First Bank USSD Codes in Nigeria (2026)
First Bank’s USSD banking service, known as 894 Banking, allows customers to perform banking transactions directly from their mobile phones without internet access. Whether you use a smartphone or a basic mobile phone, the service makes it easy to transfer money, buy airtime, check balances, pay bills, and manage your account anytime and anywhere in Nigeria.
The official First Bank USSD code is:
*894#
With this code, you can access a wide range of banking services in seconds without visiting a branch or using the mobile app.
What Is First Bank USSD Banking?
First Bank USSD Banking is a mobile banking platform that enables customers to carry out financial transactions using short codes. The service works on all major Nigerian networks, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.
The platform is particularly useful for customers who do not have internet access or prefer quick banking transactions from their mobile phones.
Requirements for Using First Bank USSD Banking
Before using the service, you must:
- Have an active First Bank account
- Use the phone number linked to your account
- Own a First Bank debit card
- Register and create a secure transaction PIN
Once activated, you can access banking services 24 hours a day.
How to Register for First Bank USSD Banking
Follow these steps to activate First Bank USSD banking:
Step 1
Dial:
*894*0#
Step 2
Select the debit card linked to your account.
Step 3
Enter the last four digits of your debit card.
Step 4
Create a 5-digit PIN.
Step 5
Confirm your PIN.
After successful registration, you can start using First Bank USSD services immediately.
Complete List of First Bank USSD Codes (2026)
| Service | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Main Banking Menu | *894# |
| Registration | 8940# |
| Check Account Balance | 89400# |
| Transfer Money | 894Amount*Account Number# |
| Buy Airtime for Self | 894Amount# |
| Buy Airtime for Others | 894Amount*Phone Number# |
| Buy Data | 8942# |
| Buy Data for Others | 8942*Phone Number# |
| Bill Payments | 8943# |
| Mini Statement | 894Account Number# |
| Create Payment Code | 89499# |
| Block Account | 894911# |
These codes cover most everyday banking activities.
How to Check Your First Bank Account Balance
To check your account balance:
- Dial *894*00#
- Enter your 5-digit PIN
- Your account balance will be displayed on your screen
This service allows you to monitor your funds without visiting a branch or ATM.
How to Transfer Money Using First Bank USSD
One of the most popular features of 894 Banking is fund transfer.
To transfer money:
- Dial:*894*Amount*AccountNumber#
- Confirm the recipient’s details
- Enter your PIN
- Complete the transaction
For example:
*894*5000*0123456789#
This will initiate a transfer of ₦5,000 to the specified account.
How to Buy Airtime for Yourself
To recharge your own phone:
Dial:
*894*Amount#
For example:
*894*1000#
This purchases ₦1,000 airtime directly from your bank account.
How to Buy Airtime for Another Person
You can also send airtime to family and friends.
Dial:
*894*Amount*PhoneNumber#
Example:
*894*500*08031234567#
This sends ₦500 airtime to the selected number.
How to Buy Data Using First Bank USSD
To purchase data:
- Dial *894*2#
- Select your network
- Choose a data plan
- Confirm payment
The cost will be deducted directly from your bank account.
How to Buy Data for Another Person
To buy data for someone else:
Dial:
*894*2*PhoneNumber#
Then select the desired network and data bundle.
How to Pay Bills Using First Bank USSD
You can pay several types of bills through the service.
To pay a bill:
- Dial *894*3#
- Select the bill category
- Enter the required customer number or account reference
- Confirm the payment
Common bill categories include:
- Electricity bills
- Cable TV subscriptions
- Internet services
- Educational payments
- Utility services
How to Generate a Payment Code
First Bank allows customers to create a payment code that can be used for transactions.
To generate a code:
Dial:
*894*99#
Follow the prompts displayed on your phone.
How to Block Your First Bank Account
If your phone is stolen or compromised, you can quickly secure your account.
Dial:
*894*911#
Follow the instructions to block transactions linked to your account.
This helps prevent unauthorized access and fraud.
Benefits of First Bank USSD Banking
Some advantages include:
- No internet required
- Available 24/7
- Works on all mobile phones
- Fast transactions
- Easy account management
- Secure PIN authentication
- Convenient for emergencies
These benefits make the service one of the most widely used mobile banking platforms in Nigeria.
Common Problems and Solutions
Incorrect PIN
If you enter the wrong PIN multiple times, your transactions may be temporarily restricted.
Solution:
Reset your PIN using *894*0# or contact First Bank customer support.
Insufficient Funds
Transactions will fail if your account balance is lower than the amount being transferred or purchased.
Solution:
Fund your account and try again.
Wrong Registered Number
The service only works on the phone number linked to your First Bank account.
Solution:
Visit a branch to update your phone number if necessary.
Network Issues
Temporary network problems may delay transactions.
Solution:
Wait a few minutes and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the First Bank USSD code?
The official First Bank USSD code is *894#.
How do I check my First Bank account balance?
Dial *894*00# and enter your PIN.
How do I transfer money using First Bank USSD?
Dial *894*Amount*AccountNumber# and follow the prompts.
Can I buy airtime with First Bank USSD?
Yes. Dial *894*Amount# to buy airtime for yourself.
How do I buy airtime for another person?
Dial *894*Amount*PhoneNumber#.
Does First Bank USSD require internet?
No. The service works without internet access.
Can I use First Bank USSD on Airtel, MTN, Glo, and 9mobile?
Yes. The service works across all major Nigerian mobile networks.
How do I block my First Bank account?
Dial *894*911# and follow the instructions.
Is First Bank USSD banking safe?
Yes. Transactions are protected using your unique 5-digit PIN and other security measures.
Can I buy data using First Bank USSD?
Yes. Dial *894*2# and select your preferred network and bundle.
Conclusion
First Bank’s *894 Banking service remains one of the easiest ways to access banking services in Nigeria in 2026. With a simple USSD code, customers can transfer money, buy airtime, purchase data, check account balances, pay bills, and secure their accounts without needing internet access. As long as your phone number is linked to your First Bank account, you can enjoy fast, secure, and convenient banking from anywhere in the country.



