How to Check Your BVN Easily (Step-by-Step Guide)

• You can find your BVN using the USSD code (*5650#), your bank’s mobile app, your BVN slip, or by visiting your bank with a valid ID.
• Only banks and fintech companies can access the NIBSS BVN Validation Portal. Regular people cannot use it to check their BVN.
• Fraudsters steal SIM cards, fake BVN corrections, apply for loans using stolen BVNs, and trick people through phishing emails pretending to be from banks.
• Never share your BVN online, avoid clicking suspicious links, protect your phone and SIM, and always check your bank transactions for anything suspicious.

Outline

Introduction

Check Your BVN Through a Mobile Network

Check Your BVN Enrollment Slip

Check Your BVN via Mobile App (Opay Users)

Go To Your Bank in Person

Use The BVN Validation Portal (Reserved For Financial Institutions)

How Fraudsters Exploit the BVN System

How to Protect Your BVN from Identity Theft

FAQs on Checking BVN

Conclusion

Further Reading

One of the fastest ways to retrieve your BVN is by dialing a simple USSD code from the phone number linked to your BVN. This method works for MTN, GLO, 9mobile, and Airtel users.

Steps to Check Your BVN using your mobile network:

1. Dial *5650# on your registered phone number. Enter it just as you see in the image below.
2. Enter your complete date of birth when prompted.
3. Next, you wait for your 11-digit BVN to appear on your screen.
4. Write it down or save it securely.

Note: This process incurs a ₦20 charge, which will be deducted from your airtime balance.

If you still have your BVN enrollment slip, retrieving your BVN is simple. Your 11-digit BVN is printed on the slip you received during registration.

Your BVN enrollment slip is given to you by your bank and it will typically look like this one in the image below. Although it differs in design depending on the banking institution.

Opay users can easily retrieve their BVN through the Opay app by following these steps:

1. Open the Opay app on your phone.
2. Log in using your credentials.
3. Tap on "Me" at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
4. Select "Bank Verification Number (BVN)."
5. Your BVN will be displayed on the screen.
6. Copy it down or save it for future reference.

Note: If you're using a different banking app, the steps may vary. Check the profile or security section of your app to locate your BVN.

If you’re unable to retrieve your BVN using the other methods, you can visit the bank where you registered for it. Simply walk into any branch, provide a valid means of identification, and request assistance from the customer service team. Once your identity is verified, they will help you retrieve your BVN.

The NIBSS (Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System) BVN Validation Portal allows financial institutions and fintech enterprises to verify BVNs securely. However, this service is not available to individual users.

Who Can Use This Portal?

Banking institutions and fintech enterprises – Businesses that need to verify customer BVNs.
Not for individual users – If you’re looking to check your BVN personally, use the USSD code (*5650#) or your bank’s mobile app instead.

How BVN Verification Works for Authorized Users:

1. Access the NIBSS BVN Validation Portal online.
2. Log in with your registered email and password. (Reset your password if needed.)
3. Enter the BVN, full name, registered phone number, and date of birth.
4. Click ‘Submit’ and choose a payment method to pay the ₦20 processing fee.
5. Once the payment is processed, the BVN details will be displayed.

While the Bank Verification Number (BVN) was introduced to enhance security in Nigeria’s banking system, fraudsters have found ways to manipulate it for illegal activities. Here are some of the most common tactics used to exploit the BVN system:

1. Creation of "Ghost BVNs"

Some corrupt BVN registration agents generate fake BVNs that lack biometric data, making it impossible to verify the identity of the supposed account holder. These "ghost BVNs" are then sold to fraudsters who use them for illegal transactions.

2. Exploiting the Vulnerable

Scammers target people in rural areas, IDP camps, and underprivileged communities, where financial literacy is low. Many victims do not have personal phone numbers, so fraudsters register BVNs using their own numbers. This allows them to control the accounts and steal funds.

3. SIM Card Theft and BVN Retrieval

Fraudsters who steal or clone SIM cards can dial *5650# to access the victim’s BVN. With this, they can impersonate the victim to:

• Apply for loans in their name.
• Gain access to their bank account through phishing scams.
• Commit identity fraud.

4. BVN-Based Loan Fraud

One of the most common BVN scams involves fraudsters using stolen BVNs to apply for quick online loans. Since many fintech platforms only require a BVN and phone number for verification, scammers take loans and disappear—leaving innocent victims with unpaid debts.

5. Fake BVN Correction Services

Some fraudsters pose as customer service agents from banks or government institutions, claiming that a victim’s BVN has issues that need correction. They ask for personal details and use them for fraud, including opening fake accounts or stealing funds.

