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How to Link BVN and NIN on Your Bank App (All Banks)

What is BVN and NIN? Simple Definitions

What is BVN?

BVN stands for Bank Verification Number. It is an 11-digit number issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. It connects all your bank accounts together and helps stop fraud. If you have two or more accounts in different banks, your BVN remains the same.

  • Example: 22451234567

  • It is created using your fingerprint, photo, and personal information.

What is NIN?

NIN means National Identification Number. It is an 11-digit number given to every Nigerian by NIMC (National Identity Management Commission). It shows that you are registered in the national identity database.

  • Example: 12345678901

  • Your NIN is different from your BVN, and it is linked to your mobile number, date of birth, and other details.

Why Do You Need to Link BVN and NIN?

The Nigerian government now requires every person to link their BVN and NIN to their bank accounts to:

  • Stop fraud and scams

  • Know each customer better (KYC)

  • Make sure your identity is correct

  • Allow smooth money transfers

  • Comply with CBN and NIMC regulations

If you don’t link your BVN and NIN, your account may be:

  • Restricted (you can’t send or withdraw money)

  • Frozen (you can’t use it at all)

  • Closed after some time

So, it is very important to link your BVN and NIN before the deadline.

What You Need Before Linking BVN and NIN

Before you start the linking process, make sure you have:

Requirement Description
Bank App Installed Install your bank’s mobile app from Play Store or App Store. Make sure it’s the official app.
BVN Number Your 11-digit Bank Verification Number. You can dial *565*0# on the phone number linked to your bank to get it.
NIN Number Your 11-digit National Identity Number. You can dial *346# to retrieve it.
Linked Phone Number This is the number connected to your NIN and bank account. It will receive OTPs (One-Time Passwords).
Strong Internet Connection You need data to use the mobile app without interruptions.

How to Link BVN and NIN on Bank Apps – General Steps

Though each bank app may look different, most of them follow similar steps:

Step 1: Login to Your Bank App

  • Open the app on your phone

  • Enter your login password or use fingerprint if enabled

Step 2: Go to Profile or Settings

  • Look for options like “Settings”, “Account Settings”, or “Profile”

  • Some apps show “Link NIN” or “Update BVN/NIN” on the home screen

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Step 3: Enter Your BVN and NIN

  • Tap the button to link NIN and BVN

  • Input both 11-digit numbers carefully

Step 4: Confirm Your Details

  • The app will show you some of your details (name, date of birth, etc.)

  • Make sure they match your NIN and BVN records

Step 5: Submit and Wait for Confirmation

  • Click “Submit” or “Link”

  • You may receive an OTP on your phone

  • Enter the OTP and wait for success message or SMS

How to Link BVN and NIN on GTBank App

GTBank makes it easy to link your NIN and BVN using the app.

Steps:

  1. Open GTWorld or GTBank App

  2. Login with your credentials

  3. Go to Menu → Profile → BVN/NIN Update

  4. Enter your BVN and NIN

  5. Confirm details shown

  6. Click Submit

  7. You’ll get a confirmation SMS after successful linking

How to Link BVN and NIN on First Bank App

You can use FirstMobile App for this process.

Steps:

  1. Open the FirstMobile App

  2. Login to your account

  3. On the homepage, look for “BVN/NIN Update”

  4. Input your 11-digit BVN and NIN

  5. Confirm your full name and date of birth

  6. Submit the form

  7. You’ll receive an SMS confirming the linking

How to Link BVN and NIN on Access Bank App

Access Bank offers both app and web portal options.

Steps Using App:

  1. Open AccessMore App

  2. Login with password or fingerprint

  3. Go to Settings

  4. Tap Link NIN/BVN

  5. Type in your BVN and NIN

  6. Enter OTP sent to your number

  7. Submit and wait for confirmation

How to Link BVN and NIN on Zenith Bank App

Zenith Bank uses the Zenith Mobile App for this.

Steps:

  1. Open the app and log in

  2. Tap “Settings” or “Self-Service”

  3. Choose Link NIN/BVN

  4. Enter the numbers correctly

  5. Confirm and submit

  6. A message will pop up showing success or error

How to Link BVN and NIN on UBA App

United Bank for Africa offers this service through the UBA Mobile App.

