Ecobank USSD Code for Transfers, Airtime and Balance

To use the service, dial *326# from the phone number linked to your Ecobank account and follow the menu. Existing Ecobank Mobile users may be able to use the transaction PIN already connected to their mobile banking profile, while other customers may need to register with their account and debit-card details.

For quick transactions, Ecobank also supports shortcuts such as *326*0# for balance enquiries and *326*amount# for airtime purchases on the registered number. Some transfer and security shortcuts may vary as Ecobank updates the platform, so the main *326# menu remains the safest option whenever a direct code fails.

Ecobank USSD Codes

Ecobank can change menu positions and direct shortcuts. When a code does not work, dial *326# and use the service currently displayed on your phone.

What Is the Ecobank USSD Code?

The Ecobank USSD code is:

*326#

USSD banking uses the mobile network rather than the internet. This means you can perform supported banking transactions without opening the Ecobank Mobile app or connecting to Wi-Fi.

The code can work on:

• Android phones
• iPhones
• Basic feature phones
• MTN lines
• Airtel lines
• Glo lines
• 9mobile lines

You generally need:

• An active Ecobank account
• The phone number connected to the account
• A working Nigerian SIM
• Mobile network coverage
• Sufficient airtime for any network USSD charge
• A valid transaction PIN
• An account that is not dormant or restricted

The service is useful when the Ecobank app is unavailable, your internet connection is poor, or you are using a phone that cannot install banking applications.

What Can I Do With *326#?

The Ecobank USSD platform can be used for services such as:

• Sending money to another Ecobank customer
• Transferring money to other Nigerian banks
• Buying airtime for your registered number
• Buying airtime for another person
• Checking your account balance
• Paying electricity bills
• Paying DStv, GOtv, and other supported subscriptions
• Opening an Ecobank Xpress Account
• Generating an e-token for cardless withdrawals
• Checking selected BVN services
• Applying for an eligible loan
• Accessing Xpress Cash services
• Making supported merchant payments
• Changing or resetting a transaction PIN
• Blocking a debit card or restricting an account in an emergency

Not every option will appear for every customer. The available services can depend on your account type, verification level, country profile, phone number, and current Ecobank system settings.

How to Register Ecobank USSD Banking

The registration process depends on whether you already use the Ecobank Mobile app.

Existing Ecobank Mobile Users

If your phone number and mobile banking profile are already active:

1. Dial *326# from your registered phone number.
2. Select the banking service you need.
3. Enter your existing Ecobank transaction PIN when requested.
4. Follow any additional verification prompts.
5. Wait for confirmation that the USSD profile is active.

Ecobank may use the same transaction PIN connected to your mobile banking profile.

If the PIN does not work, use the reset option in the Ecobank Mobile app or contact the bank.

Customers Without the Ecobank Mobile App

If you have an Ecobank account but have not registered for the mobile app:

1. Dial *326# from the phone number linked to the account.
2. Select the registration, account attachment, or activation option.
3. Enter your Ecobank account number.
4. Provide the requested debit-card details.
5. Complete the identity verification.
6. Create a transaction PIN.
7. Confirm the PIN.
8. Wait for the activation message.

The wording of the registration menu may change. Follow the current instructions shown on your phone.

Requirements for Activating *326

Before trying to register, confirm that you have:

• Your Ecobank account number
• An active Ecobank debit card when card verification is required
• The phone number registered with the account
• A stable mobile network signal
• Airtime for possible USSD charges
• Correct personal information
• A secure transaction PIN

If the phone number is not linked to the account, Ecobank may be unable to identify you.

Visit an Ecobank branch or contact customer support when you need to update your registered number.

How to Use the Ecobank USSD Code

After registration:

1. Dial *326#.
2. Select the service you need.
3. Enter the requested account, phone number, biller, or transaction information.
4. Select the account to debit if you have more than one.
5. Review the displayed name and amount.
6. Enter your transaction PIN.
7. Wait for the confirmation message.

