How Do I Transfer Money From My First Bank Account?
Transferring money from your First Bank of Nigeria account is quick, secure, and accessible through multiple channels. Whether you need to send funds to another First Bank account or a different Nigerian bank, you can complete the transaction in under 2 minutes using either the *USSD code (894#) or the First Bank Mobile App.
This guide covers both methods with step-by-step instructions, daily transfer limits, transaction fees, and troubleshooting tips based on First Bank’s 2026 banking policies.
Method 1: Transfer Money Using First Bank USSD Code (*894#)
The USSD code method is the fastest way to transfer money without internet access. It works on any mobile phone (smartphone or feature phone) and is available 24/7.
Requirements Before You Start
- Your phone number must be registered with First Bank and linked to your account.
- You must have activated the 5-digit USSD PIN (if not, dial 8940# to set it up first).
- Sufficient account balance to cover the transfer amount + transaction fee.
Step-by-Step Instructions
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dial *894# | On your registered mobile number |
| 2 | Select Option 2 | For “Transfers” |
| 3 | Enter recipient’s account number | Double-check for accuracy |
| 4 | Select recipient’s bank name | Choose from the list of Nigerian banks |
| 5 | Enter the transfer amount | Within your daily limit |
| 6 | Review transaction details | A popup will show recipient name, bank, and amount |
| 7 | Click OK to confirm | Or select “Cancel” if details are wrong |
| 8 | Enter your 5-digit USSD PIN | To authorize the transaction |
| 9 | Receive confirmation SMS | Save the transaction reference number |
Pro Tip: Always verify the recipient’s name displayed on the confirmation screen before entering your PIN. If the name doesn’t match, do not proceed — this is a common fraud prevention measure.
USSD Transfer Limits & Fees (2026)
| Transaction Type | Daily Limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| First Bank to First Bank | ₦500,000 | ₦10 |
| First Bank to Other Banks | ₦500,000 | ₦52.50 (including VAT) |
| International Transfers | Not available via USSD | Use mobile app or branch |
Method 2: Transfer Money Using First Bank Mobile App
The First Bank Mobile App offers a more visual interface with additional features like scheduled transfers, beneficiary saving, and transaction history.
Requirements Before You Start
- Download the official First Bank Mobile App from App Store or Google Play — verify the publisher is “First Bank of Nigeria Limited.”
- Complete the app registration using your account number and ATM card details.
- Set up your transaction PIN or enable biometric authentication.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Launch and Log In
- Open the First Bank Mobile App on your device.
- Log in using your username, password, or biometric authentication (Face ID/Fingerprint).
Step 2: Navigate to Transfers
- From the home dashboard, tap “Transfers” or “Send Money” in the menu tab.
Step 3: Select Transfer Type
- Choose “First Bank Transfer” (to another First Bank account) or “Transfer to Other Banks” (to a different Nigerian bank).
Step 4: Enter Recipient Details
- Select the recipient’s bank name from the dropdown list.
- Enter the recipient’s account number.
- The app will auto-verify and display the account holder’s name — confirm it matches your intended recipient.
Step 5: Enter Amount and Description
- Input the transfer amount.
- Add an optional narration/description (e.g., “Payment for goods” or “Rent”).
Step 6: Review and Confirm
- Tap “Next” or “Continue.”
- Review all details in the confirmation popup:
- Recipient name
- Bank name
- Account number
- Amount
- Fee
- Tap “OK” or “Confirm” to proceed.
Step 7: Authorize Transaction
- Enter your 5-digit transaction PIN or use biometric confirmation.
- Tap “Submit” to complete the transfer.
Step 8: Save Receipt
- A success message will appear with a transaction reference number.
- Save or screenshot the receipt for your records. You will also receive an SMS and email confirmation.
Mobile App Transfer Limits (2026)
| Account Type | Daily Limit | Single Transaction Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Savings/Current | ₦1,000,000 | ₦500,000 |
| Premium/Business Account | ₦5,000,000 | ₦2,000,000 |
Note: Limits can be increased by visiting a First Bank branch with valid ID or requesting via the app (subject to approval).
Method 3: Transfer Money via First Bank Online Banking
For desktop users or larger transactions, First Bank’s Internet Banking platform provides additional control.
- Visit https://www.firstbanknigeria.com and log in to FirstOnline.
- Navigate to “Payments & Transfers” → “Transfer Funds.”
- Select transfer type (intra-bank or inter-bank).
- Enter recipient details, amount, and narration.
- Authenticate using your hardware token or OTP sent to your registered number.
- Confirm and submit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the USSD code for First Bank transfers?
The official USSD code is *894#. Dial this on your registered mobile number to access First Bank’s quick banking menu.
How do I activate the First Bank transfer code?
Dial *894*0# on your registered number and follow the prompts to create your 5-digit PIN. You will need your ATM card details for verification.
Can I transfer money without an ATM card?
Yes. The *USSD code (894#) and mobile app both allow transfers without physically using your ATM card. However, you need the card details for initial app registration.
What should I do if my transfer fails but money is deducted?
- Wait 24 hours — failed transactions are usually auto-reversed.
- If not reversed, call First Bank Customer Care: 0700 FIRST CONTACT (0700 34778 2668228) or email [email protected].
- Provide your transaction reference number for faster resolution.
Is there a fee for First Bank to First Bank transfers?
Yes, a flat fee of ₦10 applies for intra-bank transfers via USSD. Transfers to other banks cost ₦52.50 (including VAT) as of 2026.
Can I transfer money internationally from First Bank?
Not via USSD. For international transfers, use:
- First Bank Mobile App (select “International Transfer”)
- First Bank Internet Banking
- Visit a First Bank branch with your ID and recipient’s SWIFT code.
How do I increase my transfer limit?
- Log in to the mobile app → Profile → Limit Management → request an increase.
- Or visit any First Bank branch with your valid ID (National ID, Driver’s License, or International Passport).
What banks can I transfer to using First Bank?
You can transfer to all licensed Nigerian banks including GTBank, UBA, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, FCMB, Stanbic IBTC, Fidelity Bank, and over 20 others.
Security Tips for Safe Transfers
| Do This | Avoid This |
|---|---|
| ✅ Verify recipient name before confirming | ❌ Never share your PIN or OTP with anyone |
| ✅ Use the official First Bank app only | ❌ Avoid third-party apps claiming to be First Bank |
| ✅ Save transaction receipts | ❌ Don’t transfer to unknown or unverified accounts |
| ✅ Report suspicious activity immediately | ❌ Ignore phishing emails or SMS asking for login details |
Warning: First Bank will never ask for your PIN, OTP, or password via phone call, email, or SMS. If someone requests these, it is a scam. Report immediately to 0700 FIRST CONTACT.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| “Invalid PIN” error | Reset your USSD PIN by dialing 8940# or visit a branch |
| “Transaction limit exceeded” | Wait until midnight for reset, or request a limit increase |
| “Network error” during USSD transfer | Retry after a few minutes or switch to the mobile app |
| Recipient not receiving funds | Confirm the account number and bank are correct; contact customer care if delayed beyond 24 hours |
| App not opening or crashing | Update to the latest version or reinstall from official stores |
Conclusion
Transferring money from your First Bank of Nigeria account is straightforward using the USSD code (*894#), mobile app, or online banking. The USSD method is ideal for quick, offline transfers, while the app offers more features and higher limits.
For the best experience:
- Keep your registered mobile number active
- Memorize your 5-digit PIN (don’t write it down)
- Always verify recipient details before confirming
If you encounter any issues, First Bank Customer Care (0700 FIRST CONTACT) is available 24/7 to assist you.
