How to Check BVN on Access Bank Online, USSD & APP + Code & Enrollment

With the increased incidence of compromise on conventional security systems (password and PIN), there was a high demand for greater security against access to sensitive or personal information in the Banking System. 

For instance, the NDIC 2018 report stated that a total of 37,817 fraud cases were reported in 2018 against 26,182 in 2017. And the amount involved stood over ₦33.93 billion in 2018 compared to N12.01 billion in 2017.7.

Therefore, as utilized in different countries, biometric technologies have been used to analyze human characteristics as an enhanced form of authentication for real-time security processes. 

To address these issues and enhance security with payment systems, the Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Acess Bank Nigeria launched a biometric identification system known as the Bank Verification Number (BVN) in February 2014.

With this implementation, each Access Bank customer was issued a unique identity that could be validated and verified across the Nigerian Banking Industry. 

Brief History of BVN in Nigeria

Now, recall that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s government was working towards integrating the identification databases in the country. That is, a way to integrate your National Identity Card, Voter’s Card, NDL, International Passport, and all other bank details.

That way, all transactions originated, consummated, or terminated by you could easily be linked to you. This was what GEJ was referring to when he said they were working on fighting corruption with institutions and technology, hence the introduction of BVN to all Nigerians in 2014 and the rapid response in 2015. 

What is Bank Verification Number (BVN) all about?

The BVN is an abbreviation for Bank Verification Number. 

The BVN solution is an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure accountability, protect Bank Customers’ Accounts from unauthorized access, reduce exposure to fraud, check identity theft, enhance credit advancement to Bank Customers, and also encourage financial inclusion.

Considered the most reliable and comprehensive data database in the Nigeria Financial Industry warehousing, so far, over 55 million unique BVNs, which are intrinsic to every individual whose profile has been captured.

How BVN Works in Nigeria 

BVN offers the verification and validation of the customers’ identities seamlessly across multiple and interoperable electronic platforms.

Now, if you register and get your BVN details in Access Bank, you do not have to register in other banks where you have accounts. All you only need to do is submit the initial BVN to your other banks for them to update the records.

You might ask how this is possible, well, the BVN database is searched to display relevant information about an individual, this is called the bio-data (it includes names, phone numbers, addresses, and dates of birth).

As an Access Bank customer, you need BVN data for operations in all Nigerians Banks and other financial setups such as Mobile Money Operator (MMO), Payment Service Banks (PSB), and Other Financial Institutions (OFIs).

Benefits of BVN Registration and Enrollment as an Access Bank Customer 

• It serves as a customer’s unique identity number for banking operations identification and verification.
• It serves as a security measure intended at making the banking system much more secure and devoid of money laundering. 
• It aids easier and faster credit checks.
• Assists in non-repudiation of transactions.
• A more efficient method of fraud management.
• Your Bank Accounts are protected from unauthorized access.
• Gives easy access to other micro and macro-financial operations benefits. 
• Accepted as a means of identification across ALL Nigerian Banks.

List of Access Bank BVN Enrollment Requirements

• You need an ID card and one (1) Photo ready. 
• Visit any Access Bank branch and ask for BVN enrollment at the customer service desk.
• Fill out your details and complete the enrollment form.
• Your biometric data (fingerprint, photograph, and signature) will be captured on the system.
• You will then receive a Ticket ID.
• BVN will be sent to your registered mobile number

How to Check your BVN on Access Bank Nigeria (Best Ways and Methods)

There are six (6) major ways to check your BVN on Access Bank:

1. You can either use the USSD code method. 
2. You can use the Access Bank App. 
3. You can use WhatsApp Banking to confirm your BVN Details. 
4. You can check by calling the Customer Service Personnel.
5. You can check your BVN in the banking hall by asking customer care. 
6. You can check your BVN online.

Let’s check out how to use all the methods.

How to Check your BVN on Access Bank using USSD

To check your BVN on Access Bank Nigeria, dial *565*0# on your mobile phone using the phone number linked to the Access account. After clicking on the send button, your BVN will be displayed and you can copy it out for further use.

How to Check BVN on Access Bank on App

First off, download & install the Access Bank mobile app, launch the App, and select profile, lastly, select show details and you will find your BVN number under your profile photo. You can then copy and use it. 

How to Check your BVN on Access Bank using WhatsApp

Access WhatsApp Banking is an alternative online channel that provides financial services to existing and potential customers through the use of the popular WhatsApp application. This leverages the real-time messaging capabilities of the WhatsApp application.

To check your BVN on Access Bank using WhatsApp:

• Open WhatsApp
• Say ‘Hi’
• A menu will appear for you to select an option.
• Select ‘BVN’
• Follow the selection Prompts and you will get your BVN Details 
• Access WhatsApp Banking will ask if further assistance is needed. If no, then the session will be ended.

Observation: The Access Bank WhatsApp number is 09090901901. Save the number, and then send a message and say hi. 

How To Check BVN on Access Bank Online

To check your BVN online, simply log into your Access Bank Portal account using your username and password. When logged in, on your dashboard, you will find your BVN details displayed.  

How to check your BVN on Access Bank using Customer Service Personnel

To call in and check your BVN without going to the bank, call the Access Bank customer service personnel on 07003000000. When there’s a response, go straight to the point and opt to check your BVN, and follow the prompts. 

How to Check your BVN at the Access Bank Hall

If none of the above methods work for you, or you don’t feel like using them, another way to check your BVN is to visit the nearest Access Bank location in your area. Ask customer service, provide your name and date of birth and your BVN will be copied out to you. 