USSD sessions close after a short period. Respond to the prompts promptly, but do not rush past the recipient or payment details.

Never enter your PIN when the displayed beneficiary name is incorrect.

Ecobank Transfer Code

The main Ecobank transfer code is *326#.

You can use it to transfer money to:

• Another Ecobank account
• Another Nigerian bank
• A supported Ecobank wallet or payment service

The menu method is the most reliable because Ecobank can change direct shortcuts.

Transfer to Another Ecobank Account

A commonly used direct format is:

*326*1*amount*account number#

For example, to send ₦10,000 to account number 0123456789:

*326*1*10000*0123456789#

Then:

1. Check the beneficiary’s name.
2. Select the account to debit if prompted.
3. Confirm the amount.
4. Enter your transaction PIN.
5. Wait for the transfer notification.

If the direct format does not open a valid menu, dial *326# and select the transfer option.

Transfer to Another Nigerian Bank

A commonly used direct format is:

*326*2*amount*account number#

For example:

*326*2*10000*0123456789#

You will normally select the recipient’s bank, confirm the account name, and enter your transaction PIN.

The difference between the shortcuts is:

• 1 is generally used for an Ecobank beneficiary.
• 2 is generally used for another bank.

Because bank menus can change, use the main *326# transfer menu when a shortcut fails.

How to Transfer Money Through the Main Menu

1. Dial *326#.
2. Select Transfer Funds or Send Money.
3. Choose Ecobank or another bank.
4. Enter the recipient’s account number.
5. Select the receiving bank when required.
6. Enter the transfer amount.
7. Confirm the recipient’s name.
8. Select the account to debit.
9. Enter your transaction PIN.
10. Wait for the debit and transfer confirmation.

Do not proceed when the displayed name does not match the intended recipient.

A wrong account number can send money to a valid but unintended account. Recovering it may require cooperation from both banks and the recipient.

You can compare this process with my Access Bank USSD code and UBA USSD code articles if you operate accounts with several Nigerian banks.

Ecobank Transfer Limit

Ecobank does not publish one fixed current USSD transfer limit that applies to every Nigerian customer.

Your limit may depend on:

• Account type
• Account verification tier
• Available balance
• Transaction history
• Security profile
• Regulatory restrictions
• Daily transfers already completed
• Whether you use an Xpress Account or a standard bank account
• Additional authentication available on your profile

An Xpress Account or lower-tier account may have a smaller limit than a fully verified savings or current account.

The USSD platform should reject a payment above the amount allowed on your profile.

For a larger transfer, use the Ecobank Mobile app, internet banking, an ATM, or visit a branch.

Ecobank Transfer Charges

A transfer may involve:

• A bank transfer fee
• Value-added tax
• Electronic transfer levies where applicable
• A mobile-network USSD access charge
• Charges connected to the receiving service

The exact fee can depend on the transfer amount, receiving bank, account type, and current banking regulations.

Review the total amount displayed before entering your PIN.

Do not rely on an old claim that every *326# session is permanently free. Ecobank previously promoted free USSD access, but mobile-network billing arrangements and bank charges can change.

Ecobank Airtime Code

To buy airtime for the phone number registered with your Ecobank account, dial:

*326*amount#

For example, to buy ₦1,000 airtime:

*326*1000#

The amount should be deducted from your selected Ecobank account and credited to the registered phone number.

Self-recharge may require fewer authentication steps than a third-party purchase, so keep your registered phone and SIM secure.

Ecobank Airtime Code for Another Number

To buy airtime for someone else, use:

*326*amount*phone number#

For example:

*326*500*08012345678#

Then:

1. Check the recipient’s phone number.
2. Confirm the airtime amount.
3. Select the account to debit if prompted.
4. Enter your transaction PIN.
5. Wait for the recharge message.

If the shortcut does not work:

1. Dial *326#.
2. Select Airtime.
3. Choose recharge for another number.
4. Enter the phone number and amount.
5. Confirm with your PIN.

