First Bank customers can access essential banking services by dialing *894# from the mobile number linked to their account.
The service works without mobile data or the banking app, making it useful for quick transactions whenever internet access is unavailable.
Through *894#, customers can transfer money, buy airtime, pay bills, check their account balance, and manage other account services directly from their phones.
For faster access, dial *894*0# to check your balance or *894*Amount# to recharge your registered line.
To send money to another Nigerian bank account, dial *894# and follow the prompts displayed on the screen.
The service is available across Nigerian mobile networks and works on smartphones as well as basic keypad phones.
This makes *894# a useful offline banking option for First Bank customers who need reliable access to everyday banking services without depending on an internet connection.
Popular First Bank USSD Codes and Their Functions
| Service | USSD Code |
| Access Main Menu | *894# |
| Check Account Balance | *894*0# |
| Transfer to First Bank | *894*Amount*Account Number# |
| Transfer to Other Banks | *894*Amount*Account Number# |
| Buy Airtime for Self | *894*Amount# |
| Buy Airtime for Others | *894*Amount*Phone Number# |
| Pay Bills | *894# → Pay Bills |
| Open First Bank Account | *894# → Open Account |
| Block Account / Card | *894# → Security Options |
These cover the day-to-day banking services needed by respective customers.
Dial from your registered number every time, and keep your USSD PIN strictly to yourself.
About First Bank Nigeria
First Bank of Nigeria is one of the oldest and most established financial institutions in the country, with a history stretching back over 130 years.
It serves millions of customers across retail, corporate, and digital banking, offering savings and current accounts, domestic and international transfers, loans, investments, bill payments, and mobile banking.
The first bank mobile app is well-equipped for more advanced banking tasks.
However, *894# is what millions of Nigerians reach for when they need banking to just work quickly, reliably, and without internet.
This guide covers every First Bank USSD code worth knowing, how to get activated, what it costs, how to fix common problems, and how to use the service safely.
What Is First Bank USSD?
First Bank USSD is a mobile banking service that lets customers carry out financial transactions using short codes with no data connection required.
It’s the most practical option when you:
- Have poor or no internet connection.
- Need to make an urgent money transfer.
- Want to recharge airtime on the spot.
- Can’t access the First Mobile app.
- Use a basic feature phone.
USSD is fast, secure, and works on all Nigerian SIM cards.
Main First Bank USSD Code in Nigeria
The official First Bank USSD code is *894#.
One dial and you’re into the full menu like transfers, balance checks, airtime, bill payments, account opening, and security options.
Popular First Bank USSD Codes:
- *894# — Main menu
- *894*0# — Check account balance
- *894*Amount# — Buy airtime for yourself
- *894*Amount*Phone Number# — Buy airtime for others
- *894*Amount*Account Number# — Transfer money
- *894# → Pay Bills — Utility payments
- *894# → Open Account — New First Bank account
- *894# → Security Options — Block account or card.
How to Activate First Bank USSD Banking
Getting started is quick and straightforward:
- Have an active First Bank account.
- Use the phone number registered to your account.
- Make sure you have a network signal.
- Dial *894#.
- Create a 4-digit USSD PIN when prompted.
That’s everything. USSD banking is now active and available around the clock — data or no data.
Full Breakdown of First Bank USSD Codes and Their Uses
1. First Bank Code for Transfers
To send money to any Nigerian bank:
*894*Amount*Account Number#
Select whether you’re sending to a First Bank account or another bank, confirm the recipient’s details, and enter your PIN to authorize.
Works with every Nigerian bank such as Zenith, GTBank, UBA, FCMB, Fidelity, Polaris, Union, Wema, Sterling, Providus, and the rest.
2. First Bank Code for Airtime
For yourself: *894*Amount#
Example: *894*200# to recharge ₦200 instantly.
For someone else: *894*Amount*Phone Number#.
Example: *894*500*08012345678# — the airtime lands immediately.
3. First Bank Code for Account Balance
Dial: *894*0#.
