How to Check Your BVN Online: Complete Guide to Bank Verification Number

The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is a unique 11-digit number issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to every individual with a Nigerian bank account. It helps protect customers from fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized access. Without your BVN, you can’t perform many banking activities like applying for loans or using digital banking services.

Luckily, checking your BVN online is quick and easy. Whether you’ve forgotten it or just want to confirm it, there are safe and convenient ways to retrieve your BVN without visiting a bank branch. In this guide, I’ll show you the different methods you can use to check your BVN online or with your mobile phone. 

5 Ways to Check Your Bank Verification Number (BVN)

Your Bank Verification Number (BVN) is essential for accessing banking services in Nigeria. These include registering for a loan, setting up mobile banking, and recovering an account. Here are five trusted BVN lookup methods to retrieve it securely. 

1. Using the BVN validation portal
2. Checking via mobile network
3. Checking your BVN enrollment slip
4. Through your bank’s mobile app
5. Visiting the bank

1. Checking BVN via USSD

One of the fastest ways to access your BVN is through the mobile number linked to your BVN at registration. You can use this method with MTN, GLO, 9mobile, or Airtel.

Steps:

• Dial *565*0# on the phone number linked to your bank account
• Enter your full date of birth to check your BVN.
• Wait for your Nigerian bank verification number to appear

Copy it down for future use or save it in a secure place. Note that this method will cost N20 from your airtime balance. 

2. Checking Your BVN Enrollment Slip

When you registered for your BVN, the bank gave you an enrollment slip with your unique BVN number printed on it. If you still have this slip:

• Locate the printed 11-digit number
• Confirm it matches your identity details

This is a reliable offline method when you can’t use a mobile phone or internet connection. However, it only depends on whether you kept the slip after registration

3. Through Your Bank’s Mobile App

Most Nigerian banks have made it easy to check your BVN directly in their mobile banking apps. Here’s how:

Steps:

• Log into your bank’s mobile app (e.g., GTBank, Zenith, Access, UBA, FirstBank)
• Go to the “Account Information” or “Profile” section
• Look for your BVN under “Security Information” or “Account/Personal Information”.
• Your BVN number is usually displayed there
• Copy your BVN if you need it.

This method is secure, especially if you already use mobile banking. Be sure your app is updated to the latest version.

4. Visiting the Bank in Person

If you’ve lost access to your mobile line or can’t retrieve your BVN online, you can always visit your bank branch. After confirming your identity, the bank’s customer service team can help retrieve your BVN.

What to bring:

• A valid form of ID (e.g., National ID, Voter’s Card, International Passport)
• Your bank account details
• Be ready to answer a few security questions

5. Visit a NIMC Office to Confirm Your BVN

Your National Identification NumbeR (NIN) can help retrieve your BVN. Visit the NIMC office nearest to you and provide your details. 

• Share your name, date of birth, and registered phone number.
• Get assistance: NIMC staff can pull up your BVN if it’s linked to your NIN.

Tips to Keep Your BVN Safe

• Always use your linked phone number when using USSD BVN checks
• Never share your BVN on untrusted websites or with strangers
• Keep a secure copy of your BVN (e.g., save it in a password manager)

Uses of a Bank Verification Number

It is important for you to have your BVN as this security number has different uses. They include:

1. Verifying Your Identity: You’ll need your BVN to verify your identity when opening new accounts such as savings, current, or fixed deposits. It could also be needed when upgrading your KYC level, or completing certain transactions.
2. Security and Fraud Prevention: As a unique identifier, your BVN helps safeguard your accounts from fraud.
3. Updating Personal Information: When you change your name, contact information, or other personal details, your BVN is required to update your records.
4. Linking Multiple Accounts: If you want to link accounts from different banks, your BVN is required to unify them.
5. Loan Applications: Financial institutions use your BVN to verify your identity when applying for loans or credit services.
6. Account Recovery and Emergencies: If you ever need to recover or unblock an account, your BVN serves as proof of identity.

BVN Requirements and How to Register

If you don’t have a BVN yet, you’ll need to register at any Nigerian bank. The process is straightforward and usually takes less than 10 minutes, though activation may take up to 24-48 hours.

Who Needs a BVN?