Airtime sent to a wrong but active number can be difficult to reverse.

How to Buy Data From Ecobank

The data-purchase option may be available through the main menu.

1. Dial *326#.
2. Select Airtime and Data or the equivalent option.
3. Choose Data.
4. Select data for yourself or another number.
5. Choose the mobile network.
6. Enter the recipient’s phone number when required.
7. Select a data bundle.
8. Check the price, allowance, and validity.
9. Enter your transaction PIN.
10. Wait for confirmation.

Mobile networks change their data plans regularly.

Check whether the selected bundle is:

• Daily
• Weekly
• Monthly
• Night
• Social
• Streaming
• Special-purpose

Do not choose a bundle based only on the price.

Ecobank Balance Code

The Ecobank balance code is:

*326*0#

To check your balance:

1. Dial *326*0# from your registered phone number.
2. Select the relevant account if more than one is linked.
3. Enter your transaction PIN when requested.
4. View the balance on the screen or through an SMS.

You can also dial *326# and select Balance Enquiry.

A balance-enquiry fee or mobile-network USSD charge may apply.

Do not share a screenshot containing your balance, account number, or other banking details with an unknown support account.

Ecobank BVN Code

Ecobank’s USSD menu can provide selected BVN services.

A commonly listed shortcut is:

*326*7#

The menu may allow you to check, link, or update selected BVN information, depending on your account profile.

Follow the displayed instructions and provide only the information requested through the official USSD session.

Your Bank Verification Number is sensitive.

Do not:

• Post it publicly
• Send it to an unknown social media account
• Read it to an unsolicited caller
• Enter it into an unverified website
• Share an unprotected screenshot of it

How to Open an Ecobank Account With USSD

You can start opening an Ecobank Xpress Account through *326#.

1. Dial *326#.
2. Select Open Account or Xpress Account.
3. Enter the personal details requested.
4. Confirm your phone number.
5. Provide your BVN or NIN when required.
6. Create the necessary security PIN.
7. Follow the instructions to complete the account setup.

You may need:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Phone number
• Residential address
• BVN
• NIN
• Email address
• Other identity information

A newly opened account may have lower transaction and balance limits until you complete additional verification.

Enter information that matches your official identity records.

Ecobank Bill Payment

Ecobank *326# supports payments for selected services, including:

• Electricity
• DStv
• GOtv
• Internet subscriptions
• Education payments
• Merchant services
• Other registered billers

To pay a bill:

1. Dial *326#.
2. Select Pay Bills.
3. Choose the bill category.
4. Select the provider.
5. Enter the customer number.
6. Enter the amount.
7. Confirm the customer details.
8. Select the account to debit.
9. Enter your transaction PIN.
10. Save the confirmation message.

Depending on the bill, the customer number may be:

• Electricity meter number
• DStv smartcard number
• GOtv IUC number
• Internet customer ID
• School payment reference
• Merchant code

Check every digit before authorising the payment.

How to Buy an Electricity Token

1. Dial *326#.
2. Select Bill Payment.
3. Choose Electricity.
4. Select the distribution company.
5. Choose prepaid or postpaid.
6. Enter the meter number.
7. Enter the amount.
8. Confirm the customer or meter information.
9. Enter your PIN.
10. Save the payment reference and token.

Do not delete the token message until it has been loaded successfully.

If the token does not arrive, check your transaction history before paying again.

How to Pay DStv or GOtv

1. Dial *326#.
2. Select Pay Bills.
3. Choose cable television.
4. Select DStv, GOtv, or the supported provider.
5. Enter the smartcard or IUC number.
6. Select the package or enter the amount.
7. Confirm the subscriber name.
8. Enter your transaction PIN.
9. Save the payment confirmation.

A wrong smartcard number can credit another subscriber.

Check the customer name before authorising the payment.

Ecobank Cardless Withdrawal

Ecobank’s Xpress Cash service can generate an e-token that is used to withdraw money without a debit card.

