OPay is a Nigerian fintech (“beyond banking”) platform licensed by the CBN that offers wallet accounts, transfers, airtime/data top-ups, bill payments, etc. via its smartphone app and a convenient USSD menu (dial code) for customers without internet.
The central USSD code is *955# – dialing this from the phone number linked to your OPay account opens the main menu. From here you can navigate by choosing menu options, or use direct sub-codes for common tasks. Importantly, USSD works on all major Nigerian GSM networks (Airtel, MTN, Glo, 9mobile). (Your SIM must be the one registered to your OPay wallet.)
Dialing *955# itself is free of service charges. OPay does NOT charge extra for dialing; however, normal mobile network USSD or transaction fees (per your carrier plan) may apply.
What is OPay USSD Code?
The OPay USSD code is *955#. This code works on all Nigerian mobile networks including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile. Users can dial this code from any phone to access banking services.
USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. It is a technology that allows mobile phone users to access services through short codes without internet connection.
Opay USSD code for balance
Dial *955*0# and enter your PIN when prompted. Your OPay wallet balance will be returned by SMS or on-screen. (Alternatively, you can dial *955# and select the “Check Balance” option from the menu, then enter your PIN.)
Opay USSD code to transfer money to another OPay user
*955*1*Amount*PhoneNumber#: For example, to send ₦1,000 to OPay user with number 08012345678, dial *955*1*1000*08012345678#
You will be prompted to enter your PIN to confirm. This immediately transfers the money to the recipient’s OPay wallet
Opay USSD code to transfer money to other banks
*955*2*Amount*BankAccountNumber#. For example, to send ₦5,000 to account 0123456789, dial *955*2*5000*0123456789#
Then enter your PIN to authorize. This performs an instant transfer to the specified Nigerian bank account
Opay USSD code for withdrawal
The mobile money platform allows users to withdraw cash directly from their Opay wallet at an ATM or authorised agent location using their bank’s USSD service.
To complete a withdrawal, dial *955# on your mobile phone and select the Withdraw option, listed as option seven (7). You will be asked to enter the phone number of the Opay agent or POS terminal where you intend to collect the cash. After that, input the amount you wish to withdraw and confirm the transaction by entering your PIN when prompted.
Opay USSD code for savings
The mobile money platform also provides a simple way to save money through its USSD service.
To get started, dial *955# on your mobile phone and choose the Savings option, which is typically listed as option six (6). You will then be prompted to enter the amount you wish to save. Complete the process by entering your PIN to confirm the transaction.
Opay USSD code for data
To purchase mobile data, dial *955*4*RecipientNumber#. For example, *955*4*08012345678#. You will see a list of data plans; enter the number or amount of the plan you want, then enter your PIN to complete. This works for self or others (just put your own number or another’s in place of 08012345678).
Opay USSD code for airtime (self)
Dialing *955*3*500# (for ₦500) will instantly top up your own phone with that amount of airtime. After dialing you’ll be prompted for your PIN to confirm.
Opay USSD code for airtime (others)
Dial, for example, *955*3*200*08098765432# to buy ₦200 airtime for someone else’s number. Enter your PIN when asked.
Opay USSD code for OTP
For added security on transactions, you can generate an OTP by dialing *955*010#. Follow the prompts – OPay will send an SMS OTP to your phone. Using OTPs is optional but recommended for online logins. (Note: *955*010# itself does not charge you any fee – it’s free to dial.)
Opay USSD code for topping up betting account
Dial *955*5# to access the betting/wallet top-up menu. From here, choose the option for your bookmaker (e.g. Bet9ja, NairaBet, etc.), enter the amount, then confirm with your PIN. (The menu will walk you through choosing the betting company and entering your customer ID.)
Opay USSD code for paying electricity bills
OPay lets you pay prepaid electricity. You can either dial *955# and select the “Betting & Electricity” option (usually Menu Option 3) then choose “Pay Electricity Bill” and follow the prompts.
In many reports, dialing *955*6# directly also jumps to the electricity payment menu (“Electricity: *955*6#” appears in OPay updates). Once in the electricity menu, select your provider, enter your meter number or account ID, then amount, and finish with your PIN. (Similar USSD flow exists for other utility bills like TV, internet.)
