In an era of mobile apps and online banking portals, USSD banking remains the most reliable financial tool for millions of Nigerians.
Whether you’re in a rural area with unstable internet, using a basic feature phone, or simply want a faster way to transfer money, USSD codes offer instant, secure, and network-independent banking.
For older Nigerians unfamiliar with apps and even tech-savvy users who just want speed, USSD is often the easiest way to check balances, send money, buy airtime, or block an ATM card in emergencies.
In this guide, we break down the official USSD codes for GTBank, FCMB, UBA, and Fidelity Bank, explain how they work, and highlight both core and lesser-known banking functions you can access without internet access.
What Is USSD Banking?
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a GSM communication protocol that allows users to interact with their bank by dialing short codes like *737#.
Unlike mobile apps, USSD works on any phone, requires no data, and completes transactions in real time.
You can learn more about the technology behind it on Wikipedia’s USSD explainer.
GTBank USSD Code: *737#
GTBank (Guaranty Trust Bank) was one of the first Nigerian banks to popularize USSD banking, and its *737# service remains one of the most robust.
Official code: *737#
Works on: All Nigerian mobile networks
Linked SIM: Must be the phone number registered with your GTBank account
Core GTBank USSD Functions
- Check account balance:
737*6*1# - Transfer to GTBank account:
737*1*Amount*AccountNumber# - Transfer to other banks:
737*2*Amount*AccountNumber# - Buy airtime for self:
737*Amount# - Buy airtime for others:
737*Amount*PhoneNumber#
Lesser-Known but Important Features
- Block ATM card instantly:
737*51*10# - Reset USSD PIN
- Pay utility bills and cable TV subscriptions
For more official updates, visit the GTBank homepage.
FCMB USSD Code: *329#
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) offers a simple and menu-driven USSD experience, making it popular among older users and first-time adopters.
Official code: *329#
Core FCMB USSD Functions
- Check balance:
329*00# - Transfer to FCMB account:
329*Amount*AccountNumber# - Transfer to other banks:
329*Amount*AccountNumber# - Buy airtime:
329*Amount#
Additional Features Many Users Miss
- Open an FCMB account instantly
- Loan services (eligible users)
- Bill payments and merchant transactions
More details are available on the FCMB official website.
UBA USSD Code: *919#
United Bank for Africa (UBA) operates across Africa, and its USSD platform is designed for speed and cross-bank compatibility.
Official code: *919#
Core UBA USSD Functions
- Check balance:
919*00# - Transfer to UBA account:
919*AccountNumber*Amount# - Transfer to other banks:
919*4*AccountNumber*Amount# - Buy airtime:
919*Amount#
Useful Extras
- Block account or ATM card
- Change USSD PIN
- Merchant and QR payments
You can confirm services directly from the UBA official site.
Fidelity Bank USSD Code: *770#
Fidelity Bank’s USSD service is straightforward and optimized for everyday banking needs.
Official code: *770#
Core Fidelity USSD Functions
- Check balance:
770*0# - Transfer to Fidelity account:
770*AccountNumber*Amount# - Transfer to other banks:
770*AccountNumber*Amount# - Buy airtime:
770*Amount#
Additional Capabilities
- Cardless cash withdrawal
- PIN reset
- Bill and utility payments
Learn more from the Fidelity Bank Nigeria website.
Important Things to Know Before Using USSD
- You must use your registered phone number
- Transactions will fail if you dial from a different SIM.
- USSD transactions usually attract small fees
- This varies by bank and telecom operator.
- Always protect your USSD PIN
- Never share it—USSD is secure, but only if your PIN stays private.
- USSD works even when apps are down
- This makes it invaluable during network outages or emergencies.
Why USSD Banking Isn’t Going Away Anytime Soon
Despite Nigeria’s growing fintech ecosystem, USSD remains essential because it:
- Works without internet
- Serves both smartphones and feature phones
- Is trusted by older and less tech-savvy users
- Provides instant access to critical banking services
For many Nigerians, USSD isn’t a backup it’s the primary banking channel.
Final Thoughts
Whether you bank with GTBank, FCMB, UBA, or Fidelity, USSD codes give you full control of your money anytime, anywhere. From quick transfers to emergency card blocking, these short codes are still one of the most powerful tools in Nigerian banking.
If you haven’t memorized your bank’s USSD code yet, now is the time—because when data fails, USSD still works.