TL;DR: A Bank Verification Number (BVN) is an 11-digit unique biometric identifier issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with all Nigerian banks to every individual bank customer. Launched on February 14, 2014, the BVN links a customer's fingerprints and facial photograph to a centralised NIBSS database and is shared across all Nigerian banks where that customer holds accounts. As of 2025, BVN and NIN (National Identification Number) are mandatory for all Tier 2 and Tier 3 bank accounts and wallets in Nigeria. You can check your BVN by dialling 565*0# from your registered mobile number. The BVN database now houses over 38 million unique BVNs and is the most comprehensive biometric financial identity dataset in Nigeria's financial industry.
What Is a Bank Verification Number (BVN)?
A Bank Verification Number is an 11-digit unique identification number assigned to each individual bank customer in Nigeria by the CBN's centralised biometric identification system, administered technically by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). The BVN is unique to each person but shared across all Nigerian financial institutions, meaning the same BVN is linked to all accounts a customer holds at any number of banks. It is tied to the customer's biometric data, specifically fingerprints captured across all ten fingers and a facial photograph. This biometric linkage means the BVN cannot simply be transferred or replicated because any transaction authentication using BVN as an identity layer requires live biometric verification that must match what is stored in the NIBSS database. The BVN serves as a financial identity tool for Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, fraud prevention, credit assessment, and customer authentication across Nigeria's banking and financial services ecosystem.
History and Purpose of BVN in Nigeria
The BVN initiative was launched by the CBN in collaboration with the Bankers' Committee on February 14, 2014, to address a persistent challenge in Nigeria's banking sector: the absence of a unique identifier that could verify customer identity consistently across all financial institutions. Before BVN, banks relied on individually managed identity records using documents such as driver's licences, passports, and voter registration cards, which varied in quality, could be duplicated, and could not be cross-checked in real time across institutions. This created significant vulnerabilities for identity fraud, facilitated the opening of multiple accounts under different or fictitious identities, and limited the banking industry's ability to implement effective KYC. A deadline of October 2015 was set for all existing bank customers to enrol, after which accounts without a linked BVN were deemed to have incomplete KYC and were subject to restrictions. In December 2023, the CBN issued a further directive mandating that all Tier 2 and Tier 3 individual accounts and wallets must have both BVN and NIN linked, while Tier 1 accounts require either BVN or NIN as a minimum.
How the BVN System Works
The BVN system operates on a centralised model managed by NIBSS. When a customer enrols at any bank branch, their biometric data, including fingerprints and facial image, is captured and transmitted to the NIBSS BVN database. An 11-digit BVN is generated and assigned to the customer, and an SMS confirmation is sent within 24 to 48 hours. This BVN is then linked to the customer's existing accounts at that bank and can be provided to any other bank where the customer holds accounts to link those accounts to the same BVN. When the BVN is used for identity verification at any point of banking, the customer's live fingerprint or facial image is compared against the stored biometric data at NIBSS. Because the verification is biometric rather than knowledge-based, stolen BVN numbers alone cannot be used by fraudsters to impersonate account holders at biometrically-enabled verification points. As of 2025, the NIBSS BVN database houses over 38 million unique BVN records, representing a comprehensive financial identity registry for Nigeria's banked population.
How to Enroll for a BVN in Nigeria
Enrolling for a BVN requires physical presence at a bank branch since biometric data capture cannot be done remotely on the standard enrollment process. The customer visits any branch of any Nigerian bank where they hold an account, or a bank where they intend to open an account. A valid government-issued identity document is required at enrollment, such as a National Identity Card, International Passport, Permanent Voter's Card, or Driver's Licence. The bank's customer service officer assists the customer in completing the BVN enrollment form. All ten fingerprints are captured and a facial photograph is taken. The customer accepts the enrollment terms and conditions. A BVN is generated and the customer is notified by SMS within 24 to 48 hours to the phone number registered during enrollment. As of 2025, some banks have begun offering BVN enrollment at authorised agent banking locations in addition to main branches, expanding access beyond traditional bank branch footprints. Enrollment is free of charge.
How to Check Your BVN
There are several reliable methods to retrieve your BVN if you do not have it readily available. The most widely used method is the USSD service: dial 565*0# from the mobile phone number registered during your BVN enrollment. Your 11-digit BVN will be displayed on the screen after a brief verification step. This service works on all Nigerian mobile networks including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile and does not require a smartphone or internet connection. A service fee of approximately 20 naira in airtime applies on most networks. Your BVN is also visible within most major Nigerian bank mobile apps under account profile or account settings sections. Logging into internet banking portals often displays the linked BVN in account details. If you cannot locate your BVN through these channels, visiting a branch of the bank where you originally enrolled with a valid identity document allows a customer service representative to retrieve it on your behalf.
How to Link Your BVN to Bank Accounts
Once you have your BVN from the initial enrollment bank, linking it to accounts at other banks can be done without visiting those banks' branches in most cases. Many Nigerian banks provide BVN linking functionality within their mobile apps under profile or account settings, where entering your 11-digit BVN and submitting triggers a verification against the NIBSS database. GTBank offers a USSD shortcut: dial 737*20*BVN# to link your BVN. For banks that require in-branch linking, you visit any branch of that bank with your BVN and a valid identity document and the customer service officer completes the linkage. Some banks also accept BVN linking requests by email with appropriate identity documentation. As of the December 2023 CBN circular, all existing accounts must have their BVN-linked profile stored in the NIBSS Centralised Authentication and Document System (ICAD) within 24 hours of account opening, making comprehensive BVN coverage a compliance requirement across all regulated Nigerian financial institutions.
