How to Check BVN on First Bank (USSD Code, App & Online)

As a First Bank customer, it is essential to ensure that your Bank Verification Number (BVN) is up-to-date and accurate. This unique 11-digit number serves as a form of identification that links all your bank accounts in Nigeria. The BVN is required to open a fully functional bank account. Thus, customers need to go through the process of BVN registration to link their BVN to their bank account. 
 

Checking your BVN on First Bank's online platform is now easier than ever, and in this step-by-step guide, we will take you through the process. With the increasing importance of the BVN in accessing financial services, it is crucial to ensure that your BVN is correct and linked with all your accounts. 
 

So, whether you are a new or existing First Bank customer, this guide will help you check your BVN code online without leaving the comfort of your home or office. 

What is BVN and Why It Matters

The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is an 11-digit biometric ID introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to combat fraud and streamline identity management across banks.

Here’s why your BVN is important:

1. Links all your bank accounts under one secure identity.

2. Protects against identity theft and financial fraud.

3. Ensures smooth KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance.
 

Related: How to Know If Your BVN is Blacklisted in Nigeria

Why Do You Need BVN?

Here are some of the important reasons why the BVN is important: 

1. Banking Information Security

With the BVN code, customers can be confident in the security of their banking information. The system captures the customers' biometric information, which is then linked to their bank accounts, making it virtually impossible for unauthorized access to occur. 
 

With the security of customers' banking information, it will be difficult for fraudsters to make unauthorized transactions on the customers' accounts. 

2. Verification of Creditworthiness 

Banks need to check the creditworthiness of their customers before they can issue loans to them. Thus, customers will be required to present their BVN to check if they are eligible for a loan. 

The verification of creditworthiness through BVN helps banks to avoid customers who have a history of unpaid loans from another bank. This is made possible because all the customers' bank accounts are linked by Centralized Bank Data to the BVN. 

Verifying the BVN, therefore, enables the bank to see all the customers' banking information, including the customers' loan history. 

3. Reduction in Banking Illegal Activities 

Customers' fingerprints, facial recognition, and other bio-data are recorded in a biometric identification system and linked to all the customer's bank accounts. Therefore, the BVN makes illegal activities nearly impossible on customers' bank accounts. 

The BVN technology ensures that customers enjoy safer banking transactions. 

4. Easy KYC Verification

With BVN customers do not need to bother themselves with going through the rigorous physical KYC procedures. They can just make use of their fingerprint or facial recognition to transact business with their banks.

How To Link Your BVN To Your First Bank Account

First Bank makes it easy to link your BVN to your First Bank account from the comfort of your own home, with just a dial of USSD from your mobile phone. 
 

To link your BVN to your First Bank account via your phone, follow these steps: 
 

• Use the mobile number that you used to open your First Bank account to send and dial this code to check BVN: *894*BVN# 
• Replace the "BVN" with your 11-digits BV number. 
• For instance, let's say your BVN is 12345678910, then you dial *894*12345678910# on your phone.
• You will receive a confirmation SMS from First Bank that you have successfully linked your BVN to your First Bank account.

How to Check BVN on First Bank

First Bank customers can check their BVN by using different methods. These methods are very easy and fast to follow. Here are the different methods you can use to check your BVN with First Bank: 

1. Using USSD (*565*0#)

1. Dial *565*0# on the phone number registered to your First Bank account.

2. Wait for the 11-digit BVN to appear on your screen.

3. Note: This service attracts a ₦20 fee.
 

This is the fastest and most widely used method.

Note: 894BVN# is used to link an existing BVN to your First Bank account, not to retrieve it. If you don't yet know your BVN, use 5650# below, the FirstMobile app, or FirstOnline instead.

2. Through FirstOnline (Internet Banking)

1. Log in to your FirstOnline account.

2. On your dashboard or account details section, your BVN 11-digit number will be displayed.

3. This method is free and available anywhere with internet access.

First Bank customers can check their BVN online via FirstOnline. 

3. Via FirstMobile App

1. Download and install the FirstMobile app (Android or iOS).

2. Log in with your credentials.

3. Go to your Profile or Dashboard, and you’ll find your BVN listed there.

4. Visiting a First Bank Branch

If all else fails, visit the nearest First Bank branch:

1. Go to the customer service desk.

2. Provide a valid ID and request your BVN.

3. Bank staff will retrieve it for you.
 

By following the simple steps outlined above, you can quickly and easily access your BVN details, ensuring they are accurate and up-to-date. With the importance of BVN in Nigeria's banking sector, it is crucial to take the time to verify your information regularly. 

FirstBank makes it easy to do so from the comfort of your own home, with just a few clicks of a button. By keeping your BVN details up-to-date, you can avoid any issues with identity verification and ensure that your banking experience with FirstBank remains both seamless and secure.

How to Check Your First Bank Account Number

If you need your First Bank account number rather than your BVN, you have a few quick options:

Dial 89400# from your registered phone number and your account number will be displayed on screen.
Open the FirstMobile app and check your Profile or Dashboard, where your account number is listed alongside your BVN.
Log in to FirstOnline and your account number will appear on your account summary page.
Check any First Bank debit card, which has your account number printed near the chip, or check an old bank statement or alert SMS.

Final Thoughts

With the increasing use of BVN in accessing financial services, it is important to ensure that your BVN is accurate and linked to all your accounts. Checking your BVN online is now easier than ever, and with this guide, you can do it from the comfort of your home or office. 
 

Whether you are a new customer or an existing one, take advantage of these easy and convenient methods to ensure that your BVN is up-to-date. 
 

Managing customer identity at scale goes beyond just BVNs. With Youverify, banks and fintechs can detect fraud, stay compliant, and simplify onboarding processes. To get started, book a demo today.