What is the Code To Check BVN on Access Bank?

The code to check your BVN as an Access Bank user is*565*0# (Star Five Six Five Star Zero Hash). By simply using your mobile phone to dial the code, you will get the details of your BVN popped up on your phone screen and you will be charged ₦20 for the service.

Having seen how to check your BVN, let’s see how the enrollment process works and how to do it in a few steps. 

How Does the BVN Enrollment Work?

During enrollment for BVN, you would be asked to thumbprint — this helps the banking institution identify the customer’s profile automatically and checkmate other data if you already got enrolled or not.

How to Register for your BVN at Access Bank

• Visit any Access Bank branch and complete the enrollment form.
• Your biometric data (fingerprint, photograph, and signature) will be captured on the system.
• You will then receive a Ticket ID.
• BVN will be sent to your registered mobile number.

Ways to Confirm and Link your BVN on Access Bank

You have 2 major ways to link and confirm your Bank Verification Number as an Access Bank customer, one way is through internet banking on their official website at https://www.accessbankplc.com/, and the other method is through SMS. 

Let’s check out the steps for SMS and internet banking below. 

How to Link my BVN to Access Bank Account using SMS

Via SMS: Simply text BVN, leave a space, enter your Access Bank account number and BVN number, and send it to 20121. For example, BVN 0170216788 22498765432 to 20121.

How to link BVN to Access Bank Account using Internet Banking 

Via Internet Banking:

– Login on the Internet Banking platform 

– Select the Service Requests Menu

– Select Initiate Service Request

– Select Link BVN

– Enter your details and validate them. 

How To Correct and Update your BVN Details in Access Bank

To update your BVN details, kindly visit and lodge a complaint at any Access Bank branch where you got enrolled. And if you had already left town, explain the situation to the customer service personnel.

Here is a list of corrections that you can make to your BVN Details:

• Date of birth.
• Name Corrections due to mis-spelling.
• Phone number.
• Change of the first name due to marriage.

The Required Documents for Updating BVN Details

Birth Certificate – for correction of Date of Birth.

Marriage Certificate/Affidavit as proof – for those changing or correcting details due to marriage.

National IDs – Corrections of name due to mis-spelling can be changed by presenting an international passport, national identity card, or voter’s card showing the correct name.

For sensitive modification, you will need a “Letter of change of name with bank”, Affidavit, and News Paper publication. 

How Can I Change the Phone Number Linked to My BVN in Access Bank?

Go to any  Bank around your vicinity, meet customer service, and ask to change your phone number. You will be issued a form to fill in for the corrections. 

Kindly note that you might be asked to provide an Affidavit and a Newspaper publication if the case is sensitive. 

It will take up to 48 hrs. days for the bank to process it and then another 72 hours for NIBBS to update the data. In total, give it 5 days or 7 days to process the changing of your phone number in Access Bank. 

Note: other banks are on the same day. For instance: UBA is on the same day.

What are the BVN Enrollment Steps for Access Bank Customers in the Diaspora?

To start with, most banks advise their customers in the diaspora to request an account update to reflect a foreign address on their account (with recent utility bills signed by a notary public as proof or proof of studentship abroad stamped by their colleges as the case may be).

For kids’ accounts, the signatories are to validate their BVN. Why? Because there is no contract with a minor.
The best thing to do is locate one of the Access Banks BVN diaspora locations and get enrolled. 

To do this:

• Log on to Online Integrated Solutions (OIS) or the VFS Global website
• Select Location
• Click on the BVN ENROLMENT TAB
• Read BVN Enrolment Instruction
• Download the BVN enrolment form
• Book BVN Biometric Capturing Appointment
• Print Appointment Booking Slip
• Visit BVN Enrollment Center on the Appointed Date with Enrolment Requirement.

BVN Enrollment Requirements for Access Bank Customers in the Diaspora 

• Valid ID (Driver’s License or International Passport)
• One recent passport photograph
• Enrolment fee or evidence of payment of enrolment fee

Kindly note that the enrolment process is done only once and your BVN is linked to all your Bank Accounts across all Nigerian Banks.

You can find enrollment Centers overseas here. 

Is It Possible to Get My BVN Off CBN’s Blacklist as an Access Bank Customer?

Maybe one thing led to the other and your BVN is blacklisted by the CBN.

First off, you need to know that it’s 10yrs of account closure if your Bank Verification Number is blacklisted by the CBN. 

If the case is a sensitive one that involves fraud and you’re innocent, you might want to engage the services of a lawyer to mediate for you. 

And while contacting the local bank to prove you don’t know anything about it, make sure to GO with your Lawyer (unless you are well known at the bank), else you will walk into the hands of law enforcement and you won’t come out without some money leaving you. 

Also, if the Bank tells you to go to the Police Station, still go to the Station with your Lawyer. And whatever is said, relate to Access Bank for them to see options to help your BVN get delisted from the blacklist. 

Also, engage the CBN handles on social media. But from the findings, it might take from 6 months to 1 year for your BVN to be enlisted back for normal banking operations. 

How to Contact Access Bank for BVN Issues and Resolutions 

You can get in touch with the Access Bank at their Head office at 14/15 Prince Alaba Abiodun, Oniru Road, Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria. You can also call them at 0700CallAccess (07002255222377), +234 1- 2712005-7, or +234 1-2802500.

FAQ On BVN for Access Bank Users 

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