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BVN in Nigeria: How to Get, Check and Protect Your Bank Verification Number
Your BVN links all your bank accounts to your fingerprints and face. Here is how to get one, how to find it if you forget, and how to keep it out of scammers’ hands.
🏦 What is a BVN?
The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is an 11-digit number issued through your bank and managed by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). It is tied to your biometrics, so the same person cannot open accounts under different names. You need it for most bank accounts, loans and many payment apps.
📝 How to get a BVN
Visit your bankGo to any branch of your bank (or an approved BVN enrolment point) and ask for BVN enrolment.
Bring ID and your phoneA valid ID and the phone number you want linked to the BVN. Many banks now also ask for your NIN.
Capture your biometricsYour fingerprints and photo are taken and your details recorded.
Receive your BVNYour BVN is sent by SMS once processing is done.
🔎 Forgot your BVN?
Dial *565*0# from the phone number linked to your BVN — it shows on your screen (a small charge may apply).
Check your banking app — many show your BVN in your profile.
Ask your bank, or contact the NIBSS BVN helpdesk through its official channels.
⚠️
Never share it
Your bank, NIBSS or the CBN will never call, text or WhatsApp you asking for your BVN, card PIN, password or OTP. Anyone who does is a scammer.
Callers claim your BVN must be “updated” or “linked” today or your account will be frozen.
Phone scam
🔗
Fake links
SMS or WhatsApp links to fake “BVN update” pages that steal your details.
Phishing
💸
Loan and grant offers
Fake loan or grant offers asking for your BVN and a “processing fee”.
Fake offers
💡
Keep your number current
If you change your phone number, update it at your bank so that BVN codes and alerts reach you — and so a lost SIM can’t be used against you.
✅
Wrong details?
Correcting BVN details (like a name or date of birth) is done through your bank with supporting documents. Your NIN details may also need to match.
💬
Join the conversation
Has anyone ever called you asking for your BVN? · Which bank app makes it easiest to find your BVN?
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my BVN?
Dial *565*0# from the phone number linked to your BVN, check your bank app, or ask your bank.
Is it safe to give someone my BVN?
Only give it to your bank or trusted, licensed services that genuinely need it. Never share it with callers, strangers or links you receive by SMS or WhatsApp.
Can I have more than one BVN?
No. Each person should have one BVN that links all their bank accounts.
Written by the askJBoss team from public information and our own research; last updated October 2026. Prices, dates and rules change — always confirm with the official source. Spotted something that has changed? Tell us in the comments.
