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The short answer
Access Bank's USSD code is *901#. Access Bank's own help page confirms *901*0# for registration and PIN reset and *901*911# for blocking your account from any phone, and lists a telco charge of ₦6.98 per USSD financial transaction; widely published shortcuts include *901*1*amount*account number# for Access-to-Access transfers, *901*2*amount*account number# for other banks and *901*00# for balance.
USSD banking works on any phone without data, which makes it the fallback when the app is down or you are somewhere with weak signal. Access Bank's code is *901#. Dialling it opens a menu; the shortcut strings below skip the menu. We have separated what Access Bank's own help page confirms from codes published by other sources, because shortcut strings change and a wrong one can fail mid-transaction.
Codes confirmed on Access Bank's help page
| Code or path | What it does |
|---|---|
| *901# | Main menu for all USSD services |
| *901*0# | Register for USSD or reset your PIN: enter date of birth (DDMMYYYY), create a PIN, submit |
| *901# then 4 (Other Services), 5 (Reset PIN) | Reset a forgotten PIN from the linked phone number |
| *901*911# | Block your account, yourself or for someone else, using your USSD PIN; works from non-Access phones too |
| *901# then Other Services, 9 (Opt Out) | Opt out of USSD, or choose Block Account |
Access Bank's USSD help page, which we read in October 2026, says registration through *901# goes: dial, pick any service (for example transfer), enter your account number, enter your date of birth as DDMMYYYY, create a four-digit PIN and submit. A PIN reset only works from the mobile number linked to your account.
Shortcuts published by other sources
These strings are listed in Kuda's guide to Nigerian bank USSD codes and, for loans, in Access Bank's Salary Advance FAQs. Confirm them by using the main *901# menu if a shortcut fails.
| Shortcut | Function | Source |
|---|---|---|
| *901*1*amount*account number# | Transfer to another Access Bank account | Kuda guide |
| *901*2*amount*account number# | Transfer to another bank | Kuda guide |
| *901*00# | Check balance | Kuda guide |
| *901*amount# | Airtime for yourself | Kuda guide |
| *901*amount*phone number# | Airtime for another number | Kuda guide |
| *901*11# | Salary advance and loans | Access Bank Salary Advance FAQs |
Data, bills and cards
Data bundles, bill payments such as electricity and cable TV, and card services are offered through the *901# menu, but we could not confirm direct shortcut strings for them on an Access Bank page. Dial *901# and follow the menu options; they show the current choices for your account. For losing a card, block the account with *901*911# first if you think it is being misused, then ask the bank to block or replace the card. See blocking an Access Bank card.
What USSD costs
Access Bank's page says a telco charge of ₦6.98 applies to USSD financial transactions in Nigeria, excluding airtime and data purchases. It appears once per transaction, separate from any bank transfer fee and any ₦50 stamp duty on transfers of ₦10,000 or more. For bank fees, see Access Bank transfer charges, and for how interbank transfers settle, NIP instant payments.
Worked example
Example only. A ₦20,000 USSD transfer to another bank under the current CBN bands costs ₦25 bank fee + ₦50 stamp duty + ₦6.98 telco charge = ₦81.98, plus any VAT on the bank fee. The same transfer in AccessMore avoids the ₦6.98.
Blocking and opting out
Access Bank distinguishes two actions. Opt out turns off USSD only; the app and cards still work. Block account stops access through every channel until the account is unblocked, which you do by sending a signed instruction to contactcenter@accessbankplc.com, calling 07003000000 (24 hours), visiting a branch or using the self-service option on the website. Because blocking needs your USSD PIN, someone who only knows your phone or account number cannot block it. If you forget your PIN and cannot reset it, Access Bank says call 07003000000 from any phone to block the account.
Former Diamond Bank customers
If your account came to Access Bank from Diamond Bank, you may still remember Diamond's old USSD code. Access Bank's USSD help page lists only *901#, so use that. If your phone number is linked to more than one Access account, Access Bank's page says you can request a profile merge at a branch or by written instruction to the contact centre. See Diamond legacy accounts.
Using USSD safely
- Treat your four-digit USSD PIN like your card PIN. Do not use your birth year or 1234.
- Clear the screen after a session if someone else may pick up your phone; USSD menus can show your balance.
- If you lose your phone, block the account from another phone with *901*911# straight away, then replace the SIM before re-registering.
- Never dial a USSD string someone sends you to 'confirm' a payment or 'receive' money. Receiving money never requires you to dial anything.
If *901# is not working
- Dial from the SIM linked to your account; USSD is tied to that number.
- Check you have airtime for the telco charge.
- Register again with *901*0# if you have changed phones and numbers.
- Try at a different time if the network is congested, then call 07003000000.
More fixes: Access Bank *901# not working.
Where Pryme fits
Pryme lets you buy airtime and data and pay electricity and cable TV in the app, each approved with your transaction PIN.
Questions people ask
What is Access Bank USSD code for transfer?
Dial *901# and choose transfer, or use the published shortcuts *901*1*amount*account number# (Access to Access) and *901*2*amount*account number# (other banks).
How do I reset my Access Bank USSD PIN?
Dial *901*0# or *901#, then 4 (Other Services), then 5 (Reset PIN). Enter your date of birth as DDMMYYYY and create a new PIN. It must be done from your linked phone number.
How do I block my Access Bank account with USSD?
Dial *901*911#, choose Block Account, select self or third party, enter the linked phone number, choose the account and enter the USSD PIN.
How much does Access Bank charge for USSD?
Access Bank lists a telco charge of ₦6.98 per USSD financial transaction, excluding airtime and data, separate from bank fees and stamp duty.
Sources
- Access Bank: USSD Banking frequently asked questions · accessed Oct 2026
- Kuda blog: USSD codes for Nigerian banks and how to use them · accessed Oct 2026
- Access Bank: Salary Advance FAQs (PDF) · accessed Oct 2026
- TechCabal: Why bank transfers above ₦10,000 will cost ₦60 under CBN's new guide (Apr 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.