When I first realised how often people queue at ATMs just to transfer money or check their balance, I knew there had to be a simpler way. That’s when I explored the First Bank USSD code *894# a service that lets you carry out key banking tasks on any phone without internet access. It’s quick, reliable, and surprisingly secure when used correctly.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about First Bank’s *894# Quick Banking — from how to register and the complete list of codes to practical security tips. Whether you’re in Lagos or anywhere across Nigeria, this method works on all GSM networks and for every FirstBank customer with a registered mobile number.
What Is First Bank USSD *894# Quick Banking?
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) allows mobile phones to communicate directly with a bank’s systems via short codes. In First Bank’s case, that code is *894#. It’s popularly called Quick Banking because it performs core transactions instantly — no data, app, or smartphone required.
With over 9.5 million Nigerians already using it, the *894# service has become one of the country’s most trusted mobile banking tools. You can use it to transfer funds, buy airtime, pay bills, or even open a new account straight from your SIM line. It’s perfect for people in areas with limited internet connectivity or for anyone who prefers quick, no-frills transactions.
Benefits of Using *894#
- Works on all GSM networks (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile)
- No need for an internet connection or smartphone
- Available 24/7, including weekends and public holidays
- Supports transfers, airtime, bills, and account services
- Highly secure — protected by a 5-digit personal PIN
Unlike some mobile apps that require updates or stable internet, *894# is light and consistent. As long as your phone can dial numbers, you can bank anytime, anywhere.
How to Register or Activate the First Bank USSD Service
To start using FirstBank’s *894#, you need a FirstBank account and an active debit card linked to your phone number. The setup process only takes a minute:
- Dial *894*0# on your mobile phone.
- Select the debit card linked to your account.
- Enter the card’s last four digits.
- Create a unique 5-digit PIN for authorising transactions.
Once this is done, you’ll receive a confirmation message. That’s it — your FirstBank USSD is activated and ready. You can immediately dial *894# to see the service menu.
Requirements Before Registration
- Existing FirstBank account (savings or current)
- Debit card (Verve, Visa, or MasterCard)
- Active mobile number registered with the bank
- Sufficient network signal during activation
If you receive an error saying “invalid card details” or “not eligible”, ensure that your phone number matches the one linked to your account. If not, visit the nearest branch or update your number at any FirstBank branch.
List of First Bank USSD Commands
Here’s a complete list of FirstBank’s *894# codes for different services. These short codes work on all mobile networks and can be used anytime.
| Service | USSD Code | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Check account balance | *894*00# | – |
| Transfer to FirstBank account | *894*Amount*AccountNumber# | *894*5000*1234567890# |
| Transfer to other banks | *894*Amount*AccountNumber# | *894*2000*0123456789# |
| Buy airtime (self) | *894*Amount# | *894*200# |
| Buy airtime (for others) | *894*Amount*PhoneNumber# | *894*500*08031234567# |
| Open an account | *894*0# | – |
| Mini statement | *894*AccountNumber# | *894*1234567890# |
| Deactivate or block USSD | *894*911# | – |
Every transaction you make with *894# will require your personal 5-digit PIN. Never share this PIN with anyone — not even bank staff.
How to Use Key Functions on *894#
1. Checking Your Balance
To check your account balance, dial *894*00# and enter your PIN. Your current account balance will appear on-screen and you’ll also receive an SMS confirmation. If you have multiple FirstBank accounts linked to the same number, you can choose which account to display.
2. Sending Money Within FirstBank
To send money to another FirstBank account, dial:
*894*Amount*AccountNumber#
For example, to send ₦5,000 to account 1234567890, you’ll dial *894*5000*1234567890#, then confirm with your PIN. The recipient will receive the funds instantly.
3. Transferring to Other Banks
You can also transfer funds to accounts in other Nigerian banks using the same pattern. For instance:
*894*2000*0123456789#
After entering the amount and account number, you’ll be prompted to select the destination bank. Once confirmed, type your PIN to complete the transfer.
4. Buying Airtime for Yourself
One of the most common uses of *894# is airtime top-up. Dial *894*Amount# to recharge the phone line linked to your account. For example, *894*200# instantly loads ₦200 airtime.
5. Buying Airtime for Family and Friends
To send airtime to someone else’s line, use:
*894*Amount*RecipientNumber#
Example: *894*500*08031234567#
This is particularly handy when a friend runs out of airtime and needs urgent help. It also works across networks.
6. Opening a New FirstBank Account
If you don’t yet have an account, you can create one by dialling *894*0#. Follow the prompts to enter your name, choose an account type, and confirm registration. You’ll receive your new account number via SMS, and you can start banking immediately.
7. Mini Statements and Account History
To view your last few transactions, dial *894*AccountNumber#. It’s an easy way to track deposits and withdrawals without logging into the app. If you’re trying to monitor your spending, this function is invaluable.
For more general steps on viewing account balances across other Nigerian banks, check how to check bank balance on phone.
Why Your *894# Might Not Be Working
Sometimes the code might fail or display an error like “Connection problem” or “Service timeout”. Don’t panic. Here are a few possible reasons:
- Poor network signal from your GSM provider
- Your SIM is not linked to your FirstBank account
- Your USSD profile is locked after too many wrong PIN attempts
- Temporary system maintenance on FirstBank’s side
To fix it, try again after a few minutes, or restart your phone and ensure you have a good signal. If the issue persists, contact FirstBank customer care or visit the nearest branch.
Understanding why your code may stop working also ties closely to general USSD banking security tips that can help prevent fraud and protect your PIN.