To generate a token:

1. Dial *326#.
2. Select Xpress Cash, Cardless Withdrawal, or the related option.
3. Enter the withdrawal amount.
4. Enter your transaction PIN.
5. Save the generated e-token or reference.
6. Visit a supported Ecobank ATM or Xpress Point.
7. Select the cardless withdrawal option.
8. Enter the token and other required details.
9. Confirm the amount.
10. Collect the cash.

The token may expire after a limited period.

Do not give the token and its security information to another person unless you intentionally want that person to collect the cash.

Ecobank Loan Code

Ecobank allows eligible customers to apply for selected loans through:

*326#

The available offer may include a salary advance, Xpress Loan, or another pre-approved facility.

To check:

1. Dial *326#.
2. Select Loans or the relevant offer.
3. Review the amount available.
4. Check the interest, fees, and repayment period.
5. Accept the offer only when you understand the total repayment.
6. Enter your transaction PIN.
7. Wait for the disbursement message.

Not every customer will see a loan offer.

Eligibility can depend on:

• Account history
• Salary payments
• Length of relationship with Ecobank
• Credit assessment
• Existing loans
• Regulatory requirements

Do not borrow only because an offer appears. Check the full cost and repayment date.

Ecobank Code to Block a Debit Card or Account

Ecobank’s emergency security menu can be opened with:

*326*911#

The menu may provide options to block a debit card or restrict account access.

Use it when:

• Your phone is stolen
• Your SIM is missing
• Your debit card is lost
• Someone knows your transaction PIN
• You disclosed an OTP
• You suspect a SIM swap
• You receive an unauthorised debit alert
• Someone gains access to your mobile banking profile

How to Use the Security Menu

1. Dial *326*911#.
2. Select the affected security option.
3. Choose debit-card blocking or account restriction.
4. Enter the account or phone information requested.
5. Confirm the instruction.
6. Contact Ecobank immediately.

The exact extension displayed after *326*911# may change.

Use the current menu rather than relying on an old screenshot.

My guide on how to block an ATM card using USSD provides additional emergency steps for protecting Nigerian bank accounts.

What to Do After Blocking the Account

After restricting the account or card:

1. Contact Ecobank customer care.
2. Block the stolen SIM through your mobile network.
3. Change your email password.
4. Reset your Ecobank Mobile password.
5. Review recent transactions.
6. Report every unauthorised debit.
7. Request a replacement card when needed.
8. Visit a branch with valid identification if instructed.
9. Do not pay an unknown person to restore access.

The bank may require identity verification before removing the restriction.

How to Change Ecobank USSD PIN

To change your transaction PIN:

1. Dial *326#.
2. Select PIN Management, Settings, or the related option.
3. Choose Change PIN.
4. Enter your current PIN.
5. Create a new PIN.
6. Confirm the new PIN.
7. Wait for the successful update message.

Avoid using:

• 0000
• 1111
• 1234
• Your birth year
• The last digits of your phone number
• Your debit-card PIN
• Repeated or sequential numbers

Use a PIN that another person cannot guess.

How to Reset a Forgotten Ecobank USSD PIN

If you already use the Ecobank Mobile app, the bank may direct you to reset the transaction PIN through the app.

You can also:

1. Dial *326#.
2. Select Forgot PIN or Reset PIN if available.
3. Enter the account and verification information requested.
4. Create a new transaction PIN.
5. Confirm it.

Contact Ecobank when the self-service process fails.

Never give your:

• Transaction PIN
• Debit-card PIN
• OTP
• CVV
• Mobile-app password
• Internet banking password

A genuine bank representative should not ask you to reveal these credentials.

Ecobank USSD Code Not Working

Several issues can stop *326# from working.

You Are Using the Wrong Phone Number

Use the SIM registered with your Ecobank account.

A different phone number may not recognise your profile.

The Phone Number Is Not Attached to the Account

Register or attach the number through the *326# menu.