6. BVN Phishing Scams

Scammers send fake emails, texts, or social media messages claiming to be from a bank or NIBSS. These messages urge victims to "update" or "verify" their BVN by clicking on a fraudulent link, which then captures their banking details.

With the rise of digital fraud, protecting your Bank Verification Number (BVN) from scammers is more important than ever. Here are some essential safety tips to keep your BVN secure:

1. Never Share Your BVN Online

Do not share your BVN on any website or platform unless you’re certain it’s legitimate. If a website requests your BVN, verify its credibility by checking if the URL starts with "https" and ensuring it is a trusted source.

2. Ignore Emails or Messages Asking for Your BVN

Scammers send fake messages claiming to need your BVN for verification, promotions, or to prevent account deactivation. If you receive such messages, delete them immediately and do not respond.

3. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links

Be wary of phishing websites that look like your bank's website. Fraudsters use these to steal login details and BVNs. Always type your bank’s website manually instead of clicking links in emails or SMS.

4. Secure Your Phone and SIM Card

Your BVN is linked to your phone number. If someone gains access to your phone or SIM card, they can retrieve your BVN using the USSD code (5650#). To prevent this:

• Use a strong password or biometric lock on your phone.
• Enable SIM lock protection to prevent unauthorized SIM swaps.
• If your phone or SIM is stolen, block it immediately by contacting your network provider.

5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Banking Transactions

Public Wi-Fi networks are often compromised by hackers. Never log in to your bank's mobile app or enter sensitive details (like your BVN) while using public internet connections.

6. Monitor Your Bank Transactions Regularly

Check your bank statements and alerts for any unauthorized transactions. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to your bank immediately and request a security review of your account.

7. Register Your BVN Yourself at the Bank

Fraudulent agents sometimes register BVNs with fake details or use stolen information. Always register your BVN personally at a legitimate bank branch instead of relying on third-party agents.

By following these security measures, you can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to BVN-related fraud.

What is BVN and why is it important?

The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is an 11-digit unique identifier linked to your biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition). It is used to:

• Prevent identity theft and fraud in banking.
• Ensure secure transactions across different banks.
• Link all your bank accounts under one identity.

Can I check my BVN without a phone number?

Yes, you can check your BVN without a phone number by using your bank’s mobile app or internet banking portal. Simply log in and navigate to your profile or account information section to find your BVN.

How long does it take to retrieve a BVN?

Retrieving your BVN typically takes less than a minute. Whether you use the USSD code (5650#), your bank’s mobile app, or an online banking platform, the process is instant, depending on your network speed.

What should I do if my BVN is incorrect?

If you believe your BVN is incorrect, follow these steps:

1. Double-check your BVN using the retrieval methods listed in this guide.
2. Visit your bank’s nearest branch with a valid ID to request a BVN correction.
3. Ensure your details are updated to prevent future issues with your bank records.

Can someone else check my BVN for me?

No. Only the account holder can retrieve their BVN using their registered phone number or banking platform. Never share your BVN with anyone to avoid fraud.

What should I do if I forget my BVN?

If you forget your BVN, you can:

• Dial *5650#* from your registered phone number (₦20 service charge applies).
• Check your bank’s mobile app under "Profile" or "Security Information."
• Visit your bank branch with a valid ID for assistance.

Does my BVN expire?

No, your BVN does not expire. Once issued, it remains linked to your banking identity for life.

Can I register for a new BVN if I forget my old one?

No, you cannot have more than one BVN. If you forget it, use the retrieval methods mentioned above.

Is it safe to give my BVN to a bank or financial institution?

Yes, but only to verified banks and trusted financial institutions. Do not share your BVN over phone calls, emails, or text messages, as scammers may use it for fraudulent activities.

Just to recap everything we've talked about, checking your BVN is simple if you know the right steps. Use the code to check BVN for the quickest access. But be careful, scammers are lurking. They now use sophisticated tricks to steal BVNs and take loans in people’s names. Stay ahead of the curve by never sharing your BVN with anyone. Another thing, always check your bank account for anything suspicious. Staying careful will help keep your money and personal details safe.

[1] FairMoney, “Why You Should Never Share Your BVN with Strangers” July-12-2019 [Accessed: 22-Feb-2025]

[2] Daily Trust, “How To Beat the BVN Scam” [Accessed: 22-Feb-2025]

[3] Loan Shark Review, “What Hackers Can and Cannot do with your BVN” [Accessed: 22-Feb-2025]