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Use First Bank’s *894# USSD code to transfer money, check your balance, buy airtime, pay bills, and access other services. |
First Bank USSD Code: The Complete *894# Guide for Transfers & More
First Bank's USSD code. Dial it from your registered phone number to check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, buy airtime, or even open a basic account — no internet or smartphone required.
What Is FirstBank USSD Banking?
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) lets your phone communicate with First Bank's servers in real time, over any GSM network (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile), without a mobile app or data connection. First Bank markets this as FirstBank Quick Banking.
How to Register First Bank Transfer Code Without ATM Card
If you don't have a First Bank debit card — whether it's lost, expired, or you never received one — you can still activate `*894#` for transfers through an alternative route:
1. Visit the nearest First Bank branch in person.
2. Bring a valid government-issued ID (National ID, driver's license, international passport, or voter's card).
3. Request manual USSD/Quick Banking activation at the customer service desk.
4. A staff member will verify your identity — typically through biometric verification (fingerprint) matched against your account records — instead of a debit card.
5. Once verified, your USSD profile is activated on the spot, and you can create your 5-digit PIN immediately.
Important: There's no verified self-service (app or USSD-only) way to skip both the card and a branch visit — any online guide claiming otherwise should be treated with skepticism, since it would bypass a core identity-verification step the bank relies on for security.
Already have FirstMobile app access? Even without a physical card, some users have successfully activated USSD banking through the app's in-app support chat, though this isn't guaranteed and a branch visit remains the most reliable fallback.
Everyday Transactions on *894#
Check Account Balance
Dial `*894*00#` — your balance displays instantly.
Transfer to a First Bank Account
Dial `*894*Amount*AccountNumber#` — for example, `*894*5000*1234567890#` sends ₦5,000.
Transfer to Other Banks
Dial `*894*Amount*AccountNumber#`, then select the recipient's bank from the list that appears.
Buy Airtime (Yourself)
Dial `*894*Amount#` — e.g., `*894*1000#` credits ₦1,000 to your own line.
Buy Airtime (For Others)
Dial `*894*Amount*PhoneNumber#`.
Pay Bills
Dial `*894#` and follow the menu for electricity, cable TV (DStv, GOtv, StarTimes), data subscriptions, and select merchant services.
Open a Basic Account
Dial `*894*0#` to open a basic First Bank account directly from your phone, subject to CBN tier limits.
Emergency: Blocking *894# If Your Phone Is Stolen
Dial `*894*911#` immediately from any phone — this is First Bank's official emergency block code, confirmed directly on the bank's website. It works even if you're using someone else's phone, not just your registered line.
After blocking, follow up by contacting First Bank customer care:
- Phone: `07080625000` or `0700FIRSTCONTACT`
- WhatsApp: `09090901901`
For the complete breakdown of every support channel, see our First Bank customer care guide.
Transaction Limits
Typical daily USSD transaction limits go up to around ₦100,000, depending on your account tier — these are set by First Bank in line with CBN regulations and can change, so confirm your specific limit within the `*894#` menu if you're planning a larger transaction.
Charges for Using *894#
- - Airtime purchases: usually free or minimal
- - Transfers and bill payments: typically ₦6.98–₦10.75 per transaction, in line with standard Nigerian USSD banking charges
These are deducted from your bank account or airtime balance depending on the transaction type.
Is *894# Safe?
Yes, when used correctly. First Bank secures the service with PIN-based authorization, session timeouts, and device-number binding.
Safety tips:
- - Never share your USSD PIN with anyone.
- - Don't save your PIN in your phone's notes or contacts.
- - Avoid dialing `*894#` on someone else's device for routine transactions.
- - If your phone is lost or stolen, use `*894*911#` immediately rather than waiting to reach customer care first.
Troubleshooting *894#
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Code not responding | Ensure you're dialing from your registered number and have network signal |
| "Line barred" message | Confirm your SIM isn't barred for USSD by your network provider |
| PIN not accepted | Restart your phone and retry; if forgotten, use the PIN reset option in the menu |
| Persistent issues | Contact First Bank via 07080625000 or WhatsApp 09090901901 |
*894# USSD vs. the FirstMobile App
| USSD (*894#) | FirstMobile App | |
|---|---|---|
| Internet needed | No | Yes |
| Best for | Quick transactions, feature phones, emergencies | Detailed account management, savings, investments |
Many customers use both — see our FirstMobile app guide
Who Should Use First Bank's USSD Code?
- - Users with limited or no internet access
- - Rural and semi-urban customers
- - Anyone needing a fast emergency transfer or account block
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the USSD code for First Bank?
`*894#` — used for transfers, balance checks, bill payments, airtime, and account opening.
How do I check my First Bank balance via USSD?
Dial `*894*00#`.
What is the First Bank USSD transfer code?
`*894*Amount*AccountNumber#` for transfers to First Bank or other Nigerian banks.
How do I block *894# if my phone is stolen?
Dial `*894*911#` from any phone immediately.
Conclusion
`*894#` remains one of Nigeria's most reliable offline banking tools — covering transfers, bills, airtime, and account opening in one code. Save `*894*911#` separately from your phone in case of emergencies, since that's the one code you'll need to access from someone else's device.
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