Zenith Bank USSD Code

Zenith Bank USSD Code: Guide on Using *966# Mobile Banking (2024)

This post is for you if you want to use the Zenith Bank USSD Code *966# for mobile transactions on registered phone such as transfer of money, payment of bill and purchase of airtime. It lists all Zenith short codes; explains benefits and downsides; and suggests other online banking available for Zenith Bank customers.

So let’s start.

Overview of Zenith Bank USSD Codes

TransactionsUSSD 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#
Zenith Bank USSD Codes

What is Zenith Bank USSD Code

The Zenith bank *966# EasyBanking USSD code is a convenient method of accessing a Zenith account and performing mobile transactions on a phone. With *966#, you can transfer money from Zenith account, buy airtime, pay bills, and lots more on your registered phone number. With this Zenith mobile banking code, no need to visit the bank or use an internet connection to complete these financial transactions.

To start using *966# for transactions, you must activate it on your Zenith Bank linked phone number (Mtn, Glo, Airtel or 9 Mobile). Dial the *966#, follow the on-screen prompts, provide the required information and create your PIN. For better understanding, read on How to Activate Zenith Bank USSD code


Zenith USSD Banking Features

The Zenith Bank *996# offers various mobile banking solution customers can enjoy on the go.

Here are ways to use the Zenith Bank USSD code:

  • Open Zenith Bank Account: New customers can open a Zenith Bank account using USSD code on their phone. To do this, dial *966*0# on your mobile phone to create an account.
  • Activate Zenith USSD Banking: For existing customers, activate the Zenith Bank USSD code by dialling *996*00# and following the on-screen prompts to start using the code for transactions.
  • Check Zenith Bank Account Balance: Use the USSD code to check Zenith account balance by dialling *996*00# on your phone.
  • Check Zenith Bank Account Number: Dial the Zenith account number code, *996*00#, to retrieve the information on your mobile phone.
  • Transfer Money: By dialling the Zenith bank transfer USSD code (*966*Amount*AccountNumber#), you can send money to another bank account in Nigeria.
  • Buy Airtime: With the Zenith airtime code, recharge a phone number in Nigeria. Dial *966*Amount*Mobile Number# to buy airtime for yourself or someone else.
  • 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.
  • Reset Zenith Mobile Banking Password: Forget login password? reset the Zenith Mobile Banking password with USSD code on your phone.
  • Block debit transactions: Dial the Zenith USSD code (*966*911#) to block all debit transactions if your account is compromised or lost ATM card.
  • Update your Zenith bank BVN: Dial *966*BVN# to update or link BVN your Zenith Bank account.
  • Block Zenith ATM Debit Card: *966*60# is the USSD code to block Zenith Bank ATM card.
  • Manage Zenith bank Cardless withdrawals: Enter *966*60# to create or cancel cardless withdrawals on your Zenith Bank account on your phone.
  • Perform USSD on POS:  To perform POS transaction with USSD code, dial *966*000# on your Zenith Bank registered phone. 

Requirement for Using Zenith Bank USSD Code

Enjoying the benefits of using Zenith Bank’s USSD for financial transactions on mobile phone depends on certain conditions. Here are these requirements:

  1. Active Zenith Bank Account
  2. Personal Zenith Bank Account
  3. Activate Zenith USSD Code
  4. Have Airtime
  5. Own a GSM-Enabled Phone

1. Active Zenith Bank Account:

One of the requirements for using the Zenith USSD code is having an active account. Unless you reactivate your Zenith Bank dormant account, you cannot use the USSD.

But if you are constantly using your Zenith account for transactions, you would be able to activate the USSD code on your phone and enjoy all its features.

2. Personal Zenith Bank Account:

Zenith Bank USSD code is eligible for personal accounts. No individual can use the USSD code to access a Zenith business or company account.

However, the code works with savings, current, joint and other Zenith bank personal accounts.

Whichever Zenith personal account you own, you dial the USSD code to access and transact on it effortlessly.

3. Activate Zenith USSD Code:

Before using the USSD code, Zenith Bank requires activating it on the phone. To activate the Zenith code, dial the *966*0# on your registered phone number and create a PIN.

With this PIN, you can authenticate all banking transactions initiated with the USSD code.

4. Have Airtime:

The Zenith Bank’s USSD code runs on mobile phone airtime. Any time you dial the USSD code to initiate a transaction, your mobile network will charge you a fee except for airtime purchase.

Therefore, ensure you have a sufficient airtime to use the Zenith code without interruption.

5. Own a GSM-Enabled Phone:

To utilize Zenith Bank’s USSD services, you must have a phone that supports GSM technology.

This is not an issue as all mobile phones, basic phone and smartphone, have a 2G network to make calls and receive texts.

In summary, having an active personal Zenith Bank account, activating the USSD code, having sufficient airtime, and owning a GSM-enabled phone are key components for using Zenith Bank USSD code. By meeting these prerequisites, you can enjoy seamless banking experiences at your fingertips, anytime and anywhere.