Visit a branch when the number on the account is outdated.

There Is Not Enough Airtime

A network USSD fee may apply.

Recharge the SIM and try again.

The Network Signal Is Poor

Move to an area with better mobile coverage and redial the code.

USSD does not require internet, but it still needs a stable mobile signal.

The Session Timed Out

USSD sessions close after a short period of inactivity.

Restart the transaction and respond to the prompts promptly.

You Selected the Wrong SIM

On a dual-SIM phone, choose the number registered with Ecobank.

The PIN Is Incorrect

Stop guessing and use the PIN reset option.

Repeated incorrect attempts may restrict the service.

The Account Is Dormant or Restricted

Incomplete identity verification, unusual activity, legal restrictions, dormant status, or a security review can stop transactions.

Contact Ecobank for clarification.

The Direct Shortcut Has Changed

Dial the main *326# menu and use the option currently displayed.

Ecobank or the Mobile Network Is Unavailable

A temporary outage can affect transactions.

Wait and try again.

Do not repeat a transfer immediately when you are unsure whether it succeeded.

Transfer Failed but I Was Debited

Do not repeat the payment immediately.

A USSD screen can display an error or timeout even when the transfer has already reached the beneficiary.

Take these steps:

1. Check your account balance.
2. Ask whether the beneficiary received the money.
3. Review your Ecobank Mobile transaction history.
4. Save the debit alert.
5. Record the transaction reference.
6. Note the amount, date, time, and recipient account.
7. Wait for an automatic reversal.
8. Contact Ecobank if the money is not reversed.

When reporting the issue, do not disclose your PIN or OTP.

You can also review my First Bank transfer code article for the general precautions that apply when a bank transfer times out.

Airtime or Data Purchase Failed

Check:

• The recipient phone number
• The selected network
• The airtime or data amount
• Your available balance
• The debit notification
• The recipient’s airtime or data balance
• Your transaction history

Do not repeat the purchase until you confirm the first transaction’s status.

Airtime credited to a wrong but active number may not be reversible.

Bill Payment Failed

When an electricity or cable payment fails:

1. Confirm whether your account was debited.
2. Check whether the customer account was credited.
3. Save the payment reference.
4. Check for an electricity token through SMS or email.
5. Confirm the smartcard or meter number used.
6. Contact Ecobank when the service remains unpaid.
7. Contact the biller with the reference when necessary.

Do not make the same payment again until you know whether the first attempt succeeded.

Can I Use Ecobank USSD Without Internet?

Yes. *326# uses the mobile network rather than mobile data or Wi-Fi.

You still need:

• A working SIM
• Mobile network coverage
• Airtime for possible USSD charges
• The registered phone number
• An active Ecobank account
• A valid transaction PIN

The code can work on a basic feature phone because the Ecobank Mobile app is not required.

Can I Use *326# on Any Phone?

Yes. The service can work on smartphones and basic phones.

For normal transactions, the SIM should use the phone number registered with your Ecobank account.

Do not insert your banking SIM into an untrusted phone.

Can I Use Ecobank USSD Outside Nigeria?

Ecobank operates in several African countries, and the *326# platform is used in multiple markets.

However, services, menus, currencies, and mobile-network support vary by country.

A Nigerian Ecobank account may require the registered Nigerian SIM and active roaming to access USSD outside Nigeria.

Roaming support is controlled by your mobile network and may not work in every country.

Ecobank Customer Care

Current Ecobank Nigeria support numbers include:

0700 500 0000
0201 270 1323

Customer-care email:

assist@ecobank.com

Ecobank may publish additional contact numbers or digital support channels.

Contact the bank for:

• Failed transfers
• Missing reversals
• USSD registration problems
• Forgotten PINs
• Lost phones or cards
• Unauthorised transactions
• Account restrictions
• Bill-payment errors
• Cardless withdrawal problems
• Loan enquiries

Use only official Ecobank contact details.

