The primary Zenith Bank USSD code is *966#, which allows customers to carry out banking transactions directly from their mobile phones without internet access. By dialing *966#, you can transfer money, buy airtime, check account balance, pay bills, and manage your Zenith Bank account easily.
For example, dial *966*0# to check your account balance, *966*Amount# to buy airtime for yourself, or use menu options after dialing *966# to send money to any Nigerian bank.
Zenith Bank USSD works on all mobile phones and across all Nigerian networks.
Popular Zenith Bank USSD Codes and Their Functions
| Service | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Access Main Menu | *966# |
| Check Account Balance | 9660# |
| Transfer to Zenith Bank | 966Amount*AccountNumber# |
| Transfer to Other Banks | 966Amount*AccountNumber# |
| Buy Airtime for Self | 966Amount# |
| Buy Airtime for Others | 966Amount*PhoneNumber# |
| Pay Bills | *966# → Pay Bills |
| Open Zenith Bank Account | 9660# |
| Block Account / ATM Card | 966911# |
These USSD codes allow quick banking without internet. Always dial from your registered phone number and protect your PIN.
About Zenith Bank
Zenith Bank is one of Nigeria’s largest and most trusted commercial banks, known for its strong digital banking infrastructure and nationwide presence. The bank offers savings and current accounts, transfers, loans, bill payments, investments, and international banking services.
While the Zenith Mobile App provides advanced features, *Zenith Bank USSD (966#) remains a dependable solution for offline and emergency banking.
This guide explains all Zenith Bank USSD codes, activation steps, charges, security tips, common errors, and how to bank without the app.
What Is Zenith Bank USSD?
Zenith Bank USSD is a mobile banking service that lets customers perform financial transactions using short codes, without internet access.
USSD banking is useful when you:
- Have no or poor internet connection
- Need urgent money transfer
- Want quick airtime recharge
- Cannot access the Zenith app
- Use a basic feature phone
USSD is fast, secure, and works on any Nigerian SIM.
Main Zenith Bank USSD Code in Nigeria (2026)
The official Zenith Bank USSD code is:
*966#
After dialing *966#, you can access the full Zenith Bank USSD menu, including transfers, airtime, balance checks, bill payments, and security options.
Most used Zenith Bank USSD codes:
- *966# — Main menu
- 9660# — Check account balance
- 966Amount# — Buy airtime for self
- 966Amount*PhoneNumber# — Buy airtime for others
- 966Amount*AccountNumber# — Transfer money
- 966911# — Block account or ATM card
How to Activate Zenith Bank USSD Banking
To use Zenith Bank USSD:
- Have an active Zenith Bank account
- Use the phone number linked to your account
- Ensure good network signal
- Dial *966#
- Create a 4-digit USSD PIN when prompted
Once activated, USSD banking is available 24/7.
Full Breakdown of Zenith Bank USSD Codes and Their Uses
1. Zenith Bank Code for Transfers
To send money:
- Dial 966Amount*AccountNumber#
- Select Zenith Bank or another bank
- Confirm recipient details
- Enter your PIN
Zenith USSD transfers work with all Nigerian banks including Access, GTBank, UBA, First Bank, Fidelity, FCMB, and more.
2. Zenith Bank Code for Airtime
For Self:
Dial 966Amount#
Example: 966200# to recharge ₦200
For Others:
Dial 966AmountPhoneNumber#
Example: 96650008012345678#
Recharge is instant.
3. Zenith Bank Code for Account Balance
To check your balance:
Dial *966*0#
Enter your PIN if requested.
4. Zenith Bank Code for Utility or Bill Payments
Dial *966# and select Pay Bills to pay for:
- Electricity (DISCOs)
- DSTV, GOTV, Startimes
- Mobile data subscriptions
- Internet services
- Other supported bills
Follow the prompts to complete payment.
5. Code to Block Zenith Bank Account
If your phone is lost or stolen:
Dial *966*911#
This instantly blocks your account and ATM card to prevent fraud.
Why Zenith Bank USSD Is Popular
Zenith Bank USSD is widely used because it:
- Works without internet
- Is fast and reliable
- Supports MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile
- Works on all phones
- Has strong PIN security
- Is available anytime
How to Set or Reset Your Zenith Bank USSD PIN
First-time setup:
- Dial *966#
- Select Create PIN
- Enter 4-digit PIN
- Confirm
Reset PIN:
- Dial *966#
- Choose Forgot PIN
- Verify via OTP
- Set a new PIN
Never share your PIN with anyone.
Zenith Bank USSD and Transaction Charges
- Dialing *966# is free
- Network providers may charge ₦6–₦7 per session
- Transfer charges apply per CBN guidelines
- Airtime and bill payments usually have no extra bank fees
Common Zenith Bank USSD Errors and How to Fix Them
- USSD not working: Check network or use registered SIM
- Incorrect PIN: Reset PIN via *966#
- Insufficient funds: Fund account and retry
- Session timeout: Retry in better network area
- Transaction failed: Confirm details and try again
How to Use Zenith Bank USSD Without the App
If the Zenith app is unavailable:
- Dial *966# from your registered number
- You can still:
- Check balance
- Send money
- Buy airtime
- Pay bills
- Block account
USSD is a reliable alternative to the mobile app.
Is Zenith Bank USSD Safe?
Yes — Zenith Bank USSD is protected with:
- 4-digit PIN
- SIM-based verification
- Instant block code (966911#)
Safety tips:
- Never share your PIN
- Block your account immediately if phone is lost
- Do not dial USSD on shared phones
- Use only your registered SIM
Benefits of Using Zenith Bank USSD
- Works offline
- Fast transactions
- No smartphone required
- Useful in emergencies
- Reliable nationwide
- Ideal for rural areas
Limitations of Zenith Bank USSD
- Advanced services require the app
- Network charges may apply
- Possible session timeouts during peak hours
- No access to investments or loans
Despite this, USSD covers all essential banking needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main Zenith Bank USSD code?
*966#
Why is my Zenith Bank USSD not working?
Network issues, wrong SIM, or maintenance
How do I check my Zenith account balance?
Dial 9660#
Can I transfer money without the app?
Yes — dial 966Amount*AccountNumber#
How do I block my account if my phone is stolen?
Dial 966911#
Does Zenith Bank USSD work on all networks?
Yes — MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile
Is Zenith Bank USSD free?
Dialing is free; network charges may apply
Conclusion
Zenith Bank USSD codes make offline banking simple, secure, and fast in Nigeria. With *966#, customers can transfer money, buy airtime, check balances, pay bills, and secure their accounts — all without internet access.
Whether you’re dealing with poor connectivity, using a basic phone, or the app is unavailable, Zenith Bank USSD remains a reliable banking solution in Nigeria (2026).
