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• Muna Tengi
• 6 Min Read
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How To Buy Airtime With Your Bank Account In Nigeria

In Nigeria, buying airtime has become much more convenient with the rise of mobile banking and USSD codes. Gone are the days when you had to purchase physical recharge cards or visit airtime vendors. Today, you can easily buy airtime directly from your bank account using your smartphone or any basic phone, even without internet access. This article offers a detailed guide on how to buy airtime with your bank account in Nigeria.

Why Buy Airtime with Your Bank Account?

The benefits of buying airtime from your bank account are numerous:

• Convenience: You can purchase airtime 24/7, from anywhere, without having to visit a physical store.

• Speed: The process is quick and typically takes less than a minute.

• Security: Your transactions are secured by your bank’s encryption technologies and personal identification numbers (PINs).

• Availability of Bonuses: Some banks offer bonuses or discounts on airtime purchases.

• Accessibility: Even if you don’t have access to the internet, you can still purchase airtime via USSD codes.

• Multiple Networks: You can recharge airtime for various Nigerian networks like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile directly from your bank account.

Whether you have a smartphone or a basic mobile phone, there are different methods to recharge your phone with airtime using your bank account. Let’s go through the various options.

Methods to Buy Airtime from Your Bank Account

1. Using USSD Codes

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes are one of the most popular methods to buy airtime in Nigeria. These codes work on any phone, whether it's a smartphone or a basic feature phone. The USSD method is fast, secure, and does not require internet access, making it ideal for individuals in rural or underserved areas.

Here’s a breakdown of how to buy airtime using USSD codes for some popular Nigerian banks:

• Access Bank: Dial *901*Amount# to recharge airtime for yourself. For instance, if you want to recharge N500, dial *901*500#. To buy airtime for another number, dial *901*Amount*Phone Number#.

• First Bank: Dial *894*Amount# to buy airtime for yourself. To recharge another number, dial *894*Amount*Phone Number#.

• Zenith Bank: Dial *966*Amount# to recharge your number. To recharge another line, dial *966*Amount*Phone Number#.

• GTBank: Dial *737*Amount# to recharge your phone. If you want to recharge someone else's number, dial *737*Amount*Phone Number#.

• UBA: Dial *919*Amount# to recharge your phone. To recharge another number, use *919*Amount*Phone Number#.

• Fidelity Bank: Dial *770*Amount# for self-recharge or *770*Amount*Phone Number# to buy airtime for another line.

• Union Bank: Dial *826*Amount# for self-recharge or *826*Amount*Phone Number# to recharge another line.

• EcoBank: Dial *326*Amount# for self-recharge. For other lines, dial *326*Amount*Phone Number#.

• Sterling Bank: Dial *822*Amount# to recharge your number or *822*Amount*Phone Number# for another line.

• Polaris Bank: Dial *833*Amount# for self-recharge or *833*Amount*Phone Number# for another line.

The USSD code format is similar for most Nigerian banks. All you need is to know your bank’s unique USSD code and ensure that the phone number linked to your bank account has sufficient funds to complete the transaction.

How to Use USSD Codes to Buy Airtime:

1. Dial the appropriate USSD code for your bank.

2. Enter the amount you want to recharge (for instance, N200, N500, or N1000).

3. Confirm the transaction using your bank’s security details, usually a PIN or the last 4 digits of your debit card.

4. Wait for confirmation via SMS. Your phone will be credited with the airtime immediately.

2. Using Mobile Banking Apps

If you have a smartphone and access to the internet, your bank’s mobile app is another easy way to buy airtime. Most Nigerian banks have developed mobile applications that allow customers to carry out a wide range of banking transactions, including airtime purchases.

Steps to Buy Airtime Using a Mobile Banking App:

1. Download your bank’s mobile app from the Google Play Store (for Android devices) or the Apple App Store (for iPhones). Examples include the GTWorld app (GTBank), the FirstMobile app (First Bank), ALAT (Wema Bank), and the Access More app (Access Bank).

2. Log into your account with your credentials, such as your user ID and password or biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition).

3. Locate the "Airtime Purchase" or "Recharge" option on the app. This is usually found under "Transactions" or "Payments."

4. Select your network provider (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile).

5. Enter the amount of airtime you wish to purchase.

6. Confirm your transaction by entering your PIN or any other required security code.

7. Receive your airtime instantly, and you’ll get a notification confirming your purchase.

3. Internet Banking

Internet banking allows you to purchase airtime through your bank’s website using your computer or smartphone browser. This method is suitable for people who are tech-savvy and prefer a more detailed and comprehensive interface to manage their banking transactions.

How to Buy Airtime Using Internet Banking:

1. Visit your bank’s official website and log into your internet banking account. Examples include www.gtbank.com (GTBank), www.accessbankplc.com (Access Bank), and www.firstbanknigeria.com (First Bank).

2. Navigate to the "Payments" or "Transactions" section.

3. Select "Buy Airtime" or "Airtime Top-Up."

4. Choose the phone number you want to recharge, either your own or someone else's.

5. Enter the recharge amount.

6. Complete the transaction by entering your security credentials (e.g., password, OTP, or token).

7. Receive instant airtime, with a confirmation message sent to your email or phone number.

4. USSD Shortcode Aggregators

Some third-party services in Nigeria aggregate USSD shortcodes for different banks, allowing you to buy airtime directly without having to remember your bank’s specific code. Platforms like Quickteller, Remita, and Paystack enable you to buy airtime from any bank account using their payment gateway.

To use these platforms, visit their website or download their mobile apps, choose the “Buy Airtime” option, enter your phone number and bank details, and confirm the transaction.

Benefits of Buying Airtime with Your Bank Account

1. Instant Transactions

One of the main benefits of buying airtime directly from your bank account is the instant nature of the transaction. Once you complete the process, the airtime is credited to your phone number almost immediately. This eliminates the need for scratching physical recharge cards and manually entering lengthy PIN codes.

2. No Extra Charges

Most banks in Nigeria do not charge extra fees when you purchase airtime using their USSD codes, mobile apps, or Internet banking platforms. The exact amount you enter is what you’ll get as airtime.

3. 24/7 Availability

You can buy airtime at any time of day, even during bank holidays or late at night. The service is available 24/7, ensuring that you can stay connected without worrying about where to get a recharge card.

4. Flexible Options

Whether you want to buy airtime for yourself or send it to someone else, these platforms give you the flexibility to recharge any phone number from your bank account. This can be particularly useful for sending airtime to friends or family members in need.

5. Security

Transactions made using USSD codes or mobile banking apps are protected by multiple layers of security, such as PINs, OTPs, or tokens. Banks use encryption to ensure that your banking details are safe during the process.

Conclusion

Buying airtime from your bank account in Nigeria is easy, secure, and convenient. With various methods available—from USSD codes to mobile banking apps and Internet banking—purchasing airtime has never been simpler. Whether you're in a remote area with no access to the internet or in the heart of a busy city, you can always recharge your phone in seconds. By following the steps in this guide, you can make sure that you never run out of airtime again!