Do you want to bank without visiting a branch or using the internet? Zenith Bank USSD code is your solution. With just your phone, you can check your account balance, transfer money, buy airtime, pay bills, and more – anytime, anywhere.
This guide will show you how to use Zenith Bank USSD code step-by-step on your mobile network (Airtel, Global, Mtn and 9Mobile) in Nigeria.
By the end, you’ll know:
- What Zenith Bank USSD code is and how it works.
- A list of USSD codes and their functions.
- How to perform transactions like balance checks, transfers, and bill payments.
- Troubleshooting tips if the code isn’t working.
So let’s start.
What is Zenith Bank USSD Code?
Zenith Bank USSD code is a quick and easy way to perform banking transactions using your mobile phone. It works by dialing a short code (*966#) on your phone, which connects you to Zenith Bank’s secure banking platform.
Unlike mobile apps or internet banking, USSD banking doesn’t require an internet connection or a smartphone. This makes it perfect for people with basic phones or those in areas with poor internet access.
With Zenith Bank USSD code, you can:
- Check your account balance.
- Transfer money to other accounts.
- Buy airtime for yourself or others.
- Pay bills like electricity and cable TV.
- Block your account if your phone is lost or stolen.
However, to start using *966#, you must:
- Activate it on your Zenith Bank linked phone number (Mtn, Glo, Airtel or 9 Mobile).
- Meet the USSD code requirements to perform transactions.
Setting Up Zenith USSD Banking
Zenith USSD Banking Requirement
Below are the requirement to register the *966# on your mobile phone:
- Have an active Zenith bank account
- Have an ATM Debit card
- Use the phone number linked to your bank account
- Airtime on your mobile network for Network charge. Mtn, Glo, Airtel or 9 Mobile.
Activating Zenith USSD Banking
Here are the steps to activate Zenith Bank USSD code:
- Dial *996*00# on your phone. Mtn, Glo, Airtel or 9 Mobile.
- Enter the last 6-digit of your ATM Card Number.
- Enter a New 4-digit PIN.
- Confirm the New PIN.
- Receive a Successful Message
List of Zenith Bank USSD Codes
Below is a comprehensive list of the Zenith Bank codes and their functions:
Transactions | USSD Code |
---|---|
Activate USSD Banking | *996*00# |
Check Account Balance | *996*00# |
Transfer Money from Zenith Bank Account | *966*Amount*Accountnumber# |
Zenith Bank Payday Loan | *996*11# |
Buy Airtime recharge from Zenith bank for self | *966*Amount# |
Buy Airtime recharge from Zenith bank for others | *966*Amount*Mobile Number# |
Open a Zenith bank account for self and others | *966*0# |
Increase transaction limit above 100,000 Naira | *966*60# |
Pay for bills: DSTV, GOTV, STARTIMES, PHCN etc | *966*7*Amount*Customer ID# |
Reset Zenith bank USSD PIN | *966*60# |
Retrieve Zenith bank ATM debit Card PIN | *966*60# |
Reset Zenith Mobile Banking PIN and Password | *966*60# |
Block all debit transactions on lost phone | *966*911# |
Deactivate Zenith bank USSD Banking Profile | *966*20*0# |
Check your Zenith bank account number | *966*0# |
Update your Zenith bank BVN | *966*BVN# |
Block Zenith ATM debit Card | *966*60# |
Manage Zenith bank Cardless withdrawals | *966*60# |
How to Use Zenith Bank USSD Code
Using Zenith Bank USSD code is straightforward. All you need is:
- Dial *966# on your phone
- Select the transaction you want to perform from the menu or sub-menu
- Enter your PIN to authenticate the transaction
Additionally, Zenith Bank creates a USSD shortcode for some transactions. With this, you can quickly dial code to complete the transaction instead of dialling *966# and navigating through the menu options. Such kind of transactions include Zenith transfer USSD code, airtime USSD code, BVN link code and lots more.
Below is how to perform popular transactions with Zenith’s *966#
Open Zenith Bank Account:
New customers can create a Zenith Bank account using USSD code on their phone. To do this,
- Dial *966*0# on your mobile phone to create an account.
Check Zenith Bank Account Balance
Easily view your Zenith account balance with *966#. Here is how to do this:
- Dial *996*00# on your phone.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
- Your account balance will be displayed instantly.
