Like every other commercial bank in Nigeria, First Bank has a USSD code that enables you to transfer money to any bank. However, the USSD code can help you do a lot more and not just for transferring money. In this post, I will be showing you everything you can do with the First Bank USSD code and how to do it.
What is the First Bank USSD Code?
*894#
The 894 service offers a quick, convenient, secure, and easy way to perform banking transactions. You can transfer money, check your balance, buy airtime, pay bills, and much more anytime and anywhere using any type of phone, without the need for internet connectivity or data.
You’ve learned about the First Bank USSD code, but simply knowing the shortcode isn’t enough. It’s important to understand what you can do with it and how to use it effectively. In this guide, I will walk you through the various features, and most importantly, I will show you how to transfer money using the First Bank USSD code.
What you can do with First Bank USSD Code
Here are the tasks you can accomplish with the shortcode, and I will provide a step-by-step guide on how to use the code.
- Register for USSD Code
- Transfer money
- Buy Airtime and Data
- Reset and Change your PIN
- Pay utility bills
- Request a Statement of your account
- Check your account balance
- Deactivate your phone number from using the USSD Code
- Block and Unblock your ATM Card
If you are facing any issue on the list above, then you have nothing to worry about. I will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make the most of Firstbank’s USSD Code.
Note: Nigerian Telecommunications charges N6 per transaction when using the First Bank shortcode. Take note of that and ensure you have some credit on your phone before using the service.
Register for USSD Code
The first thing you need to do to be able to use the USSD code is to register and enable the service on your account. To get started, simply follow the instructions below:
1. Dial *894*0#: To register for 894 Banking, simply dial *894*0#. A list of masked debit cards linked to your account will be displayed.
2. Select Card: The next step is to select the preferred debit card and enter the 4-digit PIN for the selected debit card.
3. Create PIN: You will see a prompt to create a Quick Banking 5-digit PIN.
4. Enter PIN: To complete this process, you simply have to input your PIN to complete the registration, and once successful, you are done with the USSD code registration.
How to Transfer Money using USSD Code
Sending money to either the same First Bank or another bank in Nigeria is very easy using the USSD code, and here is the code that you need to dial:
- Dial *894*Amount*Account Number#
To send money to anyone, you need to use the format provided above. For example, if you wish to send N10,000 to the account 00387590**, you have to type: *894*10000*00387590**# and send it.
Note: You might be asked to select the Bank you intend to send money to and then your PIN to complete the transaction.
Buy Airtime and Data
If you are still among those people who look for where to buy airtime and add an extra 20 Naira to the original price, then you need to upgrade. Buying Airtime or data from your bank is faster, convenient, and affordable. To buy Airtime or Data from your bank using the First Bank USSD code, follow these steps:
Airtime Recharge for Self
- Dial *894*Amount#
- Dial *894*Amount*Phone Number# (Others)
To Buy Data Dial
- *894*2# (Self)
- Dial *894*2*PHONE NUMBER# (Others)
To explain this, you must know that the word (Self) means that you are buying the data or airtime for your use using the phone number linked to your bank. However, the word (Others) indicates that you are buying the airtime or data for other numbers that you owe or for family and friends, and not a number linked to your bank account.
Reset and Change your PIN
If you forget your PIN or suspect it has been compromised, simply reset it and select a new PIN. See the instructions below on how to change your PIN using the shortcode.
To reset or change your PIN, do this:
• Dial *894*0#
• Select reset pin
• A list of masked debit cards linked to your account will be displayed
• Select your preferred debit card, and enter the 4-digit PIN for the selected debit card
• You will see a prompt that requests you to create a new Quick Banking 5-digit pin
• You are done
Pay utility bills
If you know your way around, you will be able to pay Nepa bills, fund your sports betting accounts, pay for DStv/GOtv subscription, and so much more using the USSD code. To pay bills, you need to use this format:
To Pay Bills Dial: *894*3*CUSTOMER’S UNIQUE ID#
Request a Statement of your account
If you wish to take a look at your account statements to see what your transactions look like for the past months and weeks, then use the code below:
- Dial *894*Account Number#
How to check your account balance
One of the most important things you can do with the First Bank USSD code is to check your account balance on the go. That is to say, you can check your account balance anywhere and anytime with ease.
To check your Firstbank Account right now, dial *894*00#
Deactivate your phone number from using the USSD Code
If you wish to block your phone number from using the USSD for some personal reasons, then you can do so as long as you have this shortcode that I will share with you below:
- Dial *894*911#
How to Block and Unblock your ATM Card
You can temporarily block and unblock your ATM card at any time using the USSD code. If you suspect that a loan app or someone else may have access to your card and could debit your money, using this code will help you protect your account.
To Block Your Debit Card.
• Dial *894# on your phone
• Select quick banking
• Then, select the next page
• Select card control
• Select from these options:
– ATM
– POS
– WEB
– ALL CHANNELS
– FOREIGN
• Lastly, enter your 5-digit PIN to confirm your transaction. Do bear in mind that from the options, you can choose to block your Debit card from a certain channel or all channels.
To Unblock Your Debit Card.
• Dial *894# on your phone
• Select quick banking
• Then, select the next page
• Select card control
• Select from these options:
– ATM
– POS
– WEB
– ALL CHANNELS
– FOREIGN
• Choose the unblock option
• Finally, enter your 5-digit PIN to confirm the transaction. It is crucial to change your Debit card PIN after recovery.
First Bank’s USSD transfer service provides a quick and convenient way for customers to send money, purchase airtime, and manage their accounts using the short code *894#. Once you register with a linked phone number and debit card, you can transfer money instantly to any Nigerian bank without any need for a smartphone with internet access.
However, the service is available 24/7, secured with PIN authentication, and designed to simplify everyday banking, making it ideal for quick transactions, emergencies, and users in areas with poor internet connectivity.