Access Bank’s USSD code is *901# – dial this from any phone to access instant banking services without internet or data connection.
Your phone battery just died at the market, and you need to send urgent money to your brother in Lagos. Sound familiar? Or maybe you’re in one of those “network wahala” moments where your banking app refuses to load, but you desperately need to check your account balance before making that important purchase.
This is exactly why Access Bank’s USSD banking has become a lifesaver for millions of Naija folks. No smartphone required. No data bundles. Just your regular phone and a few button presses.
| USSD Function | Code Format | Description | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access Bank Main Menu | *901# |
Entry point to all USSD banking services | No internet needed; works on all GSM networks |
| Check Account Balance | *901*5# |
Instantly view your account balance | ₦6.98 may be charged per session |
| Airtime Top-Up (Self) | *901*Amount# |
Recharge your own mobile line | Example: *901*500# for ₦500 airtime |
| Airtime Top-Up (Others) | *901*Amount*PhoneNumber# |
Buy airtime for family or friends | Example: *901*200*08012345678# |
| Transfer to Access Bank | *901*1*Amount*AccountNumber# |
Send funds to another Access Bank account | Requires your USSD PIN |
| Transfer to Other Banks | *901*2*Amount*AccountNumber# |
Send funds to other Nigerian banks | Select bank from the prompt |
| Open Account | *901*0# |
Create a new Access Bank account instantly | NUBAN generated immediately |
| Create/Reset USSD PIN | *901*0# |
Set or reset your USSD transaction PIN | BVN may be required for verification |
| Pay Bills | *901*3# |
Pay DSTV, GoTV, PHCN, etc. | Follow prompts for biller selection |
| Block Account (Emergency) | *901*911# |
Block your account if your phone is lost or compromised | No PIN needed; urgent use only |
| Request Loan (Payday Loan) | *901*11# |
Apply for an instant short-term loan | Subject to Access Bank approval |
| View Mini Statement | *901*4*1# |
View last few transactions via SMS | Useful for tracking recent debits/credits |
| BVN Retrieval | *565*0# (Universal code) |
Retrieve your Bank Verification Number | Useful for PIN reset or account linking |
| USSD Deactivation | Not available via USSD | Turn off USSD access to your account | Must be done via app or by visiting a branch |
Whether you’re a market trader in Aba, a student in Ibadan, or someone who simply prefers the reliability of USSD over apps that sometimes misbehave, this guide covers everything you need to master Access Bank’s *901# service.
How to Get Started with Access Bank USSD Code
Getting your Access Bank USSD banking up and running takes less than 5 minutes. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Registration Process
- Use the right phone: Dial *901# from the phone number linked to your Access Bank account
- Select registration: Choose the option to register for USSD banking
- Verify your identity: Enter either:
- Last 6 digits of your Access Bank debit card, OR
- Your date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY format)
- Add account details: Provide your 10-digit Access Bank account number
- Create your PIN: Set up a secure 4-digit PIN and confirm it
Pro tip: Your phone number must be the same one registered with your Access Bank account. If you’ve changed numbers recently, visit any Access Bank branch to update your records first.
What You Need Before Starting
- Active Access Bank account
- Phone number registered with the bank
- Valid debit card or birth date for verification
- At least ₦10 airtime for the registration process
Complete List of Access Bank USSD Codes
Essential Banking Transactions
| Service | USSD Code | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Check Balance | 9015# | 9015# |
| Transfer (Access Bank) | 9011AmountAccount# | 901150001234567890# |
| Transfer (Other Banks) | 9012AmountAccount# | 901230009876543210# |
| Buy Airtime (Self) | 901Amount# | 901500# |
| Buy Airtime (Others) | 9014AmountPhone# | 901420008012345678# |
Advanced Services
- Open New Account: 9010#
- Request Loan: 90111#
- Cardless Withdrawal: 90114#
- Bill Payments: 9013#
- Block Account: 901911#
- Reset PIN: Contact customer care at 07003000000
Money Transfer: Step-by-Step Guide
Sending Money to Another Access Bank Account
- Dial 9011AmountAccount Number#
- Confirm recipient details displayed
- Enter your 4-digit USSD PIN
- Wait for transaction confirmation SMS
Example: To send ₦2,500 to account 0123456789:
- Dial: 901125000123456789#
Transferring to Other Nigerian Banks
The process is similar, but you’ll use code 2 instead of 1:
- Dial 9012AmountAccount Number#
- Select recipient bank from the list
- Confirm details and enter PIN
- Transaction complete!