Transaction Limits, Fees and Conditions
FirstBank’s USSD platform is designed for quick, low-cost transactions. However, there are certain limits and fees you should know about before making large transfers.
- Daily transfer limit: ₦100,000 (may vary depending on your account type)
- Single transaction limit: ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 depending on your debit card
- Airtime purchase limit: ₦10,000 daily
- Service charge: ₦6.98 per session (shared by telecom operators and the bank)
These limits help protect users from unauthorised transactions while keeping the service accessible to all. If you need higher limits, visit any FirstBank branch or contact customer support to request an upgrade.
Keep in mind that transactions performed during system upgrades or peak periods may take slightly longer to process. Always check your SMS alerts to confirm whether a transaction was successful before repeating it.
Common Errors and Troubleshooting Tips
Even though *894# is generally reliable, network or device issues can occasionally cause errors. Below are common issues and how to resolve them quickly.
1. “Connection Problem or Invalid MMI Code”
This usually happens when there is a weak network signal or when you’ve dialled the code incorrectly. Try redialling after a few minutes, or reboot your phone. Make sure the SIM card in use is the one registered with your FirstBank account.
2. “Profile Locked” or “Wrong PIN”
After three incorrect PIN attempts, your USSD profile is automatically locked for security reasons. You can unlock it by visiting a branch or contacting FirstBank’s 24-hour helpline (contact support). Avoid sharing your PIN with anyone, including customer service agents.
3. “Service Not Available”
This message appears during brief system maintenance. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the problem persists, it might be a telecom network issue.
4. Transaction Completed but Not Reflected
Occasionally, you may receive a debit alert without the receiver getting credit immediately. Don’t worry — such pending transactions usually reverse automatically within 24 hours. If they don’t, contact the bank with your transaction ID for tracing.
Following these quick fixes will keep your USSD experience smooth. If you want broader advice on secure mobile transactions, visit USSD banking security tips.
Security Tips for Using *894# Safely
Mobile banking through USSD is safe, but only if you handle it responsibly. Since there’s no internet encryption layer, your protection depends largely on your behaviour.
- Keep your PIN secret. Never share it with friends, family, or staff claiming to be from the bank.
- Change your PIN regularly. Update it every few months for extra safety.
- Beware of unsolicited calls or texts. FirstBank will never ask for your PIN or one-time passwords.
- Deactivate immediately if you lose your phone. Dial *894*911# from any line to block your USSD profile, then reactivate later at a branch.
- Use short codes only from trusted sources. Always verify codes from the official FirstBank site or your branch notice board.
Following these steps minimises exposure to fraud. For even deeper protection insights, explore our guide on mobile banking security tips.
Comparison with Other Banks’ USSD Codes
FirstBank’s *894# service competes with similar codes from other Nigerian banks. Each offers different features, but *894# remains one of the most comprehensive.
| Bank | USSD Code | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|
| First Bank of Nigeria | *894# | Open accounts, transfers, airtime, mini statements |
| GTBank | *737# | Quick account opening, bill payments, merchant pay |
| Access Bank | *901# | Loans, transfers, airtime, instant account setup |
| UBA Bank | *919# | Mini statements, bill payments, transfers |
While other banks’ codes are equally reliable, FirstBank’s *894# remains one of the easiest to remember and among the earliest launched in Nigeria. If you’d like to compare more banks, check our comprehensive guide on Nigerian bank USSD codes.
Also, explore GTBank USSD Code *737# and Access Bank USSD Code *901# to see how their services differ in speed and flexibility.
Why FirstBank USSD Is Ideal for Everyday Banking
When I started using *894#, I noticed how much easier daily tasks became — transferring to colleagues, buying airtime before meetings, even paying bills during power cuts. The experience feels like having a mini-branch in your pocket. For many people in rural or semi-urban areas, it’s a lifeline where physical branches are scarce.
It also complements other banking options such as the FirstMobile App and internet banking. If your smartphone battery dies or data runs out, *894# is always available as a backup.
FAQs about First Bank USSD Code
Is the First Bank USSD code free to use?
The code itself is free to dial, but each session attracts a network charge of ₦6.98, shared between your bank and your mobile network operator.
Can I use *894# without an ATM card?
No. You need a linked debit card during registration to verify your identity. However, once registration is complete, you can perform transactions without the card nearby.
Can someone else access my account if they have my phone?
Not without your 5-digit PIN. Nevertheless, if your phone is stolen, immediately dial *894*911# from any other line to block your USSD profile.
Does it work on every mobile network?
Yes. *894# works seamlessly across MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile. You only need the line that’s registered with your FirstBank account.
What is the maximum transfer limit?
Currently ₦100,000 per day for most users, but this can be increased at the branch with proper documentation.
Can I open a FirstBank account without visiting a branch?
Yes, dial *894*0# and follow the prompts. You’ll receive your new account number via SMS instantly.
Is USSD banking safe?
It is, provided you keep your PIN private, confirm SMS alerts, and follow the basic USSD banking security practices we recommend.
Final Thoughts
FirstBank’s *894# Quick Banking has transformed how Nigerians manage money. It gives users the freedom to transact anytime, without queues, data, or app updates. Whether you’re checking balances, sending cash to family, or paying bills, *894# is your instant bridge to banking convenience.
To stay informed on related topics, see our guides on how to check bank balance on phone, microfinance banks in Nigeria, and other USSD codes for Nigerian banks. Each resource expands your knowledge and ensures you make the most of mobile banking securely and efficiently.