All you need to know about Bank Verification Number (BVN)

In the normal world, everyone has a name that lets everyone else know who they are. It proves that you exist and lets people find or identify you. In some cases, it can also be used to prove that you have the right to access. Your bank verification number (BVN) is your identity in the banking world. Unlike your name, though, not everyone should be able to get a hold of it.

The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is an 11-digit number that every bank in Nigeria can use to identify a customer. In February 2014, the idea was put forward by the Central Bank of Nigeria (BVN) and the Bankers Committee as a way to strengthen the Nigerian banking system.

The Federal High Court has given the Federal Government an interim order telling commercial banks to freeze all bank accounts without a BVN. This includes people, businesses, and government organizations.

Effectiveness of BVN in Nigeria

According to research from reputable sources, BVN number Nigeria as a centralized biometric-based banking system has had some success in stopping cybercrime and illegal financial activities in the Nigerian banking sector and dealing with them. With major improvements to operations and maintenance of the strict BVN protocols that are already in place, it is expected that the Nigerian banking system will become immune to cybercrime, and financial crimes will end.

Many rumors say that fake BVN numbers can be made with illegal BVN generators. No matter how true this is, fake BVNs can’t fool Nigeria’s centralized banking system because it is too effective and powerful. The law can and will punish anyone who is found to have made and used a fake BVN.

Disadvantages of BVN

Even though the BVN has some benefits, it also has a few problems that CBN should address and fix as soon as possible.

First on the list is the fact that hackers can find out everything about a client just by having their BVN. It is a threat to bank customers’ money and identities in a roundabout way. Cybercriminals could use the information they get from BVN to trick customers into giving up private information.

Also, because BVN requires all information to be the same, many clients find it hard to link all their bank accounts to the same BVN because each account is in a different name.

Frequently Asked Questions by People (FAQs)

Can an account be hacked with BVN?

One reason banks tell you not to give out sensitive information like your BVN is to keep hackers and other people who might want to mess with your money from getting into your account without your permission. So, yes. With information from their BVNs, hackers might be able to get into bank accounts.

Can BVN be blocked?

The CBN can decide to put a person’s BVN on a blacklist or block it if it finds illegal transactions or reports from reliable sources that the account has been used for fraud.

Can BVN be done twice?

No. A BVN can only be signed up for once. But it runs out every ten years. After this time, you will have to go to your bank or follow the steps needed to get a new BVN.

Can I change my BVN name?

Yes. People may be able to change their BVN name if any of the following are true:

Name change because of marriage. In this case, it will only be allowed if a marriage certificate or affidavit is shown.

Some names were misspelled, like Osundare, which was written as Oshundare. This will only be allowed if you have a valid way to prove who you are, like an international passport or national ID card with your correct name on it.

Changes to completely different names, like going from Kevin Adams to Michael Adekunle, may also be allowed if valid documents are shown to support the change. The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFU) should be told about suspicious transactions like this by the banks.

Can I change my BVN number?

No. BVN is a centralized banking system that is set up for each customer based on their biometric information. So, each customer can only have one BVN, which can’t be changed.

Can I have two BVN?

No. If you have two BVNs, it will look like fraud or a crime, and the government will look into it.

Can my account be hacked with my BVN?

Yes. With your BVN, unauthorized people can get into your account. But they probably won’t be able to do that with just your BVN.

Can my account be hacked without my BVN?

Hackers only need your card number, CVV, PIN, and one-time password (OTP) to get into your bank account. It is best to keep other people from getting access to this kind of information.

Can my BVN be blacklisted?

Yes. Let’s say that your account is thought to be part of a scam or that reputable sources say it was used for cybercrime or that you didn’t pay back a loan. In that case, the Central Bank of Nigeria might put your BVN and any accounts that are linked to it on a blacklist until the problem is fixed.

Can my BVN be blocked?

The CBN has the power to block your BVN if they find any illegal transactions or if they get multiple reports of fraud linked to your bank account that seem to be true.

Can someone hack a bank account with an account number?

The bank account number is not sensitive bank information, so it can’t be used to break into accounts. Hackers can’t get into your account without your permission if they only have your account number.

Can someone hack my bank account with my phone number?

Your phone number is not sensitive bank information, so it can’t be used to get into your account. Hackers can’t get into your account without your permission if they only have your phone number. But it could be used to hack your account if it is combined with other sensitive bank information.

Can someone steal your money with your BVN?

Even if hackers get your BVN, that doesn’t mean they can automatically steal or move money from your account. But they could use the personal information they get from your BVN to try to trick you into giving them more sensitive information about your bank account.