Important: Other bank transfers attract a fee of ₦52.50 (including VAT), while Access Bank-to-Access Bank transfers are free.
Airtime and Data Top-Up
Buy Airtime for Your Number
Simply dial 901Amount# where “Amount” is how much airtime you want.
Examples:
- ₦100 airtime: 901100#
- ₦500 airtime: 901500#
- ₦1,000 airtime: 9011000#
Buy Airtime for Someone Else
Use 9014AmountPhone Number#
Example: To buy ₦200 airtime for 08012345678:
- Dial: 901420008012345678#
Data Bundle Purchases
Access the data menu through 9013# and follow the prompts to:
- Buy data for yourself
- Purchase data gifts for others
- Check available data plans
Bill Payments Made Simple
Access Bank USSD supports payments for popular services:
Supported Bill Categories
- DStv/GOtv subscriptions
- Electricity bills (AEDC, EKEDC, IKEDC, etc.)
- Water bills
- Cable TV subscriptions
- School fees (selected institutions)
How to Pay Bills
- Dial 9013#
- Select “Pay Bills”
- Choose bill category (TV, electricity, etc.)
- Enter customer ID/meter number
- Select amount or package
- Confirm with your PIN
Troubleshooting Common Issues
“USSD Code Not Working”
Possible causes and solutions:
- Insufficient airtime: Ensure you have at least ₦10 credit
- Network issues: Try again in a few minutes or move to better coverage area
- Wrong phone number: Confirm you’re using the number registered with your account
- Blocked PIN: Contact Access Bank customer care at 07003000000
PIN Reset and Recovery
If you’ve forgotten your USSD PIN:
- Visit any Access Bank branch with valid ID
- Call customer care at 07003000000
- Use the AccessMore mobile app to reset
You cannot reset your USSD PIN using USSD codes alone – this is a security feature.
Transaction Failures
When transfers fail:
- Check recipient account number carefully
- Ensure sufficient account balance (including fees)
- Verify network connection
- Contact customer care if money was debited but transfer failed
Security Tips: Protecting Your USSD Banking
Keep Your PIN Safe
- Never share your 4-digit USSD PIN with anyone
- Don’t use obvious numbers like 1234, 0000, or your birth year
- Change your PIN regularly through customer care
Emergency Account Blocking
If your phone is stolen or lost:
- Immediately dial 901911# from any phone
- Select option to deactivate USSD profile
- This blocks all USSD transactions on your account
- Contact customer care to reactivate when you get a new phone
Fraud Prevention
- Always verify recipient details before confirming transfers
- Don’t respond to calls asking for your USSD PIN
- Check your SMS for transaction confirmations
- Report suspicious activity immediately to 07003000000
USSD vs AccessMore App: Which is Better?
When to Use USSD (*901#)
Perfect for:
- Emergency transactions when you have no data
- Quick balance checks
- Simple transfers
- Rural areas with poor internet
- Older phones without app capability
When to Use AccessMore App
Better for:
- Viewing detailed transaction history
- Managing multiple accounts
- Complex bill payments
- International transfers
- Better user interface experience
Reality check: Many Nigerians use both. USSD for quick tasks, the app for detailed banking.
