PalmPay USSD Code Nigeria: Full Guide to Transfers, Balance, and More in 2025
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| PalmPay USSD Code Nigeria |
PalmPay USSD code Nigeria 2025: Dial *861# for transfers (free PalmPay-to-PalmPay), balance check, airtime, bills, loans—full menu, setup, fees & troubleshooting guide
Struggling with no data but need to send money or buy airtime fast? PalmPay's PalmPay USSD code Nigeria feature—dial *861#—lets you handle banking on any phone without internet, making it a lifesaver for millions in 2025's spotty network landscape. With over 30 million users relying on this fintech for quick transactions amid rising costs, the PalmPay USSD code Nigeria simplifies transfers, bill payments, and account checks in seconds. Whether you're in Lagos traffic or a rural village on Glo, this updated guide covers everything from setup to troubleshooting—your go-to for seamless, data-free finance.
From *861# for core services to regional variations like *652#, we'll break it down so you can bank smarter without burning airtime.
What Is PalmPay USSD Code and Why Use It in 2025?
PalmPay, licensed by the CBN as a Mobile Money Operator since 2019, rolled out its USSD service in September 2024 to boost financial inclusion for feature phone users and those with unreliable data. The primary PalmPay USSD code Nigeria is *861#, accessible on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile—perfect for Nigeria's 40% unbanked population facing NEPA outages and 5Mbps average speeds.
Benefits in 2025:
- No smartphone needed—works on basic Nokia.
- Offline transactions: Send ₦1,000 to family without Wi-Fi.
- Low fees: Network charge ~₦4–₦10 per session.
- Security: PIN protection and remote freeze (8617#).
Compared to apps, USSD saves 80% data—vital with MTN's ₦6k/15GB plans. Official launch via IBS Intelligence.
Quick CTA: Dial *861# now—check your balance or transfer ₦100 to test it risk-free!
Primary PalmPay USSD Code: *861# Full Menu Breakdown
The main PalmPay USSD code Nigeria is *861#, launching a menu for core banking. Dial it, and select options with numbers—no typing long commands.
Key services:
- Check Balance: Reply 1—shows wallet + savings.
- Transfer Money: Reply 2 > select PalmPay (free) or other banks (₦10–₦50 fee).
- Buy Airtime/Data: Reply 3 > enter number/amount (e.g., ₦200 airtime).
- Pay Bills: Reply 4 > electricity (Ikeja Electric), TV (GOTV), betting (Bet9ja).
- Loans: Reply 5 > apply for up to ₦500,000 (5–15% interest).
- PIN Management: Reply 7 > change/forgot PIN (default 0000 first time).
- Freeze Account: Reply 8 > lock if phone lost (remote security).
Regional note: In some areas, *652# works as alternative—same menu. Legit.ng confirms *861# as primary Legit PalmPay Codes.
How to Register and Activate PalmPay USSD in 2025
New users set up in 2 minutes—no BVN needed for basic wallet.
Steps:
- Dial *861# > reply 0 (Register).
- Enter your 11-digit phone number.
- Create 4-digit PIN > confirm.
- Link NIN (optional for loans) > accept terms.
- Fund wallet: Transfer from bank or buy airtime.
For app users: Link USSD to PalmPay app for hybrid access. Silicon Africa tutorial Silicon Africa PalmPay.
Transfer Money with PalmPay USSD: Fees and Limits
Sending cash is *861#'s star feature—free within PalmPay, low-cost to banks.
- PalmPay to PalmPay: Reply 2 > 1 > recipient number > amount > PIN (free, instant).
- To Other Banks: Reply 2 > 2 > bank (GTB, Zenith) > account > amount (₦10 fee, 30s–5min).
- Limits: ₦50,000/day free transfers; ₦200,000/day with fees (KYC Tier 3).
- International: Not supported via USSD—use app for remittances.
In 2025, CBN caps USSD at ₦50/session to curb fraud—PalmPay complies. Pulse Nigeria breakdown Pulse PalmPay USSD.
Buy Airtime, Data, and Pay Bills via USSD
Beyond transfers, *861# handles daily essentials.
- Airtime: Reply 3 > 1 > number > amount (e.g., ₦500 MTN) > PIN (₦2 fee).
- Data: Reply 3 > 2 > network (MTN daily 1GB ₦500) > confirm.
- Bills: Reply 4 > category (PHCN, DSTV) > meter/account > amount > PIN (₦5–₦20 fee).
- Betting Deposits: Reply 4 > Bet9ja/BetKing > amount (₦100 min).
Stack with MTN night plans for cheap data. Mular guide Mular PalmPay.
Security Features and Troubleshooting Common Issues
PalmPay prioritizes safety in 2025, with USSD PINs and biometrics.
- Freeze Account: 8618# > confirm (instant lock if stolen).
- Change PIN: 8617# > old PIN > new (avoid 1234).
- Issues Fixed: "Invalid code"? Redial—network glitch. "Insufficient funds"? Top up via agent.
- Scams: Ignore "free ₦50k" SMS—official only via *861#.
Business Post on security Business Post PalmPay.
The PalmPay USSD code Nigeria (*861#) is a 2025 essential for data-free banking—transfers, airtime, bills, all at your fingertips.
Dial *861# today and fund your wallet in seconds!
What's your go-to USSD feature—transfers or bills? Comment below! Share with feature phone users, and subscribe for fintech updates. Bank easy—PalmPay your way!