Can someone use my BVN to withdraw my money?

No one can get your money just by having your BVN. To do this, they need other sensitive information, such as your Bank Card details, ATM PIN, USSD, Mobile, and Online Banking passwords. You should be careful not to give them this information. Once you can keep these things a secret, your bank account money will be safe.

Can you give out your BVN number?

If you tell anyone your BVN, the money in your account is not directly at risk. But it’s best not to tell anyone your BVN because it could be a key part of hacking your account. The correct answer is NO.

Can your account be hacked with your BVN number?

With your BVN, hackers and other bad people may be able to get access to information that will help them hack into your account. Keep your BVN safe. It could be what cybercriminals use to get into your account without your permission.

Can your money be stolen with BVN?

No. But if they have other sensitive information about your account, they might be able to move money out of your bank account without your permission. Keep your BVN safe no matter what.

How can I check my BVN details online?

This will cost you 20 naira, so make sure your line has at least that much money. Just press *565*0#. You’ll get a message with your BVN in it. It works with all of Nigeria’s major network providers (MTN, GLO, 9Mobile, and Airtel).

Note that this process only works for phone numbers that have been registered with a BVN. If a phone number hasn’t been linked to a bank account, it won’t show any BVN information.

How can I check my BVN on GTB?

One of the reasons why Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) is one of the best banks in Nigeria is that it has a top-notch and easy-to-use banking system. This helps their customers when they need to check their BVN information. Just call *737*6*1#. You’ll get a message telling you your account balance, name, and BVN.

How can I check my BVN with my phone?

Technology has made a lot of things easier, especially for customers, since it has been added to the banking system. You can easily check your BVN by dialing *565*0# from your phone and entering the number that is linked to your BVN. No matter what bank or network you use, this method will work.

How can I check my BVN?

There are many ways to check your BVN, but USSD on your phone is the easiest. All you have to do is dial *565*0# on your mobile phone with the number you used to sign up, and you’re done! You’ll get a pop-up message with your BVN on it.

How can I know my BVN number?

You may need to give your BVN when registering for your National ID card, so it’s important to know how to get it. Dial *565*0# on your phone with the number you used to sign up for your BVN. In a few seconds, you will get a message with information about your BVN. If you have a GTBank account, dial *737*6*1# and enter the phone number that is linked to your account. You will also get a message with information about your BVN.

How can I transfer money from BVN to my account?

Your BVN is what banks use to identify you. It is not a way to get money to send to your real bank account or any other bank account.

How do I link my BVN to my phone number?

During the BVN Enrollment process, you can choose the phone number you want to link to your BVN. When you sign up for a BVN, the phone number you give will be linked to it automatically.

How many people have BVN in Nigeria?

The Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NBISS) says that more than 40 million bank accounts that are currently being used are linked to BVN. It is hard to say if this means that 40 million people in Nigeria have a BVN.

How to block your bank account?

You might need to block your current bank account in an emergency or if you just want to switch banks. In Nigeria, there are many different banks, and each one has its own way for customers to close their bank accounts. For some, you have to call or text a number, while for others, you can use USSD codes. No matter which bank you use, you can block your bank account. This is how:

For GTBank, dial *737*51*10#. To contact FCMB Bank, dial +2342798800.
Text “BLOCK” to 30012 for First Bank
Text “BLOCK CARD NUBAN” to 20123 for Union Bank.
For UBA – dial *919*10#
Fidelity Bank dial *770911#
Zenith Bankdial *966*911#
Call 23470020003000 to talk to Keystone Bank
Sterling Bank call 070078378464 IBTC Bank dial *909#. Then, click on my bank, click on service request, and click on block card.
Wema Bank can be reached at 08039003700, and Polaris at +2341270850.
Call *901*911# to reach Access Bank.
Don’t forget that you have to use the phone number that is linked to the bank account.

How to change my access bank phone number

At the moment, there is no way to change your Access Bank phone number online. You have to do it the old-fashioned way, by going to a bank branch, asking for a form, filling it out, and then waiting for more instructions.

How to change my BVN phone number online

At the moment, the only way to change your BVN phone number is to go to a bank and fill out a BVN incidence/correction form by hand.

On the incident form, you will need to include things like the date, your BVN, your bank account number, your phone number, your last name, your first name, your gender, your date of birth, and your email address.

You will also have to give your report on what happened and what was done to fix it. This means you will have to state clearly and concisely exactly why you want your phone number changed.

How to change my bank phone number?