Transaction Limits and Charges
Daily Transaction Limits
| Transaction Type | Daily Limit |
|---|---|
| Transfers (Other Banks) | ₦100,000 |
| Transfers (Access Bank) | ₦200,000 |
| Airtime Purchase | ₦20,000 |
| Bill Payments | ₦100,000 |
USSD Banking Charges
- Access Bank transfers: Free
- Other bank transfers: ₦52.50 (including VAT)
- Balance inquiry: Free
- Airtime purchase: Free (no extra charges)
- Bill payments: Varies by biller
Note: Your network provider may charge for USSD sessions (usually ₦4-₦20 per session).
Advanced USSD Features You Might Not Know
Cardless Withdrawal
Dial 90114# to generate a withdrawal code. Take this code to any Access Bank ATM and withdraw cash without your debit card.
How it works:
- Generate code via USSD
- Visit Access Bank ATM within 24 hours
- Select “Cardless Withdrawal”
- Enter your code and phone number
- Collect your cash
Loan Services
Access Bank offers quick loans through USSD:
- Dial 90111#
- Check loan eligibility
- Apply for personal loans
- Access salary advance (for salary account holders)
Account Opening
You can actually open a new Access Bank account via USSD:
- Dial 9010#
- Follow prompts for account type
- Provide required information
- Visit a branch within 30 days to complete documentation
FAQs: Real Questions from Access Bank Users
Can I use Access Bank USSD code without a smartphone?
Yes! USSD works on any mobile phone – from the most basic Nokia 3310 to the latest iPhone. You only need the ability to dial codes and receive SMS.
What happens if I dial *901# from a different phone number?
The system will recognize that the number doesn’t match your account records and won’t allow transactions. You must use the phone number registered with Access Bank.
Why am I being charged ₦6.98 for USSD transactions?
This is the Central Bank of Nigeria approved USSD fee. It’s charged by your mobile network provider, not Access Bank directly.
Can I reverse a wrong transfer made via USSD?
Contact Access Bank immediately at 07003000000. While USSD transfers are instant, the bank may help recover funds if contacted quickly and if the recipient account cooperates.
How do I check my BVN using Access Bank USSD?
You cannot check BVN via Access Bank USSD. To verify your BVN, dial 5650# from any network or visit any bank branch.
What’s the difference between 9015# and 90100#?
Both codes check your account balance. 9015# is the newer, shorter version, while 90100# is the older format that still works.
Can I buy data bundles for other networks using Access Bank USSD?
Yes, through the bill payment menu (9013#), you can purchase data for MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile networks.
Is there a limit to how many times I can use USSD per day?
Access Bank doesn’t limit usage frequency, but you’re bound by daily transaction limits. However, excessive failed attempts may temporarily lock your USSD access for security.
Why Access Bank USSD Stands Out
Network Coverage
Access Bank USSD works across all Nigerian networks:
- MTN
- Airtel
- Glo
- 9mobile
24/7 Availability
Unlike banking halls or even some apps, USSD banking never closes. Christmas Day, New Year, 3 AM – your money is always accessible.
Reliability Factor
While banking apps can crash during high traffic (like salary payment periods), USSD infrastructure is remarkably stable. It’s built on telecom networks that prioritize basic services.
Getting Help When You Need It
Access Bank Customer Care
- Phone: 07003000000 (24/7)
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp: 07003000000
Branch Locations
Find your nearest Access Bank branch using the branch locator on their website or ask customer care for the closest location.
Social Media Support
Access Bank responds to queries on:
- Twitter: @myaccessbank
- Facebook: Access Bank Nigeria
- Instagram: @accessbank_ng
Final thought: Access Bank’s *901# service transforms any mobile phone into a complete banking terminal. Whether you’re sending money to family, paying bills, or just checking your balance, this USSD code puts financial control literally at your fingertips.
Keep this guide bookmarked. Share it with friends who struggle with banking apps. And remember – in a country where “network wahala” is real, having USSD as your backup banking method isn’t just convenient, it’s essential.