BVN for Nigerians Abroad
Nigerians living outside Nigeria can enroll for a BVN at designated bank branches or Nigerian embassy and consulate locations in several countries including the United Kingdom, United States, UAE, South Africa, and Canada. The CBN issued a framework specifically for diaspora BVN enrollment in August 2015 and updated it subsequently to expand coverage. The enrollment process for Nigerians abroad mirrors the domestic process: physical presence with biometric capture and a valid identity document. A list of current enrollment centers for diaspora customers is maintained by NIBSS and individual banks, and prospective enrollees are advised to verify current locations directly with their bank or the CBN before travel. The NRBVN (Non-Resident Bank Verification Number) is a related initiative specifically enabling Nigerian diaspora to open accounts and access financial services in Nigeria remotely, using their existing BVN as the identity anchor for remote account setup.
BVN Security: What to Share and What Never to Share
Your BVN is a financial identity number that financial institutions use to verify who you are, not a secret password or PIN. However, sharing your BVN carelessly carries risks. You should never share your BVN with unknown individuals, unverified websites, or any party claiming to need it for a prize, government grant, or unsolicited financial service. Legitimate banks and financial institutions retrieve BVN information through the NIBSS API rather than asking customers to verbally provide their BVN for most transactions. The most common BVN-related scam involves fraudsters contacting customers pretending to need their BVN to complete an account upgrade or prize disbursement. The BVN alone cannot be used to impersonate you at biometrically-enabled verification points because the live fingerprint or face match is required. However, combined with other personal data, a leaked BVN can facilitate social engineering. Always verify the identity of any organisation requesting your BVN before providing it.
BVN for Businesses and Fintech Compliance
Nigerian fintechs, lending platforms, and financial institutions use BVN as a core element of their customer onboarding and KYC workflows. When a customer applies to open an account or access credit through a digital platform, the business queries the NIBSS BVN API with the customer-provided BVN to retrieve the associated name and date of birth. This retrieved data is then cross-checked against what the customer provided, confirming their identity. Because the BVN is linked to biometric data and issued by a government-mandated body, it carries higher identity assurance than self-reported identification alone. Credit bureaus in Nigeria use BVN to aggregate a customer's credit footprint across lenders. Employers use BVN for employee identity verification. Telecom operators use it for SIM registration identity confirmation. The CBN's December 2023 directive mandates that account opening must commence by electronically retrieving BVN or NIN-related information from NIBSS or NIMC databases as the primary onboarding information, rather than relying solely on physical document presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BVN and why do I need one in Nigeria?
A BVN (Bank Verification Number) is an 11-digit unique biometric identifier issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria to every bank customer, linking your fingerprints and facial photograph to all your bank accounts across all Nigerian financial institutions. You need one to operate a bank account in Nigeria, access government benefits and social intervention programs, apply for loans, and use most regulated financial services. As of 2025, all Tier 2 and Tier 3 accounts and wallets require BVN and NIN. Without a BVN, your bank accounts face severe restrictions on transactions.
How do I check my BVN in Nigeria?
The simplest method is to dial 565*0# from the mobile phone number you registered during BVN enrollment. Your 11-digit BVN will appear on screen after verification. A service fee of approximately 20 naira in airtime applies. You can also find your BVN in your bank's mobile app under account profile or settings, or by logging into internet banking. If these methods fail, visit the branch of the bank where you enrolled, bring valid ID, and a customer service officer will retrieve it for you.
Can someone steal money from my account with just my BVN?
A BVN alone cannot be used to steal money from your account. Accessing and transacting on your account requires your PIN, internet banking password, and two-factor authentication in addition to any BVN-linked verification. The biometric component of BVN means that any attempt to impersonate you at biometrically-enabled points requires your live fingerprint or face match, which a fraudster cannot replicate from a BVN number alone. However, protect your BVN from sharing carelessly, as it can be combined with other personal data for social engineering attacks.
Can I have more than one BVN?
No. The BVN system is specifically designed to ensure that each individual can only hold one BVN. The NIBSS database prevents duplicate enrollment by matching new biometric captures against all existing records. Once your BVN is generated, it is permanent and remains the same regardless of how many banks you use or accounts you open. The only exception is a correction by the enrolling bank in case of an enrollment data entry error, which is processed through a formal correction procedure.
How do Nigerians abroad get a BVN?
Nigerians in the diaspora can enroll for BVN at designated bank branches with overseas offices in the UK, US, UAE, South Africa, Canada, and other countries, or at Nigerian embassy and consulate enrollment centers in select cities. The enrollment requires physical presence for biometric capture and a valid Nigerian or internationally recognized identity document. Current enrollment locations for diaspora customers are listed on the NIBSS website and individual Nigerian bank websites. Contact your Nigerian bank directly for the most current overseas enrollment center details before planning your visit.
Sources
Central Bank of Nigeria BVN Page: https://www.cbn.gov.ng/PaymentsSystem/BVN.html
NIBSS BVN Overview: https://nibss-plc.com.ng/bank-verification-numberbvn/
GTBank BVN FAQ: https://www.gtbank.com/bvn
TechCabal: How to Check Your BVN in Nigeria : https://techcabal.com/2025/06/18/how-to-check-your-bvn-in-nigeria-in-2025/
Access Bank BVN: https://www.accessbankplc.com/help/bank-verification-number
Youverify BVN FAQ for Businesses: https://youverify.co/blog/bank-verification-number-bvn-faq-guide-for-businesses
