Banking
All You Need to Know About BVN, How to Retrieve it and Link it to Your GTBank Account
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
To curb or reduce and illegal banking transaction in Nigerian banking system, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2015 directed all account holders home and abroad to enrol for a bank verification number also known as BVN.
BVN is an 11 digit identification number that gives every Nigerian with a bank account a unique identity that can be verified across the banking industry in Nigeria. This means even if you have accounts with all banks in Nigeria, you only need one BVN and you can link it to all other accounts.
This article will explain all you need to know about BVN and biometric, different ways to link BVN to your GTBank account and how to retrieve your unique number if forgotten by USSD or short code using phone and number (MTN, ETISALAT AND AIRTEL) associated with your bank account.
Bank verification number is a centralized biometric identification system launched by CBN in collaboration with all Nigerian banks to curb theft. Before we continue to top things you need to know about BVN, I will like to digress a little and explain the working principle of biometric.
Working Principle of Biometric
Biometric devices uses a reader or scanning device to scanned human biological data/characteristics like fingerprint, voice, facial features etc.., a software that coverts the scanned information into digital form & compares match points and a database that stores the biometric data for comparison. This data are usually encrypted to prevent identity theft.
To convert the biometric data, the software identifies specific points of data as match points. The match points in the database are processed using an algorithm that translates that information into a numeric value. The data set value is then compare with the Biometric the end user has entered into the scanner and authentication is either approved/granted or denied.
The working principle of biometric remains the same, no matter what methodology is employed. That is, a record of human’s unique biological data that is captured and kept in database and when verification is required, a new record is captured and compared with the previous one in the database. If it matches, it confirms the identity. It is a more secure means of identification or authorization to password.
Top things You Should Know About Bank Verification Number
- Your BVN is accepted as a means of identification across all Nigerian banks.
- Registration in one bank covers all accounts you have in all other banks.
- It takes up to 24 hours after registration to get a BVN. You will receive SMS alert.
- A BVN identification card with a computer chip bearing your embedded personal information will be available for collection at your designated bank branch.
- It is free, reduces fraudulent activities and increases the efficiency of banking operations.
- At point of registration, your fingerprint and facial image will be captured.
- Your Bank Accounts are protected from unauthorized access.
- Gives easy access to Banking operations.
- Your Bank Verification Number remains the same for life.
How To Link Your BVN To Your GTBank Account
As far as internet banking and integration of top notch state of the art technology into banking system is concerned in Nigeria, Gtbank has always been on the top position. Gtbank has provided series of ways to link Bank Verification Number to your guarantee trust bank account.
1.) Link BVN to GTBank via SMS
To link your BVN via SMS, just text + BVN number to 08076665555. E.g. BVN to 08076665555 .
2.) GTB BVN Linking Process in ATMs
- Insert your Gtbank ATM card.
- Then select BVN Link on the transaction menu screen.
- Enter your 11-Digit Bank Verification Number.
- Confirm your BVN details.
- Finally, submit your BVN.
3.) BVN Linking Process via GTBank Internet Banking
- Log in to your Gtb internet banking dashboard.
- Select BVN Linker from the left-hand panel.
- Click on New Request.
- From the drop down menu, insert your Bank Verification Number was issued.
- Select the Nigerian Bank were BVN was Issued.
- Answer your Secret Question and continue.
4.) BVN Linking Process via the BVN Portal on GTBank Website
- Input your GTBank Nuban and click Verify Account Number.
- Select the Nigerian Bank where your Bank Verification Number was issued.
- Input the BVN number obtained from another Nigerian Bank.
- Clink on Submit.
Please visit (www.gtbank.com/bvnlinking) to link your BVN.
5.) BVN Linking Process via 737 Mobile Banking
To link your BVN via 737, simply dial *737*20*BVN# .
How To Retrieve Bank Verification Number on Phone
To check BVN number on phone, simply dial *565*0# on a number associated or linked to your account. This works for all Nigerian mobile networks and banks. GTBank will charge you N10 naira for this transaction; it might be more or less for other banks.
You can also retrieve your bank verification number online via GTBank internet banking platform. If you have an account GTBank and have activated it for online banking, you can check your BVN number by just signing in with your PC.
That’s all on bank verification number (BVN) in Nigeria banking industry and everything else associated with it.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A collaboration to enable fast money transfers into Nigeria has been entered into between Flutterwave and Xoom, PayPal’s international digital money transfer service.
The partnership allows Xoom transfers to be converted by Flutterwave and settled locally in Naira, enabling quick transfers directly into recipients’ bank accounts at Access Bank, UBA, Zenith Bank, First Bank, GTBank, and additional participating banks across Nigeria.