Check Zenith Bank Account Number
- Dial the Zenith account number code, *996*00#, to retrieve the information on your mobile phone.
Transfer Money From Zenith to Another Bank Account
With the Zenith bank transfer USSD code, you can send cash to another Zenith account or other banks in Nigeria.
Simply:
- Dial *966*Amount*AccountNumber#
- Choose the bank name from the list
- Enter your PIN to complete the transfer.
Buy Airtime
Recharge a phone number in Nigeria using the Zenith airtime code.
- Dial *966*Amount*Mobile Number# to buy airtime for yourself or someone else.
Apply for Zenith Bank Payday Loan:
- To get a quick personal loan, dial the Zenith Bank payday loan code *996*11# on your phone.
Increase Zenith USSD Transaction Limit
- Increase the Zenith USSD banking daily transfer limit by dialling *966*60#.
Reset Zenith Bank USSD PIN
- If forgotten or compromised, reset your Zenith Bank USSD PIN with *966*60#.
Retrieve Zenith Bank debit Card PIN
- If you forget your Zenith Bank ATM PIN, dial USSD *966*60# to recover it.
Block Debit Transactions
- Dial *966*911# to block all debit transactions on your Zenith Bank account if compromised or lost ATM card.
Update your Zenith bank BVN
- Dial *966*BVN# to update or link BVN your Zenith Bank account.
Zenith Bank Code to Fund Bet9ja Account
To deposit funds into your Bet9ja account from your Zenith bank using the USSD code,
- Dial *966*6*2389# (Mtn, Glo, Airtel or 9 Mobile).
- Enter your Bet9ja ID, amount
- Lastly, enter your 4-digit PIN to confirm the transaction
Benefits & Limitations Zenith Bank USSD Code
Zenith Bank USSD code is a powerful tool for banking on the go, but it has its pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown:
Benefits
- No Internet Required: Works on all phones, even without an internet connection.
- 24/7 Access: Perform transactions anytime, anywhere.
- Fast and Convenient: Complete transactions in seconds without visiting a bank.
- Secure: It uses PIN protection to keep your transactions safe.
- Wide Range of Services: Check balances, transfer money, buy airtime, pay bills, and more.
Limitations
- Transaction Limits: There are daily limits on transfers and withdrawals.
- Network Issues: Poor network coverage can disrupt transactions.
- Fees: Some transactions attract small charges (e.g., transfers, bill payments).
- Limited Features: Advanced services like loan applications are not available via USSD.
Despite these limitations, Zenith Bank USSD code remains a reliable and convenient banking solution for most users.
Why is Zenith Bank Code not working
If the Zenith Bank USSD suddenly stops working on a phone, several factors can cause it. Here is the explanation to these problems and solution:
1. Mobile Network Issue:
When you dial the code on your phone, a poor network from Mtn, Glo, Airtel or 9 mobile can cause you to get an “error” or “unfinished” popup message. This shows the service is not working at the moment.
Solution: Wait till the network is better – It can take some minutes or hours – and initiate a transaction using the code. Alternatively, switch your phone on and off .
2. Zenith Bank Issue:
Sometimes, the bank’s server is down or conducting routine system maintenance, which affects using the Zenith Bank USSD code for mobile transactions.
Solution: Wait for some time till the Zenith Bank resolves the issue before using the code.
3. Insufficient Airtime:
If you have no or insufficient airtime balance on your mobile phone, the Zenith Bank USSD code will not work. This is because the USSD session requires 6.98 Naira airtime to initiate every transaction except for airtime purchases.
Solution: Ensure you have enough airtime credit on your phone before attempting to use the USSD code for transactions. Of course, you can use the Zenith airtime USSD code to recharge your phone with zero airtime balance.
4. Wrong USSD Short Code:
Using the wrong Zenith Bank USSD short code will not work for the intended transaction.
For example, if you dial *966*AccountNumber*Amount# instead of *966*Amount*AccountNumber#, Zenith Bank will deny your transaction request.
Therefore, ensure you dial the correct USSD short code for a specific transaction. If forget it, dial *966# and follow the prompts to get to the transaction you intend to do.
