I went to several shops before I was able to get a physical recharge card, the last time. This happened in an urban area. Imagine finding yourself in a rural area and running out of airtime. You may not find a place to buy one. I realized I needed an alternative means of topping up my airtime. The USSD method became the perfect solution. Using the USSD code to buy airtime from my UBA account was quick and easy. It took less than 10 seconds. USSD banking is the best shortcut everyone need for recharging. You avoid the stress of buying, scratching, and manually loading a physical recharge card. One surprising aspect is that you can recharge any mobile network. Your banking system automatically detects the phone number network you provide for the corresponding airtime service. With that update, this article will walk you through how to buy airtime from UBA, GTB, Zenith, Stanbic, First Bank, Access bank, Fedility, and others. USSD banking is strictly the method you’ll learn here to buy airtime from your bank conveniently.

How to Use Mobile Banking for Airtime Top-Up
- Visit your bank to link your phone number to your active account.
- Create a secure transaction PIN.
With the above requirements completed, you are ready to start buying airtime directly from your bank account to your phone number.
How to Buy Airtime from Your Bank
GTBank (GTB)
If you hold an account with GTBank, here’s how you can recharge your phone or a third party:
- For yourself: Dial *737*amount# (e.g., *737*500#), then press send.
- For a third party: Dial *737*amount*phone number# (e.g., *737*1000*08038769638#).
It’s that easy to buy or gift airtime from a GTB account. You can learn how to create your GTB secure PIN here.
First Bank
Nigerians with First Bank accounts can also recharge directly from their account balance using the USSD phone banking solution.
- For yourself: Dial *894*amount# (e.g., 894*1500#) and press send.
- For others: Dial 894amountreceiver’s phone number# (e.g., *894*1200*08038769638#).
The airtime will be instantly credited to the recipient’s phone.
This article will guide you on how to create First Bank secured ussd transaction PIN.
UBA (United Bank for Africa)
UBA customers can use the USSD code *919# to purchase airtime. Before using this service, ensure that your mobile number is registered with the bank.
- For yourself: Dial 919amount# (e.g., *919*1000#) and send.
- For others: Dial *919*amount*third-party phone number# (e.g., *919*1500*08038769638#). Follow the prompts and enter your secure PIN to complete the transaction.
Personally, I prefer the UBA USSD method for airtime top-up because it doesn’t require internet or data usage. So if I’m out of airtime, I can load at any time.
Zenith Bank
Zenith Bank customers can also recharge their phone using the following USSD codes:
- For yourself: Dial 966amount# (e.g., *966*500#) and press send.
- For others: Dial *966*amount*recipient’s phone number# (e.g., *966*1000*08038769638#). Follow the on-screen instructions, enter your Zenith transaction PIN, and the airtime will be credited to the recipient.
If you haven’t set your Zenith PIN, dial 96660#, then follow the prompts to create a PIN using your ATM card number and ATM PIN.
Stanbic IBTC
Stanbic IBTC customers can also recharge via USSD.
- For yourself: Dial *909*amount# (e.g., *909*2000#). Your recharge will be credited immediately.
- For others: Dial *909*amount*recipient’s phone number# (e.g., *909*3000*08038769638#). Enter your secure PIN to complete the transaction.
For new users, you can learn how to create your 909 PIN here.
FCMB (First City Monument Bank)
To recharge from FCMB, ensure you activate your mobile number with the bank to use the *329# service.
- For yourself: Dial *329*amount# (e.g., *329*1750#).
- For others: Dial *329*amount*third-party phone number# (e.g., *329*2500*8038769638#).
Sterling Bank
Sterling Bank customers can recharge using the following USSD codes:
- For yourself: Dial *822*amount# (e.g., *822*1000#).
- For others: Dial *822*amount*recipient’s phone number# (e.g., *822*5000*08038769638#). The recipient will receive the airtime instantly.
Union Bank
Union Bank’s USSD code for airtime purchase is *826#.
- For yourself: Dial *826*amount# (e.g., *826*2000#) and press send.
- For others: Dial *826*amount*recipient’s phone number# (e.g., *826*2000*08038769638#). You will be prompted to enter your USSD PIN to complete the transaction.
Unity & Wema Bank
- Unity Bank: Dial *7799*amount# for self-recharge (e.g., *7799*1000#). For others, dial *7799*amount*recipient number#.
- Wema Bank: Dial *945*amount# for self-recharge. For others, dial *945*amount*phone number# (e.g., 9451000008038769638#).
Access Bank
Do you have an account with Access Bank? If you do, topping up airtime is quick and easy. You can also recharge other people’s mobile numbers. Below is how to use Access Bank’s USSD code:
- For self: Dial 901amount#
- For others: Dial 901amount*person’s number#. Follow the instructions, and the recipient will receive the credit instantly.
Fidelity Bank
Last but not least, you can buy airtime from your Fidelity Bank account using USSD.
- Self top-up: Dial 770recharge amount#
- Top-up for others: Dial 770amount*mobile number#.
Benefits of USSD Mobile Banking
USSD banking is a secure and convenient way to access your bank via your phone without any internet connection. You can check account balances, top up airtime, transfer money, and more. It works on all mobile devices, from basic phones to smartphones, saving you time.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I pay any charges for using bank USSD services?
Yes, you will be charged a small fee, usually no more than 10 naira per transaction.
2. How do I start using my bank’s USSD service?
It’s simple! Visit your bank to link your mobile number to your account, create a secure PIN, and then use the corresponding USSD code from the list above to access services.
Conclusion
Buying airtime from any Nigerian bank to your phone is now made simple and easy. The various USSD codes for mobile banking make the process quick, and you’ll receive your airtime almost instantly. Thank you for reading through this guide!
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