How to Change My BVN Phone Number Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
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How to Change My BVN Phone Number Online (Step-by-Step Guide) |
Your BVN (Bank Verification Number) is linked to the phone number you used when you registered. This number is important because it’s required for receiving OTPs (one-time passwords), SMS alerts, and for retrieving your BVN via USSD.
But what happens if you lose access to the registered number? Can you change your BVN phone number online without visiting the bank?
This article explains everything you need to know about changing or updating your BVN phone number online in Nigeria.
Can You Change BVN Phone Number Online?
Unfortunately, as of now, you cannot fully change your BVN phone number online in Nigeria without visiting your bank branch.
The BVN database is managed centrally by the NIBSS (Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System) and is directly tied to your biometric data. Any update to it requires verification of your identity, which usually involves visiting a branch.
Why It’s Not Fully Online Yet
Here’s why BVN phone number change isn’t fully online:
Banks need to verify your fingerprint or ID.
To prevent identity theft and fraud.
To comply with CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) regulations.
However, some banks now allow you to start the process online or by phone and then finalize it in person.
What Can You Do Online?
Although you cannot fully update BVN details online yet, you can:
Update your account’s phone number through your bank’s app or internet banking.
Request information on BVN update requirements through customer care (email, live chat).
Download or fill forms online to save time at the branch.
For example:
- GTBank: Start the complaint via GTConnect and complete at branch.
- Access Bank: Fill update form online but verify at branch.
Steps to Change Your BVN Phone Number
Here’s how to change your BVN phone number properly:
Step 1 – Visit Your Bank Branch
Go to any branch of the bank where you registered your BVN.
Step 2 – Request BVN Update Form
Ask for a BVN details update form. Fill in your correct phone number and attach a valid means of identification (ID).
Step 3 – Submit Biometrics
You may be asked to verify your fingerprint to confirm your identity.
Step 4 – Wait for Processing
The change is usually processed within 24–72 hours.
Step 5 – Confirm
Dial *565*0#
to confirm that your BVN is now linked to the new phone number.
Tips:
Always use your active SIM linked to your NIN.
Update your phone number across all your bank accounts.
If your SIM is lost, first retrieve it at your mobile network provider.
While you can’t yet change your BVN phone number entirely online, most banks let you initiate the process through their apps, websites, or customer service channels before finalizing it in person.
We hope CBN and NIBSS will eventually make BVN updates fully digital. Until then, always keep your phone number active and notify your bank immediately when it changes.
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