How to buy Airtime and check account Balance from First Bank

Last Updated on November 15, 2025 by admin

First Bank of Nigeria offers convenient ways for customers to purchase airtime and check their account balance using mobile banking services. These methods include the use of USSD codes and the First Bank mobile app.

Both options provide quick and easy access to these essential banking functions, allowing customers to manage their accounts and stay connected on the go

Picture this: you’re out running errands, your phone rings low on credit, and you need a quick fix without heading to a store to buy airtime . First Bank makes that easy with simple steps for buying airtime and checking your balance right from your device.

This guide walks you through the steps. You’ll learn how to use USSD codes for fast access, the mobile app for a smoother experience, and other options too. Whether you have a basic phone or a smartphone, these methods keep your finances in check without hassle.

You can also read : How to Generate first bank Token and activate it

Table of Contents

How to Register and activate First bank ussd code.

To register and activate First Bank’s USSD code, follow these steps:

Requirements:

Ensure you have an active account with First Bank.
Your phone number must be linked to your First Bank account.
Have a debit card linked to your account.
A First Bank account

Steps to Register and Activate:

Dial *894*0#Use your phone to dial this code.
A list of masked debit cards linked to your account will be displayed.
Select the debit card you want to use.
Enter the 4-digit PIN for the selected debit card.
You’ll be prompted to create a 5-digit PIN for your Quick Banking transactions.
Enter the new PIN and submit

Read: How to check First Bank Account Balance

HOW TO BUY AIRTIME from First BANK “

To buy airtime from First Bank, simply dial *894*Amount# for yourself or *894*Amount*PhoneNumber# to recharge another line, using the phone number linked to your First Bank account

1. For Your Own Line

Dial *894*Amount# Example: To recharge ₦500, dial *894*500#.
The airtime will be credited instantly to your phone number linked to your First Bank account.

2. For Another Person’s Line

Dial *894*Amount*RecipientPhoneNumber# Example: To send ₦1000 airtime to 08012345678, dial *894*1000*08012345678#.
You’ll be asked to enter your 4-digit USSD PIN to confirm.
The recipient receives the airtime immediately.

3. Alternative Methods

Besides USSD, you can also buy airtime through:

FirstMobile App → Recharge directly from your smartphone.
Internet Banking → Log in and select “Airtime Recharge.”
ATM → First Bank ATMs allow airtime purchase.

Read: How to check First Bank account Balance-Easy steps

How to buy data from first bank

To buy data from First Bank, simply dial *894#, select the “Data” option from the USSD menu, choose your preferred network, pick a bundle plan, and confirm with your 4‑digit USSD PIN.

1,ussd code

Dial *894# on your registered phone line.
From the menu, select “Data” (sometimes listed under “Airtime/Data”).
Choose your network provider (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile).
Select the data bundle you want (daily, weekly, monthly).
Enter your 4-digit USSD PIN to authorize.
You’ll receive a confirmation SMS, and the data will be credited instantly.

2. Shortcut Method

Some networks allow direct recharge via USSD:

Dial *894*Amount*PhoneNumber# for airtime, then convert airtime to data using your network’s code (e.g., MTN: *131#).
Example: Dial *894*1000*08012345678# to send ₦1000 airtime, then convert it to data via MTN’s menu.

3. Other Options

FirstMobile App → Recharge data directly with more bundle options.
Internet Banking → Log in and select “Data Recharge.”
ATM → Some First Bank ATMs support airtime/data purchase.

You can also read : Types of First bank Debit card and their benefits

How to check First Bank account Balance

Here’s the simplest way to check your First Bank account balance using USSD banking:

1. Via USSD Code

Dial *894*00# on the phone number linked to your First Bank account.
Enter your 4-digit USSD PIN when prompted.
Your account balance will be displayed instantly on your screen.

2. Via FirstMobile App

Download and open the FirstMobile App (available on Android & iOS).
Log in with your credentials.
Your account balance will appear on the dashboard.

3. Via Internet Banking

Visit First Bank Internet Banking.
Log in with your username and password.
Navigate to “Accounts” → “Balance Inquiry.”

4. At the ATM

Insert your First Bank ATM card.
Select Balance Inquiry from the menu.
Your balance will be displayed on the screen or printed on a receipt.

How to Transfer money from first bank

To transfer money from First Bank, you can use the following methods:

Using USSD Code:

Dial *894*Amount*Account Number#
Select beneficiary bank;
Confirm amount, beneficiary name
When prompted, enter your 5-digit transfer PIN.
Verify the recipient’s account details and confirm the transaction.

Using the First Bank Mobile App:

Launch the First Bank mobile app on your smartphone.
Use your First Bank account credentials to log in.
Tap on the “Transfer” or “Send Money” option.
Enter the recipient’s account number and the amount you want to transfer.
Follow the prompts to complete the transaction.

Using Online Banking:

Access First Bank’s online banking portal and log in with your account details.
Find the “Transfer” or “Send Money” option.
Enter the recipient’s account number and the amount you want to transfer.
Complete the transaction using your online banking credentials.

Using an ATM:

Insert your First Bank debit card into the ATM.
Enter your card PIN.
Select the “Transfer” or “Send Money” option from the menu.
Enter the recipient’s account number and the amount you want to transfer.
Complete the transaction and collect your receipt

Read:How to block and Unblock First bank account and ATM Card

How to generate First bank account mini statement

To generate a mini statement for your First Bank account, you can use the following methods: