Your Bank Verification Number (BVN) is your unique 11-digit identifier in the Nigerian banking system and a crucial piece of information that helps protect your bank accounts from unauthorized access and fraud. But let’s be honest: with so many important numbers to remember nowadays, it’s easy to forget your BVN when signing up for a platform like Piggyvest.
The easiest and fastest way to check your BVN is by dialling *565*0# on the phone number linked to your BVN. However, you can also check it online by visiting the NIBSS website, via Internet banking, or on your mobile banking app. The “best” method depends on your location and internet access.
Whether you need it to open a new bank account, link your accounts, or perform other financial transactions, this guide will show you exactly how to check your BVN. But first, what is your BVN and why is it important?
What is a BVN and why is it important?
A Bank Verification Number, or BVN, is a unique biometrics-backed 11-digit identification system for customers of financial institutions in Nigeria. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issues and manages BVNs, which serve as a secure way for all financial institutions to verify user identities.
In simpler terms, your BVN is a number (like your phone number or National Identification Number) attached to your financial accounts that enables financial institutions to identify you and your financial transactions. The number was created in 2014 by both the CBN and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS) as part of a move to centralise Nigeria’s Bank Verification System.
Here’s why your BVN is so important:
- It adds an extra layer of security to your bank accounts, protecting you from fraud.
- It gives you a unique identity that is accepted across all Nigerian banks.
- It speeds up banking services and transactions.
- It is a requirement for accessing credit from financial institutions.
Today, the BVN serves as a powerful system for financial institutions to simplify the banking process for customers (including Piggyvest users!) while preventing fraud and other financial crimes.
What are the 4 easiest ways to check your BVN?
The following are the quickest and easiest ways to retrieve your BVN:
- Use the *565*0# USSD code.
- Use the NIBSS website
- Check via internet banking
- Use your mobile banking app
Let’s see how they work!
1. How to check BVN using USSD
You can easily (and quickly) check your BVN by dialing the *565*0# shortcode from your mobile phone. However, this method only works if you use the phone number linked to your BVN. You’ll also need to pay a service fee of ₦20 every time you check.
Thankfully, there are other (free) ways to check those 11 digits that make up your BVN online.
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2. How to check BVN online using the NIBSS website
The NIBSS is an industry-owned company that manages the infrastructure powering electronic interbank transactions in Nigeria. And since your BVN serves as one of the core systems for banking, the NIBSS website has a dedicated BVN lookup tool to help verify and retrieve your details.
Here’s how to check BVN using the NIBSS’s website:
- Go to the NIBSS website using your mobile phone or a computer.
- Provide your name and date of birth in the required fields.
- Enter the phone number linked to your BVN.
- Click the “Submit” button.
- Select a preferred payment option and pay the required ₦20 verification fee.
You should see your 11-digit Bank Verification Number displayed on the screen if your details are correct and your BVN is valid. Note that, on occasion, the BVN lookup tool might be unavailable.
3. How to check BVN via Internet banking
Internet banking in Nigeria has grown in leaps and bounds since fintech services revolutionised savings and investment. Today, many internet banking platforms also include a page to confirm your details — including your BVN.
You can check your BVN via Internet banking by following these steps:
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- Visit your Internet banking website.
- Sign in using your credentials.
- Check the menu for the “Account Settings” or “Account Details” option.
- Provide the necessary information.
You should now be able to view your account details.
Note that only some internet banking platforms allow you to view your BVN. The exact steps to access your details will depend on your bank.
4. How to check BVN on your mobile banking app
Mobile banking apps are all the rage these days. They are pretty easy to use and are usually considered reliable. And, like internet banking platforms, some mobile banking apps allow users to view their BVN.
Here are the steps to check your BVN on your mobile banking app:
- Sign into your mobile banking app.
- Click on the “Account Details” option.
- Select “Identification” or “BVN Settings” from the options.
- Provide the required information.
Please note that the steps above might vary depending on your app. And, of course, not all mobile banking apps include the option to view your BVN this way.
If the methods above don’t work for you, you can also go ahead and check the BVN enrolment slip you were given when you registered for your BVN. This slip should contain your unique details or detailed instructions for requesting your details. But what if you haven’t even enrolled for your BVN?
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How to enrol for your BVN
The CBN mandates that all bank customers (both old and new) enrol for a BVN. So you can sign up for a BVN at any bank in Nigeria.
Here’s how to enrol for your BVN:
- Walk into any bank in the country.
- Head to the Customer Service section and ask for a BVN Enrolment form.
- Fill the form.
- Complete the required biometric process (fingerprints and facial capture).
- Collect the enrollment acknowledgment slip which contains a transaction ID.
- Wait for 24 hours to receive a confirmation SMS.
Afterwards, you can dial *565*0# USSD code to view your unique number.
Can you ask your bank for your BVN?
But what if you’re unable to use any of the methods above? Say, you lose access to your BVN-linked phone number or can’t remember the code to check BVN? Well, you can simply ask your bank for your BVN to get access to the necessary details. However, you’ll need to visit a physical branch or speak to a customer service representative to get started. Your bank will then tell you the next steps.
Our advice to make the process seamless? Ensure you have a valid means of identification (like your Nigerian national ID card or passport) when visiting.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best way to check your BVN is via the *565*0# shortcode, but that works only if you are using the phone number linked to your BVN. The other ways to check are through the NIBSS website, via Internet banking, and on your mobile banking app.
Remember that your BVN is sensitive information. Never share it on unverified or public platforms to avoid scams that may lead to serious consequences. You can also check out our article to learn how we keep you and your money safe at PiggyVest.
The articles on the PiggyVest Blog are developed by seasoned writers who use original sources like authoritative websites, news articles and academic journals to perform in-depth research. An experienced editor fact-checks every piece before it is published to ensure you are always reading accurate, up-to-date and balanced content.
