The primary First Bank USSD code is *894#, which allows customers to perform banking transactions directly from their phones without internet access. By dialing *894#, you can transfer money, buy airtime, check account balance, pay bills, and manage your First Bank account quickly and securely.
For example, dial *894*0# to check your account balance, *894*Amount# to buy airtime for yourself, or navigate the on-screen menu after dialing *894# to send money to any Nigerian bank.
First Bank USSD works on all mobile phones and networks across Nigeria, making it ideal for offline banking.
Popular First Bank USSD Codes and Their Functions
| Service | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Access Main Menu | *894# |
| Check Account Balance | 8940# |
| Transfer to First Bank | 894Amount*AccountNumber# |
| Transfer to Other Banks | 894Amount*AccountNumber# |
| Buy Airtime for Self | 894Amount# |
| Buy Airtime for Others | 894Amount*PhoneNumber# |
| Pay Bills | *894# → Pay Bills |
| Open First Bank Account | *894# → Open Account |
| Block Account / Card | *894# → Security Options |
These codes allow quick banking without internet. Always use your registered phone number and protect your USSD PIN.
About First Bank
First Bank of Nigeria is one of the oldest and largest banks in Nigeria, offering a wide range of retail, corporate, and digital banking services. Its products include savings and current accounts, transfers, loans, bill payments, and mobile banking.
While the First Mobile App provides advanced features, *First Bank USSD (894#) remains a reliable solution for offline banking and basic transactions.
What Is First Bank USSD?
First Bank USSD is a mobile banking service that allows customers to perform financial transactions using short codes, without internet access.
USSD banking is useful when you:
- Have poor or no internet
- Need urgent money transfer
- Want quick airtime recharge
- Cannot access the First Bank app
- Use a basic feature phone
USSD is fast, secure, and works on all Nigerian SIM cards.
Main First Bank USSD Code in Nigeria (2026)
The official First Bank USSD code is:
*894#
After dialing *894#, you can access the full First Bank USSD menu for transfers, balance checks, airtime purchases, bill payments, and account security.
Most used First Bank USSD codes:
- *894# — Main menu
- 8940# — Check account balance
- 894Amount# — Buy airtime for self
- 894Amount*PhoneNumber# — Buy airtime for others
- 894Amount*AccountNumber# — Transfer money
- *894# → Pay Bills — Utility payments
- *894# → Open Account — New First Bank account
- *894# → Security Options — Block account
How to Activate First Bank USSD Banking
To use First Bank USSD:
- Have an active First Bank account
- Use the phone number linked to your account
- Ensure good network signal
- Dial *894#
- Create a 4-digit USSD PIN when prompted
Once activated, USSD banking is available 24/7 without internet.
Full Breakdown of First Bank USSD Codes and Their Uses
1. First Bank Code for Transfers
To send money:
- Dial 894Amount*AccountNumber#
- Select First Bank or another bank
- Confirm recipient details
- Enter your PIN
Transfers work with all Nigerian banks including Zenith, GTBank, UBA, FCMB, Fidelity, Polaris, Union, Wema, Sterling, and Providus.
2. First Bank Code for Airtime
For Self:
Dial 894Amount#
Example: 894200# to recharge ₦200
For Others:
Dial 894AmountPhoneNumber#
Example: 89450008012345678#
Recharge is instant.
3. First Bank Code for Account Balance
To check balance:
Dial *894*0#
Enter your PIN if prompted.
4. First Bank Code for Utility or Bill Payments
Dial *894# and select Pay Bills to pay for:
- Electricity (DISCOs)
- DSTV, GOTV, Startimes
- Mobile data subscriptions
- Internet services
- Other supported billers
Follow prompts to complete the payment.
5. Code to Block First Bank Account
If your phone is lost or stolen:
- Dial *894#
- Select Security / Block Account
This immediately secures your account.
Why First Bank USSD Is Popular
First Bank USSD is widely used because it:
- Works offline without internet
- Fast and reliable
- Supports MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile
- Works on all phones
- Protected with PIN security
- Available 24/7
How to Set or Reset Your First Bank USSD PIN
First-time setup:
- Dial *894#
- Select Create PIN
- Enter 4-digit PIN
- Confirm
Reset PIN:
- Dial *894#
- Select Forgot PIN
- Verify via OTP
- Set a new PIN
Never share your PIN.
First Bank USSD and Transaction Charges
- Dialing *894# is free
- Network providers may charge ₦6–₦7 per session
- Bank transfer fees apply depending on volume and recipient bank
- Airtime and bill payments usually have no extra fees
Common First Bank USSD Errors and How to Fix Them
- USSD not working: Check network, use registered SIM
- Incorrect PIN: Reset via *894#
- Insufficient balance: Fund account and retry
- Session timeout: Retry in stronger network area
- Transaction failed: Confirm details and retry
How to Use First Bank USSD Without the App
If the First Bank app is unavailable:
- Dial *894# from your registered number
- You can still:
- Check balance
- Send money
- Buy airtime
- Pay bills
- Block account
USSD is a reliable backup to the app.
Is First Bank USSD Safe?
Yes — protected with:
- 4-digit PIN
- SIM-based verification
- Instant block code (*894# → Security Options)
Safety tips:
- Never share your PIN
- Block your account immediately if phone is lost
- Use only your registered SIM
Benefits of Using First Bank USSD
- Works offline
- Fast transactions
- No app required
- Works on any phone
- Useful in emergencies
- Ideal for rural areas and low-data locations
Limitations of First Bank USSD
- Advanced services require the app
- Network charges may apply
- Sessions may timeout during peak hours
- Cannot access loans or investments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main First Bank USSD code?
*894#
Why is my First Bank USSD not working?
Network issues, wrong SIM, or maintenance
How do I check my First Bank balance?
Dial 8940#
Can I transfer money without the app?
Yes — dial 894Amount*AccountNumber#
How do I block my account if my phone is stolen?
Dial *894# → Security Options
Does First Bank USSD work on all networks?
Yes — MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile
Is First Bank USSD free?
Dialing is free; network charges may apply
Conclusion
First Bank USSD codes make offline banking fast, simple, and secure. With *894#, you can transfer money, buy airtime, check balances, pay bills, and protect your account — all without internet.
Whether using a basic phone, in low-network areas, or if the app is unavailable, First Bank USSD remains a reliable solution in Nigeria (2026).
