How to check BVN on Airtel, Glo, MTN & 9mobile in Nigeria: In Nigeria, the Bank Verification Number (BVN) is a unique 11-digit number that links all your bank accounts and confirms your identity for any banking transaction. If you’re using a phone line from MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile and you need to check your BVN quickly, you can do so without visiting the bank. This guide breaks down how to check your BVN on any Nigerian network using a USSD code or alternative methods like mobile apps or online banking. You’ll also learn how to check your BVN without airtime, troubleshoot failed attempts, and keep your BVN safe from fraud.
What Is a BVN and Why Do Nigerians Need It?
The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is a biometric-based identification number issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to every individual who has a bank account in the country. The main reason for linking every Nigerian’s bank account to a BVN is to protect users against fraud and identity theft. Once your BVN is created at the bank, every account you open in the future will be automatically connected to the same number.
If you are a Nigerian with multiple bank accounts across GTBank, Access Bank, and First Bank, for example, your BVN allows the banks to recognize you under one verified identity. Without a BVN, you will not be able to transfer money, open new accounts, or use banking apps in Nigeria. This is why knowing how to check your BVN especially using networks like MTN, Airtel, or Glo is essential.
What Code to Check BVN on Any Nigerian Line?
Quick Answer: To check your BVN in Nigeria, dial *565*0# using the phone number linked to your bank account. You need at least ₦20 airtime. This works on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile. You can also check your BVN through your bank’s mobile app or internet banking if you don’t have airtime.
For example, if you are using an MTN SIM card that you linked to your BVN at Zenith Bank, you can dial *565*0# to retrieve your BVN. The same applies if you are on Airtel or Glo. The BVN will either show on your screen or be sent to your phone via SMS, depending on your network provider.
It’s important to know that this BVN code is not free. You must have at least ₦20 airtime on your line to complete the request. If you try to check your BVN without enough airtime, the request will likely fail or return an error. That’s why many Nigerians also ask how to check BVN without airtime—which we’ll cover later in this guide.
How to Check BVN on MTN (Code & Step-by-Step Guide)
If you are using an MTN SIM card and you want to check your BVN, make sure that the MTN number is the same one you used to register your BVN with your bank. For example, if you linked your MTN line during BVN enrollment at UBA, that’s the only number that can retrieve your BVN using the USSD code.
To check your BVN on MTN, dial *565*0# directly from the linked MTN line. Wait a few seconds. Your 11-digit BVN will either appear on your screen or arrive as an SMS. You must have ₦20 airtime available, or the request will not go through. MTN applies this charge before delivering your BVN.
If you receive an error message after dialing the BVN code on MTN, check that your MTN SIM is registered with your bank. If it’s not, the code will not work, and you’ll need to try another method like the GTBank app or your bank’s internet banking portal. Many users searching for how to check your BVN on MTN don’t realize that using a different line—even if it’s also registered in your name—won’t work unless it’s the one linked during your BVN capture.
How to Check Your BVN on Airtel Line in Nigeria
For Airtel users in Nigeria who need to check their BVN, the process is just as simple as MTN’s. Start by making sure that your Airtel line is the same number you gave your bank when you enrolled for BVN. If the number you’re using is not the registered Airtel line, the BVN code will not work.
To retrieve your BVN on Airtel, dial *565*0# and wait for the system to respond. The BVN will display on your phone or be sent via SMS, depending on the phone settings and network response time. Just like with MTN, you’ll be charged ₦20 before the BVN is revealed. If you’re low on airtime, the code may not go through, which is why questions like code to check BVN on Airtel and how to check BVN without airtime are common among Airtel users.
If you don’t receive your BVN after dialing the code on Airtel, double-check that you used the correct SIM. You can also try alternative options such as logging into your bank’s mobile app using your Airtel internet connection.
How to Check BVN on Glo SIM Card (With and Without Airtime)
Glo users in Nigeria can also retrieve their BVN using a simple USSD command, but the most important thing is to confirm that the Glo line was the same phone number used during your BVN registration at your bank. If your Glo SIM was not linked to your bank account when you enrolled for BVN, the code will not work.
To check your BVN on Glo, dial *565*0# directly from the registered Glo number. You must have at least ₦20 airtime available before dialing, as this service is not free. Once the code is sent, your 11-digit BVN will either show up on your screen or be delivered via SMS.
If you don’t have airtime, you can still check your BVN without using the Glo USSD code by logging into your bank’s mobile app or visiting an ATM that displays your BVN after PIN verification. This answers common search queries like how to check BVN on Glo and how to check BVN without airtime.