Enter your PIN if requested, and your balance shows up within seconds.
4. First Bank Code for Utility and Bill Payments
Dial *894# and select Pay Bills from the menu to handle:
- Electricity (DISCOs)
- DSTV, GOTV, Startimes
- Mobile data subscriptions
- Internet services
- Other supported billers.
Follow the on-screen prompts through to payment confirmation.
5. Code to Block Your First Bank Account
Phone stolen or something looks suspicious? Don’t wait:
*894# → Security Options → Block Account
Scroll to the block option and confirm. Your account is secured immediately — no one else can touch it.
Why First Bank USSD Is Popular
With a customer base as large as First Bank’s, the USSD service has to be dependable. And it is:
- Works offline without any data connection
- Fast and reliable on all four major networks
- Supports MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile
- Compatible with every type of phone
- PIN-protected and secure
- Available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
How to Set or Reset Your First Bank USSD PIN
Setting it up for the first time:
- Dial *894#.
- Select Create PIN.
- Enter a 4-digit PIN.
- Confirm.
Forgotten your PIN?
- Dial *894#.
- Select Forgot PIN.
- Verify via OTP.
- Set a new PIN.
Non-negotiable rule: never share your PIN with anyone, under any circumstance.
First Bank USSD and Transaction Charges
- Dialling *894# is free
- Network providers may charge ₦6–₦7 per USSD session
- Transfer fees apply based on transaction volume and recipient bank, per CBN guidelines
- Airtime and bill payments typically carry no extra bank fees.
Common First Bank USSD Errors and How to Fix Them
- USSD not working: Check your network signal or confirm you’re dialling from your registered SIM
- Incorrect PIN: Reset via *894#
- Insufficient balance: Fund your account and try again
- Session timeout: Move to a better signal area and retry
- Transaction failed: Double-check the recipient’s details before resending.
How to Use First Bank USSD Without the App
First Mobile app unavailable? *894# keeps you banking without missing a beat. Dial from your registered number and you still have full access to:
- Balance checks
- Money transfers
- Airtime purchases
- Bill payments
- Account blocking.
This isn’t a workaround, it’s a complete, fully functional banking channel that needs no internet at all.
Is First Bank USSD Safe?
Yes. Multiple protections are baked in:
- 4-digit PIN required for every transaction
- SIM-based verification… only your registered number can initiate anything
- Instant account blocking through *894# → Security Options.
Safety tips:
- Never share your PIN with anyone
- Block your account immediately if your phone goes missing
- Always dial from your registered SIM — no exceptions.
Benefits of Using First Bank USSD
- Works offline without data
- Transactions complete in seconds
- No app or smartphone needed
- Reliable in emergencies
- Accessible across Nigeria, including rural and low-connectivity areas.
Limitations of First Bank USSD
- Advanced services like loans and investments require the app
- Network session charges may apply
- Sessions can timeout during peak hours
- Not designed for complex financial products.
Frequently Asked Questions About First Bank USSD Codes
1. What is the main First Bank USSD code?
*894#
2. Why is my First Bank USSD not working?
Most commonly: network issues, wrong SIM, or a brief period of service maintenance.
3. How do I check my First Bank balance?
Dial *894*0#.
4. Can I transfer money without the app?
Yes. Dial *894*Amount*Account Number# to send money to any Nigerian bank.
5. How do I block my account if my phone is stolen?
Dial *894# and navigate to Security Options.
6. Does First Bank USSD work on all networks?
Yes — MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile are all supported.
7. Is First Bank USSD free?
Dialling is free. Network session charges may apply.
Conclusion
First Bank USSD codes bring offline banking that’s fast, secure, and genuinely practical.
With *894#, you can transfer money, buy airtime, pay bills, check your balance, and lock your account — all without touching the internet.
Whether you’re on a basic phone, dealing with a poor signal, or the First Mobile app just won’t load, *894# is the option that holds up.
Reliable, accessible, and built for real banking conditions across Nigeria that’s First Bank USSD in 2026.
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