Fraudsters often create fake customer-care profiles and request PINs, OTPs, or card details.

Ecobank USSD Security Tips

Protect your account by following these rules:

• Keep your transaction PIN private.
• Never disclose an OTP.
• Lock your phone and SIM.
• Verify every beneficiary name.
• Avoid predictable PINs.
• Do not let a POS operator see your PIN.
• Use the emergency security menu after losing a phone.
• Block a missing debit card quickly.
• Ignore calls asking you to reverse money with a code.
• Review debit alerts regularly.
• Do not install a screen-sharing app for a supposed bank agent.
• Never enter banking information through an unknown link.
• Contact Ecobank when a transaction looks suspicious.

Ecobank staff should not ask for your complete PIN, OTP, or card CVV.

Ecobank USSD Versus the Mobile App

Use *326# when:

• You have no mobile data
• Internet access is unreliable
• You use a basic phone
• You need to buy airtime quickly
• You want to check your balance
• You need to restrict account access urgently

The Ecobank Mobile app may be better for:

• Detailed transaction history
• Higher-value transfers
• Beneficiary management
• Bank statements
• Card controls
• RapidTransfer services
• Profile updates
• More complex bill payments
• Loan management

Keeping both channels active gives you an alternative when one service is unavailable.

Also Read:

• Keystone Bank USSD Code for Transfers and Airtime
• Polaris Bank Transfer Code to Send Money
• Sterling Bank USSD Code for Transfers and More
• UBA USSD Transfer Code (*919#): How to Transfer Money to Any Bank

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ecobank USSD code?

The Ecobank USSD code is *326#.

What is the Ecobank transfer code?

Dial *326# and select transfer. The commonly used direct formats are *326*1*amount*account number# for Ecobank and *326*2*amount*account number# for another bank.

What is the Ecobank balance code?

Dial *326*0#.

How do I buy airtime from Ecobank?

Dial *326*amount# for the registered phone number.

How do I buy airtime for another number?

Dial *326*amount*phone number# or use the airtime option under *326#.

Can I buy mobile data with *326#?

Yes. Select the airtime and data option from the main menu.

Can I open an Ecobank account with USSD?

Yes. Dial *326# and select the Xpress Account or account-opening option.

Can I pay electricity bills with Ecobank USSD?

Yes. Dial *326# and select bill payment.

Can I pay DStv or GOtv with the code?

Yes. Select cable television under the bill-payment menu.

Can I withdraw money without an Ecobank card?

Yes. Use the Xpress Cash or cardless withdrawal option to generate an e-token.

What is the Ecobank loan code?

Dial *326# and select the available loan option. Eligibility depends on your account profile.

How do I block an Ecobank account or card?

Dial *326*911# and use the current security option, then contact Ecobank.

Does *326# require internet?

No. It works through the mobile network without data or Wi-Fi.

Can I use it on a small phone?

Yes. The code works on smartphones and basic feature phones.

Why is *326# not working?

Possible causes include insufficient airtime, poor network coverage, wrong SIM selection, incomplete registration, an incorrect PIN, account restrictions, a changed direct shortcut, or a temporary outage.

What should I do after a failed transfer?

Check your balance and confirm whether the beneficiary received the money. Do not repeat the transfer until you know its status.

Is Ecobank USSD free?

A mobile-network session fee or transaction charge may apply. Review the current fee displayed before confirming a transaction.

Can I use my Ecobank Mobile PIN on USSD?

Existing mobile users may be able to use the transaction PIN already connected to their Ecobank Mobile profile.

Start Using Ecobank *326

Dial *326# from the phone number registered with your Ecobank account to activate or access USSD banking.

You can use it to transfer money, buy airtime and data, check your balance, pay electricity and cable bills, open an Xpress Account, request cardless cash, apply for eligible loans, and manage selected security services without internet access.

Keep your transaction PIN private, verify every beneficiary before transferring money, and use the *326*911# security menu immediately when your phone, SIM, card, or account access may be compromised.