How to Retrieve BVN with Phone Number (Without Visiting the Bank)

Have you forgotten your Bank Verification Number (BVN) and don’t want to stand in long bank queues to recover it? Good news — you can retrieve your BVN right from your phone, as long as you still have access to the phone number you used during registration.

This guide explains:
How to check your BVN using your linked phone number.
What to do if you don’t have the linked number anymore.
How to keep your BVN safe.

Why BVN is Important

Your BVN is your unique identity in the Nigerian banking system. Without it, you may not be able to:

Open new bank accounts.
Access loans.
Perform high–value transactions.
Register for government programs like NYIF or NIRSAL loans.

That’s why you must know how to retrieve it anytime you need it.

How to Retrieve BVN with Linked Phone Number

If you still use the phone number you registered with, the process is simple:
Make sure you have at least ₦30 airtime on your SIM.
Dial the BVN USSD code:

*565*0#

Wait a few seconds, and your BVN will appear on your screen.
You’ll also get an SMS confirmation.

This works on all networks in Nigeria — MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile — and with all banks.

Tips:

Always use the exact phone number linked to your BVN.
If you used more than one number for different accounts, try each one until it works.
You can also check through your bank’s mobile app if it displays your BVN.

What if You Don’t Have the Linked Number Anymore?

If you no longer have access to the number you registered with, you cannot retrieve your BVN via USSD. Here’s what to do instead:
Visit your bank branch with a valid ID (National ID, Driver’s License, Passport, or Voter’s Card).
Request to update your BVN phone number.
After updating, use the USSD method again.

You cannot retrieve your BVN with a different number that wasn’t registered to your BVN.

BVN Safety Tips

Never share your BVN publicly.
Don’t use untrusted apps or websites to check it.
If you suspect your BVN has been compromised, notify your bank immediately.

Learn more:
BVN Matching System Verification: How it Works

You don’t need to visit your bank to retrieve your BVN if you still have your registered phone number. Simply dial *565*0# and your BVN will be sent to you instantly.

If you don’t have access to the number anymore, visit your bank to update it as soon as possible. Always keep your BVN safe and only use trusted channels to access it.

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