ALL METHODS · USSD CODES · FREE GUIDE

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.

✓ BVN *565*0#✓ NIN *346#✓ SIM Linking Guide✓ Problem Fixes
2
ID types covered
4
Networks
7
FAQ answers

🤛 BVN & NIN Guide Nigeria 2026

Check, retrieve and link your BVN and NIN. Tap any code to copy.

Your BVN is the 11-digit number issued by CBN that links all your bank accounts. You need it for every banking transaction.
01

Dial USSD — Fastest, No Internet

From the phone registered with your bank. Works on all networks. ₦20 fee applies.

02

Bank Mobile App — Free

Open your bank app → Profile or Account Settings → Account Info. Free on GTWorld, AccessMore, UBA Mobile, Zenith, FirstMobile and all major bank apps.

03

Visit Your Bank Branch

Walk into any branch with your valid ID and registered phone number. Staff retrieve your BVN for free.

Common BVN Problems

You are dialling from the wrong phone number. Use the exact number you registered with at the bank.
Visit a NIMC office with both numbers. Records can be harmonised in one visit at no charge.
Your BVN is not linked to your NIN. Visit your bank with both numbers and a valid ID to fix this in 24-48 hours.
Your NIN is the 11-digit national identity number issued by NIMC. Required for your SIM, bank account, WAEC, JAMB, NYSC, and passport.
01

Dial USSD — No Internet Needed

From your NIMC-registered phone. Select option 1 for NIN Retrieval. ₦20 fee applies.

02

NIMC MWS App — Free

Download NIMC MWS from Google Play or App Store. Log in with your registered number. Your NIN and digital slip are available in the app. Premium slip download is ₦1,000.

03

First-Time Registration — Free

Visit any NIMC centre with a birth certificate or sworn affidavit and a valid ID. Registration is completely free. NIN arrives within 1-5 working days.

Common NIN Problems

Dial *346# from the exact phone you used at the NIMC centre. If that fails, visit the NIMC office with your enrolment slip.
Visit NIMC with your birth certificate or court affidavit showing the correct spelling. Corrections are free.
Verify your NIN is active via *346#. If active, contact JAMB helpdesk directly. Usually a sync delay.
NCC requires all SIM cards to be linked to a valid NIN. Send your 11-digit NIN as an SMS — digits only, no spaces — to your network number:
MTN
SMS NIN to
or dial
  1. Open SMS app, type your 11-digit NIN (digits only)
  2. Send to 768
  3. Receive confirmation SMS within minutes
Airtel
SMS NIN to
or dial
  1. Open SMS app, type your 11-digit NIN (digits only)
  2. Send to 109
  3. Receive confirmation SMS within minutes
Glo
SMS NIN to
or dial
  1. Open SMS app, type your 11-digit NIN (digits only)
  2. Send to 109
  3. Receive confirmation SMS within minutes
9mobile
SMS NIN to
or dial
  1. Open SMS app, type your 11-digit NIN (digits only)
  2. Send to 200
  3. Receive confirmation SMS within minutes
⚠️ Each SIM links to one NIN only. Max 3 SIMs per network per NIN. Send digits only — no spaces or other text.

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. NCC requires all SIMs linked to a NIN. Send your 11-digit NIN as SMS to 768 (MTN), 109 (Airtel/Glo), or 200 (9mobile).

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 completely free at any NIMC centre. A premium digital NIN slip via the NIMC app costs N1,000.

More NaijaSabi Tools

📶
Nigeria Data Plan Comparison 2026

Find the cheapest data per GB across all four networks.

#️⃣
Nigeria USSD Code Directory 2026

Every USSD code for telecoms and banks. Tap to copy.

🧮
Nigeria PAYE Take-Home Calculator 2026

See your exact take-home under Nigeria Tax Act 2025.

🪪
How to Check Your BVN and NIN in Nigeria 2026

Every method to check, retrieve and link your BVN and NIN.