slip.
- No NIN yet? first-time enrolment at an NIMC centre is free, and so is your first NIN slip.
| NIMC fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| First enrolment and first slip | Free |
| Change of name or address | ₦2,000 |
| Date of birth correction | ₦28,574 |
| NIN slip reissue | ₦600 |
NIMC fee schedule as reported by IT Edge News, 12 May 2025. Confirm the amount on NIMC's portal before paying.
The NCC requires every SIM to be linked to a NIN. Use the code for your network:
| Network | Dial | Or text your NIN to |
|---|---|---|
| MTN | Dial | |
| Airtel | Dial | |
| Glo | Dial | |
| 9mobile | Dial | – |
To check which NIN your line is linked to, dial *346#.
- *565*0# says my number is not linked
- You are dialling from a different number from the one your bank has. Use the number on your account, or ask your bank to update it.
- *346# doesn't show my NIN
- Dial from the number you gave at enrolment. If you changed your number, update it with NIMC, or use the NIMC app.
- My bank account is restricted
- Banks restrict accounts that are missing a BVN or NIN. Take both numbers and a valid ID to your bank.
- My name is spelt differently on my NIN and BVN
- Correct the wrong record: NIMC for your NIN (a name change costs ₦2,000), or your bank for your BVN, with supporting documents.
Nobody from your bank, NIMC or your network will ask for your PIN or a one-time code. Do not share them.
Source: Kuda Bank, "How to link your NIN to your phone number in 2026", 30 July 2026; NCC short codes; NIMC fees as reported by IT Edge News, 12 May 2025. Checked 18 October 2026.
BVN vs NIN — Key Differences
| Feature | BVN | NIN |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | CBN (Central Bank) | NIMC |
| Purpose | Links all bank accounts | National identity |
| USSD | *565*0# (₦20) | *346# (₦20) |
| Required for | All banking | SIM, banking, WAEC, JAMB, NYSC, passport |
Why Your Account May Be Restricted
The CBN requires all accounts to have both a BVN and NIN linked. Accounts without both are placed on Post No Debit (PND). Dial *565*0# for your BVN and *346# for your NIN, then visit your bank with both numbers to lift the restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my BVN?▼
Dial *565*0# from the phone linked to your bank account (N20 fee). Or check your bank app under Profile or Account Settings for free.
How do I check my NIN?▼
Dial *346# from your NIMC-registered phone (N20 fee). Or download the official NIMC MWS app from Google Play or App Store.
Is it compulsory to link NIN to SIM?▼
Yes. The NCC requires every SIM to be linked to a NIN. MTN: dial *785# or text your NIN to 785. Airtel: dial *121# or text it to 121. Glo: dial *109# or text it to 109. 9mobile: dial *200#.
How many SIMs can I link to one NIN?▼
Maximum 3 SIM cards per network per NIN. Each SIM can only be linked to one NIN.
What if my NIN and bank names are different?▼
Visit a NIMC office with your birth certificate or court affidavit to correct the NIN name, or update your bank records to match.
Is getting a NIN free?▼
First-time NIN enrolment is free at NIMC centres. Modifications and premium slips carry fees set by NIMC.