The deal also enables Xoom’s global network with Flutterwave’s local payout infrastructure, allowing users globally to send funds directly into Nigerian bank accounts with improved speed and efficiency.
Nigeria is the leading remittance recipient in Sub-Saharan Africa, receiving over $20 billion in personal remittances in 2024. Despite this volume, receiving international payments has historically remained complex due to FX constraints and settlement delays. This collaboration helps address those challenges in a market of more than 232 million people, where the ICT sector is projected to contribute 21 per cent of GDP by 2027.
By combining Xoom’s expansive reach with Flutterwave’s local compliance and banking partnerships, the two companies are providing a more accessible financial corridor for the continent.
Xoom, a PayPal service, is a fast and secure international digital money transfer service that enables consumers to send money, pay bills, and reload phones for friends and family in approximately 160 markets globally.
As part of PayPal’s global payments ecosystem, Xoom leverages advanced fraud protection, compliance capabilities, and a trusted global network to help millions of customers move money quickly and securely across borders.
“We’re excited to have been chosen by Xoom for their Nigeria expansion. Millions of Nigerians rely on money from abroad to support everyday needs, whether it’s families receiving help from loved ones, freelancers getting paid for their work, or individuals earning income from the global economy. This helps make it easy and more reliable for people in Nigeria to receive funds and stay connected to opportunities beyond borders,” the chief executive of Flutterwave, Mr Olugbenga GB Agboola, stated.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
An initiative known as Nigeria Lightning Rounds, designed to expand funding opportunities for Nigerian startups and small businesses by connecting founders with local and international investors, has been launched by ProvidusUnity Bank, in partnership with US-based global venture firm and accelerator, gener8tor.
Scheduled to be held on July 15, 2026, Nigeria Lightning Rounds will feature carefully selected startups engaging with targeted investors who have expressed interest in supporting Nigerian innovation.
Participating founders will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses through focused 15-minute virtual sessions facilitated by gener8tor and ProvidusUnity Bank’s networks.
The program will focus on high-growth sectors including fintech, healthtech, manufacturing, sustainability, and AI, but welcomes SMEs from all industries, with intending participants urged to apply via https://www.gener8tor.com/lightning-rounds/nigeria.
“We recognise that access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Through our partnership with gener8tor, we are creating a platform that connects promising Nigerian founders with investors who can provide the support required to scale their businesses,” the Head of Business Development at ProvidusUnity Bank, Mr Ernest Elue, stated.
“The partnership reinforces ProvidusUnity Bank’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting innovation, enabling access to opportunities, and creating pathways for businesses with high-growth potential,” he added.
Also commenting, the Director of Lightning Rounds at gener8tor, Ms Elizabeth Larios, said, “gener8tor is thrilled to partner with ProvidusUnity Bank to extend the Lightning Rounds model into Nigeria.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to building equitable ecosystems and driving capital to the most promising and underrepresented entrepreneurs.”
Lightning Rounds are a signature initiative of gener8tor’s investment platform, which has facilitated thousands of investor-startup meetings globally. The format is optimised to eliminate friction, reduce bias in early-stage fundraising, and help founders secure capital from investors aligned with their mission and stage. gener8tor’s previous Lightning Rounds for Nigerian Founders in 2025 featured 18 participating Investors and led to 50 investment meetings facilitated.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The verification of the depositors of the 46 microfinance banks, whose operating licenses were revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over a week ago, has commenced.
The exercise, aimed at refunding those whose funds were trapped in the small lenders, is being conducted by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).
In a statement on Thursday, the agency said its staff members have been positioned at the offices of the affected banks across the country to attend to depositors.
It was disclosed that depositors of the defunct banks, who had their Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) linked to their accounts in the failed banks, will be paid through their alternative accounts in existing banks.
However, depositors whose BVNs were not linked to their accounts in the failed banks have been encouraged to visit the affected banks’ offices with proof of account ownership, a passport photograph, verifiable means of identification (Driver’s Licence, Permanent Voter’s Card, International Passport or National ID Card) and BVN.
NDIC also stated that depositors can alternatively file their claims online through its website: www.ndic.gov.ng, to complete the Pre-Verification Claims Form by clicking on the Search Bar, and typing Pre-Verification Claims Form; opening the Form and filling in their details. They can also do so by clicking the link: https://ndic.gov.ng/ndic-pre-verification-claims-form/ or by visiting any of the NDIC offices closest to them to file their claims.
For further enquiries, the corporation can be reached on any of the following lines: 09037273810, 09038197064, 08104220807, 09064657140.
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