Forgotten your BVN? Here’s how to retrieve it instantly in Nigeria (without stress)

• The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is an 11-digit unique identity number issued to every bank customer in Nigeria by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and NIBSS .

• Your BVN is permanent and does not expire or change, meaning you are only retrieving a forgotten number, not generating a new one.

• You can retrieve your BVN instantly using any of the several safe methods mentioned below, including dialling the USSD code (5650#) on your registered phone number or visiting the NIBSS validation portal.

Many Nigerians only realise they’ve forgotten their Bank Verification Number (BVN) when they urgently need it for a loan application, bank transaction, or account verification.

But the good news is your BVN can be retrieved in seconds, and you don’t need to open a new account or start the registration process all over again.

In fact, there are multiple safe and official ways to recover it, depending on what you have access to.

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The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is an 11-digit unique identity number issued to every bank customer in Nigeria.

It was introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to reduce fraud and link all bank accounts to a single identity profile.

In simple terms, your BVN:

• Identifies you across all Nigerian banks

• Stores your biometric data (fingerprints and facial image)

• Helps banks verify your identity instantly

Yes, and permanently.

Your BVN does not expire or change. Once issued, it stays with you for life. What you’re doing is simply retrieving a forgotten number, not generating a new one.

However, the method you use depends on whether you still have:

• Access to your registered phone number

• Internet banking or mobile banking access

• Or only physical identification

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This is the most popular method in Nigeria and for good reason.

1. Dial 565*0# on the phone number linked to your bank account; you will get an instant message to enter your full date of birth. 

2. Do that and wait a few seconds

3. Your BVN will be displayed on your screen

Important details:

• It works on all Nigerian networks (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile)

• It requires your registered phone number

• And it costs a small service fee of ₦20 (usually deducted from airtime)

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If you already use mobile banking, this is even easier.

• Log in to your bank’s mobile app

• Go to Profile / Account Details

• Your BVN is usually displayed there

This method is most preferred because it:

• Is free of charge

• Requires no USSD fees

• Works anytime, anywhere

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If you prefer to check your BVN online, you can do so through the official portal managed by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit the NIBSS BVN validation portal.

Step 2: Enter your details exactly as registered: your full name, date of birth, and the phone number linked to your BVN.

Step 3: Click the Search button to continue.

Step 4: Choose your preferred payment option and pay the small verification fee (typically around ₦20).

Step 5: Once your payment is successful, your BVN will appear on the screen. You can copy it immediately or save it securely for future use.

When you first registered your BVN, you were given a BVN enrolment slip or an SMS notification. 

If you still have either, your BVN will be there.

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If you:

• Changed your phone number

• Lost access to your banking app

• Or cannot use USSD

Then visiting your bank is your best option.

What you’ll need:

• Valid ID (NIN, international passport, driver’s licence)

• Account details

Bank staff can retrieve your BVN after identity verification.

This is a common issue. If your BVN-linked number is no longer active:

• Visit your bank to update your phone number

• Complete a simple account update process

• Then use USSD or app access again

Without updating your number, the USSD method will not work.

Your BVN is safe, but only if you are careful.

Avoid:

• Sharing it on WhatsApp or social media

• Sending it to unknown individuals

• Responding to “BVN verification” scams

Remember: banks will never ask for your BVN and OTP together via unofficial channels.

No. Once issued, it is permanent.

No. Every BVN is unique.

Yes, but only by visiting your bank.

• USSD: small charge

• App/internet banking: free

• Bank branch: free

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Forgetting your BVN is common, but recovering it is even easier. You can retrieve it within minutes with any of these options: 

• USSD code 565*0#,

• your mobile banking app,

• via the NIBSS Validation Portal,

• or a bank branch visit.

The most important step is ensuring you store it safely after recovery so you don’t have to repeat the process.