Anyone with a Nigerian bank account is required to register for a Bank Verification Number. This includes:

• Individual account holders
• Joint account holders
• Students opening new accounts
• Nigerians in the diaspora 

Requirements for BVN Registration

To register, you’ll need the following documents:

• A valid form of ID (choose one):
  • National ID Card (NIN)
  • International Passport
  • Driver’s License
  • Voter’s Card

• Completed BVN enrollment form (available at the bank) 
• Biometric data capture: Your fingerprints and facial image will be taken at the bank during the registration process.

How do I Register for a BVN?

1. Visit any bank branch in Nigeria 
2. Request for BVN enrollment at the customer service desk. 
3. Fill out the form and submit your valid ID. 
4. Your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be captured. 
5. You’ll receive an acknowledgment slip with your BVN number printed on it.

Your BVN becomes active within 24-48 hours and can be linked to all your bank accounts across different banks.

Common BVN-Related Issues and How to Fix Them

BVN issues are common, especially if you’ve changed your phone number or opened multiple bank accounts. Below are some frequent problems and how to solve them:

1. Lost the Registered Phone Number

If you’ve lost the phone number linked to your BVN, you won’t be able to use USSD codes (like *565*0#) to retrieve it.

What to do:

• Visit your bank branch with a valid ID.
• Request to update your BVN-linked phone number.
• Once updated, wait a few hours before trying the USSD method again.

2. USSD Code Not Working

Sometimes, dialing *565*0# returns an error or doesn’t work.

Possible reasons:

• You’re using a number not linked to your BVN.
• Network issues from your mobile provider.
• Insufficient airtime. The service costs ₦20, so make sure you have up to that amount.

Solutions:

• Try again using the phone number registered with your bank.
• Switch to another time of day when the network is less busy.
• Recharge your line and retry.

3. Forgotten BVN

If you’ve forgotten your 11-digit BVN and can’t access your registered SIM card:

Options:

• Use your bank’s mobile app if you’re already logged in. Many apps show your BVN under account details. 
• Visit any bank where your BVN is registered and request retrieval. Bring a valid ID. 

Tip: Once recovered, store it safely in a password manager or secure notes app.

4. Multiple BVN Registrations

The Central Bank of Nigeria mandates only one BVN per individual. If you’ve mistakenly registered more than once (maybe at different banks), this could cause issues like blocked accounts or transaction errors.

What to do:

• Visit your bank and explain the situation.
• The bank will send a request to NIBSS to merge or correct the BVNs.
• This process may take a few days but will resolve the conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions About BVN

1. What is a BVN used for?

The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is used to verify your identity across all Nigerian banks. It protects you from fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized access. It’s required for loans, mobile banking, account linking, and more.

2. How many digits is a BVN number?

A BVN number is 11 digits long. It’s unique to each person and remains the same even if you open new accounts with other banks.

3. Can I check my BVN without the registered phone number?

No, the USSD method (*565*0#) requires the phone number linked to your BVN. If you no longer have access to that number, visit your bank to update it or retrieve your BVN in person.

4. Can I register for BVN online?

No, BVN registration cannot be done online. You must visit a physical bank branch (or approved diaspora center) for biometric data capture. However, you can do a BVN check online if you already have your number.

5. Is it possible to have more than one BVN?

No. You are legally allowed to have only one BVN. If you mistakenly registered for multiple BVNs, visit your bank to resolve the issue. The records will be merged by NIBSS.

6. Does my BVN expire?

No, your BVN does not expire. It is valid for life and can be used across all Nigerian banks

7. Can I use the same BVN for different banks?

Yes. That’s the main purpose of BVN. Once registered, you can link the same BVN to all your bank accounts, no matter how many banks you use.

8. Can You Register for BVN Outside Nigeria?

Yes. Nigerians living abroad can register at approved international centers or Nigerian embassies offering diaspora BVN enrollment. Contact your bank for more details or visit the NIBSS diaspora BVN page.

Final Thoughts on Checking BVN Online

If you’ve ever struggled to access your BVN or didn’t know where to find it, now you have multiple safe options. The quickest method for most people is dialing *565*0# on the phone number linked to their bank account. If that doesn’t work, your bank’s mobile app or a visit to the branch will do the trick.

For those who lost their registered number or have BVN issues like multiple registrations, your best move is to speak with your bank directly.