The primary Sterling Bank USSD code is *822#, which allows customers to perform banking transactions directly from their phones without internet access. By dialing *822#, you can transfer money, buy airtime, check account balance, pay bills, and manage your Sterling Bank account quickly and securely.
For example, dial *822*0# to check your account balance, *822*Amount# to buy airtime for yourself, or navigate the on-screen menu after dialing *822# to send money to any Nigerian bank.
Sterling Bank USSD works on all mobile phones and networks across Nigeria, making it ideal for offline banking.
Popular Sterling Bank USSD Codes and Their Functions
| Service | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Access Main Menu | *822# |
| Check Account Balance | 8220# |
| Transfer to Sterling Bank | 822Amount*AccountNumber# |
| Transfer to Other Banks | 822Amount*AccountNumber# |
| Buy Airtime for Self | 822Amount# |
| Buy Airtime for Others | 822Amount*PhoneNumber# |
| Pay Bills | *822# → Pay Bills |
| Open Sterling Bank Account | *822# → Open Account |
| Block Account / Card | *822# → Security Options |
These codes allow quick banking without internet. Always use your registered phone number and protect your USSD PIN.
About Sterling Bank
Sterling Bank is a leading Nigerian commercial bank offering a variety of retail, corporate, and digital banking services. Products include savings and current accounts, transfers, loans, bill payments, and mobile banking solutions.
While the Sterling Mobile App provides advanced features, *Sterling Bank USSD (822#) remains a reliable solution for offline banking.
This guide covers all Sterling Bank USSD codes, activation steps, transaction charges, common errors, security tips, and offline banking functions.
What Is Sterling Bank USSD?
Sterling Bank USSD is a mobile banking service that allows customers to perform financial transactions via short codes on their phones, 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 Sterling Bank app
- Use a basic feature phone
USSD is fast, secure, and works on all Nigerian SIM cards.
Main Sterling Bank USSD Code in Nigeria (2026)
The official Sterling Bank USSD code is:
*822#
After dialing *822#, you can access the full Sterling Bank USSD menu for transfers, balance checks, airtime purchases, bill payments, and account security.
Most used Sterling Bank USSD codes:
- *822# — Main menu
- 8220# — Check account balance
- 822Amount# — Buy airtime for self
- 822Amount*PhoneNumber# — Buy airtime for others
- 822Amount*AccountNumber# — Transfer money
- *822# → Pay Bills — Utility payments
- *822# → Open Account — New Sterling account
- *822# → Security Options — Block account
How to Activate Sterling Bank USSD Banking
To use Sterling Bank USSD:
- Have an active Sterling Bank account
- Use the phone number linked to your account
- Ensure good network signal
- Dial *822#
- Create a 4-digit USSD PIN when prompted
Once activated, USSD banking is available 24/7 without internet.
Full Breakdown of Sterling Bank USSD Codes and Their Uses
1. Sterling Bank Code for Transfers
To send money:
- Dial 822Amount*AccountNumber#
- Select Sterling Bank or another bank
- Confirm recipient details
- Enter your PIN
Transfers work with all Nigerian banks including Zenith, GTBank, First Bank, UBA, FCMB, Fidelity, Polaris, and Union.
2. Sterling Bank Code for Airtime
For Self:
Dial 822Amount#
Example: 822200# to recharge ₦200
For Others:
Dial 822AmountPhoneNumber#
Example: 82250008012345678#
Recharge is instant.
3. Sterling Bank Code for Account Balance
To check balance:
Dial *822*0#
Enter your PIN if prompted.
4. Sterling Bank Code for Utility or Bill Payments
Dial *822# 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 Sterling Bank Account
If your phone is lost or stolen:
- Dial *822#
- Select Security / Block Account
This secures your account immediately.
Why Sterling Bank USSD Is Popular
Sterling 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 Sterling Bank USSD PIN
First-time setup:
- Dial *822#
- Select Create PIN
- Enter 4-digit PIN
- Confirm
Reset PIN:
- Dial *822#
- Select Forgot PIN
- Verify via OTP
- Set a new PIN
Never share your PIN.
Sterling Bank USSD and Transaction Charges
- Dialing *822# is free
- Network providers may charge ₦6–₦7 per session
- Bank transfer fees apply depending on CBN guidelines
- Airtime and bill payments usually have no extra fees
Common Sterling Bank USSD Errors and How to Fix Them
- USSD not working: Check network, use registered SIM
- Incorrect PIN: Reset via *822#
- Insufficient balance: Fund account and retry
- Session timeout: Retry in stronger network area
- Transaction failed: Confirm details and retry
How to Use Sterling Bank USSD Without the App
If the Sterling Bank app is unavailable:
- Dial *822# from your registered number
- You can still:
- Check balance
- Send money
- Buy airtime
- Pay bills
- Block account
USSD serves as a reliable backup.
Is Sterling Bank USSD Safe?
Yes — protected with:
- 4-digit PIN
- SIM-based verification
- Instant block code (*822# → Security Options)
Safety tips:
- Never share your PIN
- Block your account if phone is lost
- Use only your registered SIM
Benefits of Using Sterling 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 Sterling 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 Sterling Bank USSD code?
*822#
Why is my Sterling Bank USSD not working?
Network issues, wrong SIM, or maintenance
How do I check my Sterling Bank balance?
Dial 8220#
Can I transfer money without the app?
Yes — dial 822Amount*AccountNumber#
How do I block my account if my phone is stolen?
Dial *822# → Security Options
Does Sterling Bank USSD work on all networks?
Yes — MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile
Is Sterling Bank USSD free?
Dialing is free; network charges may apply
Conclusion
Sterling Bank USSD codes make offline banking fast, simple, and secure. With *822#, 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, Sterling Bank USSD remains a reliable solution in Nigeria (2026).