If the Zenith code is not working on your mobile phone, one of these issues is causing it. Try to pinpoint the actual cause and use the suggested solution to resolve it. However, if the code issue persists, contact Zenith Bank’s customer support for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Zenith Bank USSD code?
The Zenith Bank USSD code is *966#. It allows you to perform banking transactions directly from your phone.
Is Zenith Bank USSD code safe and secure?
Yes, it is secure. Transactions are protected with a PIN, and your data is encrypted.
Is there a fee for using Zenith Bank USSD banking?
Yes, Zenith Bank charges a small fee for certain transactions like transfers and bill payments. Mobile network charges also apply, except for airtime purchases.
What should I do if my USSD transaction fails?
Double-check your details and retry after few minutes. If the issue persists, contact Zenith Bank customer service.
Can I use the USSD code on any phone?
Yes, it works on both basic and smartphones. However, the phone number must be linked to your Zenith Bank account.
Can You Transfer Money From Zenith Bank USSD Without a PIN?
No. You cannot transfer money from Zenith Bank USSD banking without a PIN. If you forget it, reset it by dialling *966*60# on Mtn, Glo, Airtel or 9 Mobile.
However, if you want to transfer money from Zenith Bank without a PIN, get a hardware token or eToken app. Then, use the mobile app or internet banking for your transfers.
Zenith Bank USSD Code Alternatives
In addition to the Zenith USSD code, there are other banking channels available to perform various transactions smoothly. The alternatives are:
- Zenith Mobile app
- Internet Banking Platform
- Zenith physical branch.
1. Zenith Mobile App:
Zenith Bank’s mobile app is a digital bank at your fingertips. A way of conducting banking transactions with an app on a smartphone connected to the internet.
Compared to the USSD code, the Zenith mobile app provides more and better banking options than the USSD code. For example, you get:
- Unlimited transfer to all bank accounts in Nigeria
- No daily airtime limit
- No hidden cost: No mobile network and additional fees except for data subscription and normal banking charges.
- Block and unblock Zenith ATM cards etc.
However, the USSD code is better than the Zenith mobile app in these instances:
- Compatible with any phone and not only smartphones
- With GSM service, the USSD code works almost anywhere in Nigeria; no need for internet connection.
Still confused on which one to choose? No need. You can activate both USSD code and mobile app on your phone and use the right one based on your circumstances.
2. Zenith Internet Banking:
Zenith’s internet banking platform provides a robust alternative of managing your accounts and conducting transactions online.
In this case, you log in to the Zenith Bank online portal through your phone or computer to conduct transactions.
Essentially, the Zenith Internet platform offers more features than the USSD banking. This includes:
- It provides real-time tracking of your account and transaction.
- Perform banking transactions with any smartphone or computer. You are not restricted to a registered phone.
- Download account statements
- With the use of PIN and token, Internet banking is more secure than USSD code.
However, the USSD code is better than the Zenith Internet Banking because of these:
- Compatible with any phone and not only smartphones
- With GSM service, the USSD code works almost anywhere; no need for an internet connection.
- It is faster to use USSD code for transactions.
The good news is this: you can activate both USSD code and Internet banking and enjoy them simultaneously.
3. Zenith Bank Branch
Zenith Bank has several branches in various locations in Nigeria. It is the ultimate place every customer go for all banking transactions.
Because a Zenith branch provides holistic banking, visiting one is better than using the USSD code.
Some transactions are impossible with the USSD code unless you go to the bank. For example, you cannot get a debit card, open a tier 3 account and activate internet banking with *966#.
However, regarding convenience, the USSD code is far better than going to the bank.
For instance, sending money with the Zenith transfer code on your phone is quick and easy. But queuing at the bank for the same transaction wastes of time and energy.
Related Post:
- How to Activate First Bank USSD code, Transfer Money and Limit
- How to Activate Zenith Bank USSD Code & Transfer Without ATM Card
Summary
Zenith Bank USSD code is a fast, secure, and convenient way to manage your finances without visiting a branch or using the internet. With just your phone, you can check your balance, transfer money, buy airtime, pay bills, and more.
unleash.com.ng is dedicated to providing valuable information on managing your finances. Keep an eye out for future articles on Zenith Bank and other helpful financial topics!
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