How to Check BVN on 9mobile (Etisalat) in 2025
For 9mobile users in Nigeria who want to retrieve their BVN, the process is exactly the same as with other networks. However, the SIM card must be the one you linked to your BVN during bank registration. If your 9mobile SIM is not the one associated with your BVN, dialing the USSD code will not return a result.
To check your BVN on 9mobile, simply dial *565*0# from your 9mobile line. Make sure the SIM has a minimum airtime balance of ₦20. Once the request is processed, your BVN will be displayed or sent via SMS.
If you encounter an error, confirm your network signal is stable and ensure the SIM card you’re using is correctly linked to your bank account. If needed, you can also log in to your internet banking portal or visit the bank branch to retrieve your BVN securely.
How to Check My BVN on GTBank Mobile App
If you bank with GTBank and need to retrieve your BVN without using the USSD code, you can easily access it through the GTBank mobile app. This method is especially useful when you do not have airtime or when the *565*0# code is not working.
To check your BVN on the GTBank mobile app, first download or open the GTWorld app or GTBank app on your smartphone. Log in using your registered phone number and password or fingerprint. Once logged in, navigate to the “Profile” or “Account Information” section. Your BVN is usually displayed alongside your name and account number.
This method answers the common question of how to check my BVN on GTBank mobile app and helps you avoid unnecessary USSD charges.
How to Check BVN Without Airtime on Any Network
If you do not have airtime on your MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile line, you can still check your BVN using alternative methods. One of the most reliable ways is through your bank’s mobile banking app. Once logged in, navigate to your account or profile section to view your BVN. Most Nigerian banks display the BVN by default on the dashboard.
You can also check your BVN using internet banking. Log in from your mobile phone or desktop browser and go to your account settings. Banks like GTBank, First Bank, Access Bank, and UBA include your BVN automatically in your online profile.
Another option is visiting your nearest bank branch with a valid ID card. Ask a customer service agent to retrieve your BVN. This is the most direct option if you do not use mobile or internet banking. These methods provide clear solutions for users searching for how to check BVN without airtime on any network.
Common BVN Check Errors and Fixes (All Networks)
Several issues can come up when trying to retrieve your BVN using the *565*0# USSD code. The most common issue is using a phone number that is not linked to your BVN. The BVN system will only respond to the specific SIM card you used during registration at your bank. If you use a different SIM, the code will not return any result.
Another common error is insufficient airtime. The USSD request requires ₦20 airtime, and without it, the code will not work. Users often ask why the BVN code fails, not realizing that airtime is required even on apps like Glo and 9mobile.
If you see “request failed” or “network error,” check your network strength. Poor reception on MTN, Airtel, or Glo can cause USSD requests to fail. Also check that DND (Do Not Disturb) is not active on your line, as it can block code execution. If issues persist, use your bank’s app or visit a branch for support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Checking BVN in Nigeria
Can I check my BVN on a SIM card that is not linked to my bank account?
No, you can only check your BVN using the phone number that was used during BVN registration. The system is designed to recognize only that linked number. If you try another SIM card, the USSD code *565*0# will not work.
What is the code to check BVN on MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile?
The universal BVN code for all Nigerian networks is *565*0#. Whether you are using MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile, this code will retrieve your BVN if the SIM card is linked to your bank account and you have at least ₦20 airtime.
Can I check my BVN without airtime?
Yes, if you don’t have airtime, you can use alternative methods such as your bank’s mobile app, internet banking portal, or by visiting a bank branch with a valid ID. These options allow you to access your BVN at no cost.
Is it possible to check BVN on someone else’s phone?
No, BVNs are tied to individual phone numbers registered during BVN enrollment. You cannot retrieve your BVN using someone else’s phone number or SIM card.
Does my BVN ever change if I open a new bank account?
No, your BVN is permanent. Once assigned, the same BVN is used for every account you open in Nigeria, regardless of the bank.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check your BVN is essential for managing your bank accounts and confirming your identity in Nigeria. Whether you are using MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile, the fastest way to retrieve your BVN is by dialing *565*0# from your registered SIM card. You’ll need at least ₦20 airtime, and the SIM must be the same number you linked when registering your BVN.
If you want to avoid using airtime, simply log into your bank’s mobile app or internet banking portal. You can also visit your bank branch if needed. For GTBank users, checking your BVN via the GTWorld app is fast and secure. Always remember to keep your BVN private and never share it on public platforms or with strangers.
Have questions or problems checking your BVN? Drop a comment below and let us know—we’re here to help.