Benefits of Zenith Bank USSD Code

The *966# Eazybanking offers several advantages for all Zenith Bank customers. Here are the benefits:

  • Easy and Convenient: The Zenith Bank USSD code simplifies banking tasks to the core. By punching a few numbers on your phone’s keypad, you can access a wide array of Zenith banking services without the need for internet connectivity or complex procedures. The USSD makes banking easy for everyone, even for those inexperienced with digital technology.
  • Available 24/7: The Zenith USSD code offers banking without constraints; it is available round the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Similar to mobile app and internet banking, you can conduct your banking transactions at any time that suits you, 
  • Secured Platform: The Zenith Bank USSD code ensures safety access and transaction. To successfully transact on the platform, customers must enter a PIN to authenticate it. This safeguards against unauthorised access and fraud attempts thereby keeping your money safe.
  • Compatible with All Mobile Phones: Regardless of the make or model of your mobile device, the Zenith Bank USSD code is accessible to all. Whether you possess a basic feature phone or the latest smartphone, you can harness the benefits of this banking solution without compatibility concerns. Since it uses a GSM network, every mobile phone user can use the code for transactions without limitation.

Limitations of Zenith Bank USSD Code

Zenith Bank USSD code offers convenient banking services but there downsides of using this mobile banking platform. Here are the limitations in detail:

1. Transfer Limit:

The Zenith Bank USSD code imposes a transfer limit of 100,000 Naira for cumulative transfers per day. This means that regardless of the number of individual transactions, the total transfer amount cannot exceed 100,000 Naira within a 24-hour period.

For example, if you transfer 50,000 Naira to an Ecobank account in the morning, you can only transfer an additional 50,000 Naira for the rest of the day unless you increase the transfer limit.

This is why the Zenith mobile app or Internet banking is preferrable for large transfers.

2. Airtime Limit:

Similarly, there is a restriction on airtime purchase using the Zenith USSD code (*966#).

Customers are limited to a cumulative airtime recharge of 3,000 Naira per day and cannot exceed it.

For instance, if you buy 1,000 Naira Mtn airtime in the afternoon, you can only recharge an additional 2,000 Naira for the rest of the day.

3. USSD Code Fee:

Using the Zenith Bank USSD code incurs a service charge by mobile networks (Mtn, Airtel, Glo & 9 mobile) in Nigeria. This fee, which is currently set at 6.98 Naira, applies to every USSD transaction, excluding airtime purchases.

For instance, if you transfer funds money from Zenith to another account using the USSD code, your phone network operator will charge 6.98 Naira in addition to Zenith Bank transfer fee.

If you cannot bear with the USSD fee, activate Zenith mobile app or Internet banking. There is no mobile network charge for using these online banking for transactions except for data subscription.

4. Network Issue:

Despite utilizing GSM networks, users sometimes encounter a network issue when using Zenith USSD transactions. This is common to all Nigerian banks USSD code.

For instance, during periods of network congestion or instability, transactions may fail to go through even after debiting the user’s account. Ideally, the money is reversed within 24 hours, however, some can take many days.

This can lead to frustration for customers especially in critical moments.


Why is Zenith Bank Code not working

If the Zenith Bank USSD suddenly stops working on a phone, several factors can cause it. It can be a mobile network issue, Zenith Bank issue, insufficient airtime, or wrong USSD short code. Here is the explanation to these problems and solution:

1. Mobile Network Issue:

Network problem can prevent the Zenith Bank USSD code from functioning properly.

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 – usually some minutes or hours – and initiate a transaction using the code. You can also switch off and on your phone.

2. Zenith Bank Issue: 

Sometimes, the reason the USSD code is not working stems from Zenith Bank. If the bank’s server is down or conducting routine system maintenance, it will affect using the Zenith Bank USSD code for mobile transactions.

Solution: Wait for sometime 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 purchase.

Solution: Ensure you have enough airtime credit on your phone before attempting to use the USSD code for transactions. Ofcourse, 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, to transfer money 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 forgot it, dial the *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.

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:

  1. Zenith Mobile app
  2. Internet Banking Platform
  3. Zenith physical branch.

1. Zenith Mobile App:

Zenith Bank 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, the Internet banking is more secured than the 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 internet connection.
  • It is faster to use the 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

A Zenith Bank has several branches in various location 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 not possible 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, when it comes to 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 is a waste of time and energy.


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). Then, enter your Bet9ja ID, amount and lastly, your 4-digit PIN.


Can You Transfer Money From Zenith Bank USSD Without a PIN?

You can only transfer money from Zenith bank USSD banking with a PIN. If why you want to transfer money without a PIN is because you forgot it, then, reset your PIN 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.


Is Zenith USSD Code Safe and Secure?

The Zenith *966# USSD banking is safe and secure as it requires your unique PIN to confirm all your banking transactions. Hence, keep your PIN private including your ATM debit card.

Peradventure, you lost your phone, block the USSD banking immediately.


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Conclusion

Finally, I hope you now know how to use the Zenith Bank *966# Eazybanking. Such as how to activate it, transfer money, buy airtime, pay bills and so on.

And importantly, how you can block all debit transactions in case you lost your phone.

Also, check this post on different ways to transfer money from a Zenith Bank account, even free bank charges.

Therefore, try it and let me know your experience and also leave a message in the comment section below.

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