Steps:

  1. Launch the UBA app

  2. Login with your PIN

  3. Tap the menu icon

  4. Choose “Link NIN/BVN”

  5. Enter your 11-digit BVN and NIN

  6. Submit and check for confirmation alert

Alternative Methods: USSD, SMS, or Web Portal

If you don’t want to use the bank app, try these:

1. Using USSD:

Dial your bank’s USSD code and follow the menu:

Bank USSD Code
GTBank *737# → NIN/BVN Update
First Bank *894# → Update Details
Access Bank *901#
UBA *919#
Zenith Bank *966#
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Follow the prompts and enter your BVN and NIN as required.

2. Using SMS:

Some banks allow SMS linking. For example:

  • Text “NIN [Your NIN]” to a short code provided by your bank

  • Wait for confirmation SMS

  • Example: NIN 12345678901 to 20120 (for demonstration purposes only—confirm with your bank)

3. Web Portals:

Some banks offer online forms:

  • Visit your bank’s official website

  • Look for “Link NIN” or “Update Profile”

  • Fill in the form with your BVN and NIN

  • Submit and wait for email/SMS confirmation

Pros and Cons of Linking BVN/NIN via App

Pros

  •  Fast and convenient

  •  No need to visit the bank

  •  Can be done anytime, 24/7

  •  Secure if done correctly

  •  Suitable for students and workers on the go

Cons

  •  Needs internet connection

  •  Not good for those with older phones

  •  Can fail if app crashes or OTP delays

  • May not work if your BVN or NIN has errors

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Problem Cause Solution
NIN not accepted Wrong number, not registered Dial *346# to confirm your NIN
BVN mismatch Details don’t match with bank Visit your bank to update records
OTP not received Network delay or wrong phone number Retry or contact customer care
App crashes Phone issue or outdated app Restart phone or update app
Error message after submitting Server or internet issue Wait a while and try again

Safety Tips While Linking Your BVN and NIN

  1. Use only the official bank app – Don’t use third-party apps

  2. Do not share your OTP or login details

  3. Ensure a good network connection before submitting

  4. Double-check your BVN and NIN before hitting submit

  5. Avoid public Wi-Fi while doing this for security

  6. Check confirmation messages from your bank

  7. Call your bank’s official number if you have issues

Summary Table

Task Details
What to Link BVN (Bank Verification Number) and NIN (National Identity Number)
Where to Link On your bank’s mobile app, website, or USSD
Why Link Required by CBN to keep using your account
Who Must Link All account holders in Nigerian banks
When to Link As soon as possible before account restrictions
What You Need BVN, NIN, bank app, linked phone number, internet
Alternatives Use USSD codes, SMS, or web portals
Confirmation SMS or pop-up message after successful linking
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Conclusion

Linking your BVN and NIN on your bank app is now an important step to keep using your bank account without problems. The process is easy if you follow the right steps. Just have your BVN and NIN ready, use your bank’s app, and follow the prompts.

Don’t wait for your account to be blocked or frozen. If you are a student or working-class person, do it now while you still have access. If you face any issues, your bank’s customer care will help you.

Always double-check your BVN and NIN before submitting, and avoid fake websites or apps.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between BVN and NIN?

BVN is for bank verification, while NIN is for national identity. Both are 11 digits but issued by different organizations.

2. Can I link my BVN and NIN without internet?

Yes, you can use your bank’s USSD code or visit a branch to do it offline.

3. What if I forgot my BVN?

Dial *565*0# on your registered phone number. You will see your BVN on the screen.

4. What if I don’t know my NIN?

Dial *346# on your phone. If registered, your NIN will appear.

5. Is there a deadline for linking BVN and NIN?

Yes, the CBN usually sets a deadline. Always check with your bank or watch out for official announcements.

6. Can I link BVN and NIN for multiple bank accounts?

Yes, you can link the same BVN and NIN to all your bank accounts.

7. What happens if I don’t link them?

Your account may be restricted, frozen, or eventually closed by the bank.

8. Is it safe to link BVN and NIN using a mobile app?

Yes, as long as you use the official app and protect your login details.

9. What should I do if my name or date of birth does not match?

Visit the bank with your original ID and NIMC slip to update your records.

10. Can I link someone else’s BVN or NIN to my account?

No. BVN and NIN must match the account holder’s personal identity.

11. How long does it take for the link to reflect?

Usually within minutes to 24 hours. Sometimes banks will send a confirmation SMS.

12. Do I need to go to the bank branch to link BVN/NIN?

Not always. You can do it from home using the mobile app, USSD, or website.

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