The Bank Verification Number, commonly called BVN, is a biometric identification system introduced in Nigeria in February 2014 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) after it implemented its cashless policy, majorly to curb or reduce illegal banking transactions in Nigeria.
It is a modern security measure in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 1958 to reduce fraud in the banking system. The system works by recording fingerprints and a facial photograph of the individual. The BVN or Bank verification number is an 11-digit number unique to each individual and can be verified across all financial institutions in Nigeria.
The BVN database is the most reliable and comprehensive data source in the Nigeria Financial Industry, warehousing over 38 million unique BVNs, which are intrinsic to every individual whose profile has been captured.
BVN verifies and verifies the customers’ identities seamlessly across multiple and interoperable electronic platforms. The BVN database is searched to display relevant information about an individual; this is called bio-data (it includes names, phone numbers, addresses, and dates of birth).
To own and operate a banking account in Nigeria, you must register a bank verification number. Once you open your bank account, a BVN is issued to you. This BVN can be used when next you need to open another bank account in Nigeria.
To address existing challenges with identity management, the Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with all Nigerian banks, launched the centralised biometric identification system tagged Bank Verification Number (BVN).
Biometrics refers to identifying an individual based on physiological attributes- fingerprint, voice, facial features etc. With the continuous incidents of compromise on conventional security systems (password and PIN), there is a high demand for greater security on access to sensitive or personal information in the Banking system.
There have been some controversies about the security implication of having all bank accounts in different banks linked to one number, but the BVN has come to stay. Issues arose where fraudsters attempted to use the system’s launch to phish for customers’ bank details.
Read also: How to locate your Android phone IMEI number
How to Check BVN Online
Thanks to technology, you can easily check your BVN by dialing a USSD code or asking your bank to provide you with that information. It’s easy to check your BVN details online via the BVN validation portal. NIBSS BVN portal was created to retrieve and validate your BVN details online. Through the NIBSS BVN portal, you can check your BVN number, BVN name, address, phone number, and other BVN details.
Requirements to check BVN details via the NIBSS online portal:
- Before you can access your bank verification number and other details online via this portal, you’ll have to keep your BVN close by and your date of birth. Why? It’s a security measure set up to ensure that you are the owner of the BVN who wants access to the information contained in the BVN.Npower Recruitment.
- Secondly, you’ll have to keep your ATM card close because the service isn’t free, and you’ll be charged NGN 25 service fee.
- Once you have all the above requirements, you can now proceed with checking your BVN details online.
How to Check BVN Online via the BVN validation portal:
To learn how to check your BVN details online via this portal, follow the instructions outlined below:
- Log into the NIBSS validation portal.
- Input your BVN and tap or click on the Search
- Once you do that, a list of payment options will appear on your screen. Choose your most preferred payment method and pay the service charge of NGN 25
- Once your payment has been confirmed, you’ll be redirected to a page with all the information about your BVN.
While this is an excellent method to check your BVN online, the disadvantage is that you must know your BVN before using the service. However, if you don’t know your BVN, I’ll show you an alternate method to check your BVN.
Check BVN Using the USSD code:
The second approach is via the use of the USSD code. However, with this method, you will not have all the information about your BVN, but you’ll have access to the number. If it’s not the BVN you are after, then you can use this approach to retrieve your BVN and then use the BVN in the NIBSS portal to access other information in your BVN.
To use this USSD code approach. You will have to use the exact number you used during your BVN registration, you can also view your BVN on any telecommunication network without hassle. However, unlike the online method, this service is not free, and you’ll be charged a service fee of a minimum of NGN 20.
-
How to Check Your BVN on MTN
Using the phone number you registered with your BVN, dial 5650#. Your phone’s screen will soon show your unique eleven numbers. Recognize that this is a high-end service. You will be charged up to N20 by your operator for this. Therefore, saving the number is a good idea, so you don’t have to pay for it each time you need it.
-
How to Check BVN on GLO
Make sure you have up to 20 Naira airtime on your registered phone number when applying for the BVN, then dial the code 5650#. It will reveal your 11-digit BVN on your screen.
-
How to Check BVN on 9Mobile
You don’t have to panic even if your preferred sim is Etisalat (9mobile). To begin, dial 5650#. Wait until you see the phone number displayed on your phone.
You will be charged for this as well. Having at least 20 Naira in your phone account is a good idea, as the service is not free.
-
How To Check BVN On Airtel
If you use Airtel, you can also check your BVN by dialing the same code 5650#. Soon after sending your inquiry, you will get your 11-digit BVN number. You will be charged up to 20 Naira for the service.
NB: If you are a customer of a Nigerian bank that the Central Bank of Nigeria has approved. The code 5650# is usable. In addition, this service has a cost.
How To Use Your Smartphone as a CCTV Camera Without Internet.
How to Check BVN on Your bank App
To get this 11-digit number, you must have opened a bank account and enrolled with the CBN’s Biometric Identification System. Upon logging in, go through the menu of the bank’s mobile app for an option that will take you to your BVN. If you can’t find it, contact your bank about how to go about it.
Additionally, you can use the same code to check your BVN number with any Nigerian bank. For example:
- Dial 5650# to check the BVN code for Diamond.
- To check the First Bank’s BVN code, dial 5650#.
- To check the FCMB BVN code: Dial 5650#
- To check the Stanbic IBTC’s BVN code, dial 5650#.
- Dial 5650# to check the BVN code for Eco Bank.
- To check the Union Bank BVN code: Dial 5650#
- Dial 5650# to check the BVN code for UBA.
- Dial 5650# to check the BVN code for Zenith Bank.
This code applies to all banks and can be used to check bvn on mtn airtel glo.
You should now understand how to use a mobile phone to check your BVN with the information provided. Mobile network providers in Nigeria use the universal code 5650#, including MTN, Etisalat, Airtel, and GLO, to confirm BVN. This code will be helpful if you are seeking a fast method to obtain your BVN number.
