The Bank Verification Number (BVN) was officially introduced in 2014 by the Goodluck Jonathan Administration to promote transparency and combat financial crime in the Nigerian financial space. The BVN allows the financial system to verify customers across all banks using fingerprints and facial recognition.
The BVN is an 11-digit code identifier used by banks to identify customers. The ambiguous nature of this code means customers often forget their BVN numbers when they are needed at banks. The same applies to filling out online applications or signing up for fintech apps.
This problem prompted a solution from telecommunication providers, which enabled them to provide their customers with their BVN code anytime it is needed. The customer only needs to dial a specific code on their phone, and their service provider will send the BVN code to them.
The feature was quickly adopted by MTN, Airtel, Glo and T2 Mobile. It is important to note that the BVN code is the same for all networks. In this article, we will be discussing how to check the BVN code for MTN in 2026.
How to Check BVN Code for MTN in 2026
The process for checking your Bank Verification Number (BVN) on MTN remains the same across all Nigerian telecommunications networks.
The Official USSD Code for BVN on MTN
To retrieve your 11-digit BVN instantly, follow these steps:
- Open your phone’s dialer.
- Dial
*565*0#. - Wait for a few seconds for the request to process.
- Your 11-digit BVN will be displayed on your screen.
BVN Code for other Networks
| Network | BVN USSD Code |
| Airtel | *565*0# |
| T2 Mobile | *565*0# |
| Glo | *565*0# |
Requirements Needed and Costs
- A Registered SIM: You must dial the code using the exact phone number you linked to your bank account during your BVN enrollment.
- Service Fee: A one-time charge of ₦20 is deducted from your MTN airtime balance for each successful retrieval. Ensure you have at least ₦20 in your main account balance.
- The USSD code method happens offline and does not require internet access.
Your BVN is confidential information and should not be shared with any third party. The best storage option remains storing the code as a contact on your phone. This way, you don’t have to spend N20 every time you retrieve the number.