Opay USSD code to activate OPay Debit Card
After you receive an OPay debit card (virtual or physical), activate it by dialing *955*03121#. You will be prompted to set a PIN for the card. This links and activates the card to your OPay account.
Opay USSD code to block/stolen phone
If your registered phone is lost or stolen, immediately block your OPay account by dialing *955*131#. This freezes your wallet so no one can transact. (After dialing you’ll get a confirmation SMS. Also, promptly call OPay support to report the loss.)
Opay USSD code to block/lost card
If your OPay debit card is lost or stolen, block the card by dialing *955*132#. This disables the card instantly.
In summary, the table of codes (from OPay) is:
| Service | USSD Code | Usage (enter PIN to confirm) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Menu | *955# | Opens OPay menu. |
| Balance | *955*0# | Check balance. |
| Get OTP | *955*010# | Receive a one-time password via SMS. |
| Transfer – OPay | *955*1*amount*phone# | Send to OPay (phone number). |
| Transfer – Bank | *955*2*amount*account# | Send to Nigerian bank account. |
| Airtime (self) | *955*3*amount# | Buy airtime for your number. |
| Airtime (others) | *955*3*amount*phone# | Buy airtime for another number. |
| Data Bundles | *955*4*phone# | Buy data (enter plan after dialing). |
| Betting Top-up | *955*5# | Access betting deposit menu. |
| Electricity Bill | *955*6# (via menu) | Pay electricity (select provider, meter #). |
| Card Activate | *955*03121# | Activate your OPay debit card. |
| Block Account | *955*131# | Freeze account if phone is lost. |
| Block Card | *955*132# | Freeze card if lost/stolen. |
(Above codes are current as of 2025/2026; always use the code from the phone number registered to your OPay account.)
Changes & Updates (vs. Prior Years)
OPay’s USSD core (955) has been stable, but a few additions have appeared recently:
- OTP via USSD: The
*955*010#code (for getting a one-time password) is a newer feature (added in 2024), making mobile security easier. - Card activation: The special code
*955*03121#(for activating OPay cards) was introduced in 2023-24. - Block codes: While previously blocking required contacting support, today you can instantly block a lost phone (*955*131#) or card (*955*132#) via USSD. These were publicized in OPay security announcements.
- Transaction levy: In compliance with 2024 Federal tax rules, OPay began charging a ₦50 fee on incoming transfers of ₦10,000+ from Sept 9, 2024. This applies even if you use USSD to receive money (the fee is deducted by OPay and remitted to the government). This is not an OPay profit – it’s a mandatory e-levy. (Most smaller transactions still incur only the standard fee of ₦10 or so, but transfers ₦10k now include the extra ₦50.)
- KYC rules: Note that since 2024 all OPay accounts must now have BVN/NIN on file. Lower-tier accounts (Tier 1/2) were eliminated, so only fully verified accounts are active. Tier 3 accounts have unlimited balance and a ₦5,000,000 daily transfer limit. This affects USSD too: you can do big transfers via *955# up to those limits.
Supported Networks & Limits
OPay USSD works on Airtel, MTN, Glo, and 9mobile networks (it generally will not work on other networks). Your SIM must be registered in your name. Each transaction requires your 4-digit OPay PIN. No data connection is needed – USSD runs over GSM.
There are regulatory limits on USSD transactions (same as on the app): for example, Tier-3 (fully verified) accounts can hold unlimited funds and transfer up to ₦5,000,000 per day. Lesser-verified accounts (Tier 1/2) had much lower caps (₦300k – ₦500k balance, ₦50k–₦200k/day). Also, recent CBN rules now require BVN/NIN for all accounts (if you try to open or use an account via USSD without completing KYC, it will be blocked).
Fees: Dialing *955# is free, but per Nigeria law OPay may impose fees on transactions. Aside from the ₦50 levy above ₦10k, OPay’s own transfer fee (usually ₦10 per transfer) still applies. (Airtime and OTP requests are still free.) USSD is subject to your telecom’s normal USSD session charges, but OPay does not add hidden charges.