Many banks in Nigeria make it easy to change the phone number that is on file. For example, GTBank and First Bank are two of the most successful banks in Nigeria. It is easy for their customers to change their bank phone number.

How to change the number on BVN

You will need to go to your bank to change the phone number that is linked to your BVN. Pick the branch that is closest to you. There, you can ask for a BVN incident/report form and fill it out. You will need to fill out basic information like your name, BVN, email address, and why you want to change your phone number. After you’ve filled out and sent in the form, you should wait for more information from your bank.

How to check BVN details online

If you have an Airtel, MTN, GLO, or ETISALAT phone, you can use *565*0# to check your Bank Verification Number (BVN). For the verification process, the bank will charge you N20, so make sure you have at least that much on your line. If you are a GTB customer, you can check your BVN number by dialing *737*6*1#.

Remember that this will only work if you call the USSD code from the phone number that is linked to your BVN or bank account.

How to register BVN outside of Nigeria

Nigerian banks have branches outside of Nigeria where Nigerians in the diaspora can go to make an appointment for BVN registration. Visit your bank’s BVN enrolment portal for more details about their BVN enrolment centers outside Nigeria.

I forgot my Access Bank number, What do I do?

Don’t start to worry just yet. You can get to your Access Bank account number easily by following a few simple steps.

If you signed up to get debit and credit alerts sent to your email address, all you have to do is look at one of the emails your bank sent you in the past. In the message, you will find your bank account number.

Logging into your online banking platform is all it takes to check your account number. There, your account number will be written big and clear.

Checking a past SMS credit or debit alert on your phone can help you find part of your account number.

Every month, your bank sends you a statement of account or a list of all the transactions you made that month. When you open the document sent to you for any given month, your account number will be written in big letters somewhere.

ATMs can do more than just take money out or send money out. You can also use them to look up information about your account, such as your account number.

How to check BVN on MTN

To check your BVN on MTN, you can call *565*0# or *737*6*1# (if you have a GTBank account). When you run the USSD, a pop-up message with information about your BVN will appear. This method is much simpler and safer than using a BVN checker app, and you don’t need a BVN pin to do it.

How to check BVN online

You can check your BVN in a few seconds with USSD. Just use the BVN-registered phone number and dial *737*6*1# if you bank with GTBank or *565*0# if you bank with another bank. After this, your phone will get a message with your BVN information.

How to check my BVN date of birth

You must first get your BVN. So as to:

Use the phone number that is linked to your BVN to call *565*0#.

If you are a customer of GTBank, dial *737*6*1#.

Copy the BVN from the message you will get and go to the bank branch closest to you.

With that, you can check all of your BVN information at the bank and change any part you think needs to be changed.

How to check my BVN date of birth online

Your BVN is only available online. You have to go to the nearest bank branch to check your BVN date of birth. To finish the process, you will need your BVN. Make a copy of your BVN and go to the bank. To get your BVN, just dial *737*6*1# or *565*0#. If you’re a GTBank customer, you’ll need to dial *737*6*1#. You will get your BVN in a few seconds, and you can then copy it.

My BVN is blocked. What do I do?

If your BVN is blocked, it means that one of the bank accounts you have linked to it has been linked to some kind of fraud. If you’re sure it was a mistake, just go to the branch of your bank that’s closest to you and tell them.

How to check my BVN name

Customers of GTBank can call *737*6*1#. Clients of other banks should call *565*0#. Your BVN will send you a message. Make a copy of the BVN and go to any bank branch. You can check your BVN information, such as your name, by giving the bank employee your BVN. The bank employee will then check for you.

How to check my BVN online

If you use GTBank, all you have to do is dial *737*6*1#. If you use another bank, you’ll need to dial *565*0#. If you call these USSD codes from the phone number that is linked to your BVN, your bank will send your BVN. Keep in mind that this will cost you 20 naira.

How to check my account number

You might find it hard to remember your account numbers if you just opened a bank account. Don’t be afraid. You can easily check your account number from time to time, no matter which bank you use. Learn more here:

Logging into your online banking platform is all it takes to check your account number. There, your account number will be written big and clear.

Checking a past SMS credit or debit alert on your phone can help you find part of your account number.

ATMs are not only for withdrawing or sending money. You can also use them to look up information about your account, such as your account number.

How to correct my BVN name

A BVN data update is what you need to do to change your name on your BVN. It’s quite simple.

Sign an affidavit in a court of law and get a printed copy with a big photo of your passport stapled to the front. Make sure you bring a valid form of ID with your real name on it (e.g., ID card, International Passport, and so on)

Send the signed document to your bank. The needed changes will be made in less than 24 hours.

How to report a scammer in Nigeria

Most scams try to get people to give up their money. This is why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is the best place to report a scammer (EFCC). In a tweet from the official EFCC account, it says, “You can report a fraud case in person at a #EFCCNearYou office with all the necessary paperwork.”

You can also report a scammer on social media by tagging or sending a private message to the police or EFCC’s official social media accounts with proof.

How to transfer money with just my BVN

You can transfer money from your account by using your phone, an ATM, or going to the bank. In either case, you won’t need to put in your BVN to do business. Please don’t use any site that wants your BVN to transfer money.

How to move money without a PIN from an ATM

Some ATMs can read fingerprints because of technology. On these ATMs, you don’t need your PIN to move money. If you can’t find a fingerprint-enabled ATM, your next best option is to go to a bank and ask a teller to transfer the money for you.

How to update BVN data

You can change the information on your BVN both online and off. Some banks let BVN update their online banking systems so that they can do business. But you can’t make all BVN changes online. For example, if you want to change your name, you will have to show an affidavit at the bank that says your name has changed.

How to withdraw money using your BVN

You don’t need your BVN to take money out of an ATM. Most of the time, your ATM card and PIN are all you need.

Importance of BVN

BVN is used to fight financial cybercrime, make banking operations run more smoothly, and give each bank customer a unique identity. To sign up for a National ID card and an International Passport, you need a BVN. In fact, the process of applying for a loan is a lot like applying for a BVN loan, since you will have to give your BVN.

Is BVN a secret number?

Yes, in a way. In the Nigerian banking system, each customer has a unique 11-digit number called a BVN. This number is used to identify the customer. It could be used to get private information about customers, so it’s best to keep it from getting out to the public. If you give out your BVN, no one will be able to get into your bank account.

Is it advisable to give out BVN?

No. Your BVN should be kept secret because it can be used to find out private information about you.

Is it safe to give out BVN?

The BVN is not the same as your phone number. You can’t give it to people who ask for it or for any other reason. It’s important information about your bank that should be kept private and, if possible, only seen by you.

Is it safe to give out your BVN number?

Absolutely not. You should never give your BVN to anyone, friend or foe.

What are the requirements for BVN?

BVN Enrollment is what you need to do to get your own BVN. Every bank in Nigeria has a number of BVN registration portals all over the country, so you can enroll at any of them. The process is simple and easy to understand. Here’s what you need to do:

You can download a BVN Enrollment form from the internet or ask for one at any branch of your bank.
Valid ID: ( anyone below will suffice) – Passport for the whole world
National identification card
Driver’s license
Any other valid way to prove who you are
One recent passport photograph
Enrolment fee. See the details under “Service fees for applications.”
Notice of appointment. Before you can enroll, you will need to make an appointment at the enrollment office.
After you get your BVN, you will need to validate it and make changes to it through the BVN portal for online banking at your bank.

Note: You can’t sign up for a BVN online. A reputable BVN enrollment service will only let you sign up online for an appointment. You will need to go to one of their branches to finish your registration and get your BVN.

What does BVN mean in text?

BVN means “Bank Verification Number” in the text.

What happens when my BVN is blacklisted?

If a bank or the CBN puts your BVN on a blacklist, you might not be able to get new loans or credit lines. You may also have trouble doing other things that need to check your BVN. The best thing to do is to keep from getting on a blacklist. Stay off the blacklist by not doing any kind of fraud or cybercrime and making sure you pay back your loans on time.

What is the importance of BVN?

It makes it easier to find cybercriminals who commit fraud and reduces the number of fraud cases. It’s also a universal banking ID, which means that every bank in Nigeria can use it.

Which President brought BVN to Nigeria?

Even though the idea of BVN was first brought up while former President Goodluck Jonathan was in office, it was fully implemented and added to the Nigerian banking system while President Muhammadu Buhari was in office.

Who introduced BVN in Nigeria?

BVN was first talked about as a possible and useful way to stop cybercrime when President Goodluck Jonathan was in office. But it was put into place by President Buhari with the help of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bankers Committee.

Conclusion

Millions of people’s money and financial products are handled by the banking sector. They need to know they are safe. They need to know that banks have strict security measures to protect their assets. In turn, banks need to keep reassuring their customers that they are safe and making sure cybercriminals are found and brought to justice. All of this is made possible by the BVN system, which also paves the way for a smooth banking experience.

Stop stalling. Get a BVN right away. Your time at the bank will be better because of it.