As simple as memorizing your BVN can be, it can be really difficult to remember it, especially at times when it is needed the most. Your BVN is not something that you use every day, hence forgetting it from time to time is very possible.
Almost everyone uses their BVN only when they need to fill out a government form or sign up for some platforms, making it easy to forget. Some people note down their BVN somewhere safe in case of scenarios like this; it could be in a book or on their mobile devices.
However, for security reasons, others wouldn’t keep their BVN with them. Since it is used as a means of verifying identity, it can be used wrongly in the wrong hands. As a result, checking your BVN on the go is usually recommended.
Not everyone is familiar with how to check their BVN. Hence, in this article, I will show you how you can easily check your BVN by making use of your phone alone.
What is BVN
BVN is an acronym for Bank Verification Number is a unique biometrics-backed 11-digit identification system for customers of financial institutions in Nigeria.
Customers enroll for BVN at commercial banks but it is issued and managed solely by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The apex bank (CBN) uses this system as a secure way for all financial institutions in the country to verify the identities of their users.
Every customer of financial institutions in Nigeria has a unique BVN which is attached to their financial accounts. Institutions use this number to identify you and your financial transactions. This is why it is employed as a method of identity verification in the country, and to also prevent fraud and other financial crimes.
Now, let’s proceed and find out how you can check your Bank Verification Number (BVN) if you have forgotten it.
How to check your BVN
There are three different ways to check your BVN. Some of these methods are paid for while others are free. Let’s dive right in!
Checking via USSD
Using USSD is the easiest and fastest way to check your BVN. However, this method will only work if you use the phone number linked to your BVN to check it. The service costs a fee of ₦20 every time you use it to check your BVN.
To check your BVN via USSD:
- Dial *565*0# on the phone number linked to your BVN.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
- Then, you will see your unique number on the screen.
How to check on the NIBSS website
Although the BVN is issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the system powering electronic interbank transactions in the country is managed by the NIBSS. The NIBSS has created a BVN lookup tool dedicated to helping customers verify and retrieve their BVN details.
To check your BVN on the NIBSS website:
- Proceed to the NIBSS on your mobile device. You can also access the site using a computer.
- Enter your full name and date of birth in the required field. Ensure the details you provide are the same as your BVN details.
- Next, provide the phone number attached to your BVN.
- Tap on the “Submit” button to continue.
- Choose a preferred payment option to send in your payment of the required ₦20 verification service fee.
As soon as you make a payment, your 11-digit Bank Verification Number will be displayed on your screen. If you don’t get the information, it could be that you have entered incorrect details or your BVN is invalid.
However, you should note that the NIBSS BVN lookup tool may be unavailable at times.
Checking via your Mobile Banking App
This method is one of the least common ways of checking your BVN because many people are not aware of it yet. Aside from the ease that comes with using mobile banking apps, checking your BVN with them is also free.
To check your BVN via your mobile banking app:
- Log in to your mobile banking app.
- Proceed to the “Account Details” section.
- Then, select “Identification” or “BVN Settings” from the options you see.
- Provide the necessary information to check your BVN.
- Your BVN will be displayed on the screen.
You should note that checking your via the mobile banking app may vary depending on the particular bank you use. Some banking apps do not require users to provide any information to see their BVN–you can check your details immediately after you sign in to your profile.
Alternatively, you can use the internet banking option to check your BVN with the help of your bank.
Wrapping Up
Using the *565*0# USSD code is the easiest way to check your BVN. However, the service comes with a fee and hence, may discourage some users from using it.
If you have a stable internet connection, you can use the mobile banking or internet banking option to check your BVN details. This way, you can waive the ₦20 service fee charged on USSD and the NIBSS website.
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