OPay transaction limits
OPay has different transaction limits based on account verification levels.
Tier 1 account
Daily transaction limit: 50,000 naira
This applies to basic accounts with minimal verification.
Tier 2 account
Daily transaction limit: 500,000 naira
To get Tier 2, you must verify your Bank Verification Number (BVN).
Tier 3 account
Daily transaction limit: 5,000,000 naira
This requires full KYC verification with additional documents. To upgrade your account tier, submit the required documents through the OPay mobile application.
OPay transaction fees
Transfer fees
- OPay to OPay transfers: Free
- Transfer to other banks: 10 naira per transaction
Other charges
- Balance inquiry: Free
- Airtime purchase: Free (no extra charge beyond airtime cost)
- Data purchase: Free (no extra charge beyond data cost)
- Bill payment: Free (no service charge)
- USSD session fee: Some mobile networks charge 6.98 naira per USSD session. This is a network provider charge, not from OPay.
Common problems and solutions
Forgotten PIN
If you forget your PIN:
- Dial *955#
- Select “Forgot PIN” option
- Follow the instructions to reset your PIN
- You will receive a verification code on your registered phone number
Transaction failed but money deducted
If money leaves your account but the transaction fails:
- Save the transaction reference number
- Wait 30 minutes to 24 hours for automatic reversal
- Check your account balance after this period
- Contact OPay customer service at 0700 8888328 if money does not return
Keep all transaction messages as proof.
Service not available
This error usually happens due to network problems:
- Wait a few minutes
- Try the transaction again
- Check if OPay has announced system maintenance
- Contact customer support if the problem continues
Wrong phone number
USSD codes only work with the phone number registered to your OPay account. If you use a different SIM card, the service will not work.
Make sure you dial from your registered number.
Additional OPay services through USSD
Pay for examination PINs
Students can purchase examination PINs:
- Dial *955#
- Navigate to the next page
- Select “E-PIN” option
- Choose examination type (JAMB, WAEC, NECO)
- Enter amount
- Confirm with your PIN
Contribute to savings
If you have set up savings in your OPay app:
- Dial *955#
- Select “Savings”
- Enter amount to save
- Confirm with PIN
Note: You must first create a savings plan in the OPay mobile app before using this feature.
How to use OPay USSD code?
To use OPay USSD code, follow these steps:
- Dial *955# from the phone number registered to your OPay account
- A menu will appear with different service options
- Select the service you need (transfer, airtime, bills, etc.)
- Follow the prompts on your screen
- Enter your 6-digit PIN when requested
- Wait for confirmation message
You can also use direct codes for specific services. For example, dial *955*0# to check your balance or *955*1*Amount*Phone Number# to send money directly to another OPay user.
The USSD code works on all Nigerian mobile networks (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile) and does not require internet connection.
Which code is *426?
The code *426# is the USSD code for PalmPay, not OPay. PalmPay is a different mobile money service provider in Nigeria.
OPay and PalmPay are separate fintech companies with different USSD codes:
- OPay USSD code: *955#
- PalmPay USSD code: *426#
If you want to access OPay services, you must use *955#. The *426# code will only work for PalmPay users.
How to borrow money from OPay with USSD code?
OPay itself doesn’t directly give out loans through USSD (or even the app in most cases), they partner with third-party lenders like OKash or Easemoni, which you access mainly via the OPay app under the “Loans” or “Finance” section.
Steps to access loans:
- Open the OPay mobile app
- Go to the “Finance” or “Loan” section
- Select your preferred loan service (such as third-party lenders integrated with OPay)
- Follow the application process
- Provide required information including BVN
- Submit your application
- Wait for approval
Important Notes:
- You must register with the loan service provider through the OPay app
- Loan amounts vary depending on your credit score and verification level
- Interest rates vary by lender
- Repayment must be made on time to avoid penalties
- Loans are provided by third-party partners, not OPay directly
Currently, there is no direct USSD code specifically for borrowing money. You need to use the OPay mobile app to access loan services.
