In Nigeria today, almost everything about banking now revolves around BVN. From opening a bank account to receiving payments, loans, grants, or even running a POS business, BVN has become a major requirement.
But the truth many people don’t know is this: there are still some banks and fintech companies in Nigeria where you can open an account without BVN.
Yes, it is possible.
I have had many conversations with people, merchants, students, small business owners, and even POS agents who either:
- Don’t have BVN yet
- Lost access to their BVN
- Don’t want to link their BVN immediately
- Or are just starting out and want a simple account
That is why I decided to write this guide.
In this article, I will clearly explain banks that don’t need BVN in Nigeria, how they work, and what you should know before opening an account.
Important Note:
Some of these banks may request NIN instead of BVN, and you can still open the account without BVN if you don’t have it or don’t want to provide it.
What Are Banks That Don’t Need BVN?
Banks that don’t need BVN are financial institutions or digital banking platforms in Nigeria that allow people to open bank accounts and use basic banking services without providing a Bank Verification Number (BVN).
The BVN was introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to:
- Reduce fraud
- Improve security
- Track banking activities
However, not everyone has a BVN, and not everyone wants to link their BVN immediately. Because of this, some banks and fintech companies have created alternative onboarding methods, such as:
- Using phone numbers
- Using NIN
- USSD registration
- Tiered accounts
These accounts usually come with limits, but they still allow you to:
- Receive money
- Send money
- Pay bills
- Use POS services (in some cases)
Banks That Don’t Need BVN in Nigeria
Below are 6 banks and fintech companies you can use to open an account without BVN.
1. Kuda Bank
Kuda Bank is one of the most popular digital banks in Nigeria today.
The good thing about Kuda is that you can open an account even if you don’t have a BVN.
During the registration process on the Kuda app, you will see an option that says:
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“I don’t have a BVN”
Once you select that option, Kuda allows you to continue your registration.
What You Can Do Without BVN on Kuda
- Open an account
- Receive money
- Send money (with limits)
- Use the Kuda mobile app
Later on, if you want higher limits, Kuda may ask you to add BVN or NIN.
Kuda is very easy to use, especially for students, freelancers, and small business owners.
2. FCMB Easy Account
FCMB (First City Monument Bank) offers something called FCMB Easy Account.
This account is designed for people who:
- Don’t have BVN
- Don’t have full banking documents
You can open an FCMB Easy Account without BVN and still enjoy basic banking services.
How FCMB Easy Account Works
- No BVN required at the beginning
- No complex documentation
- You can deposit money at FCMB branches
- You can also deposit through FCMB agents
This type of account is very useful for:
- Traders
- Students
- POS agents just starting out
3. UBA (United Bank for Africa)
UBA also provides a way for people without BVN to open an account.
You don’t even need to visit the bank at first.
How to Open UBA Account Without BVN
Simply dial:
*919*20#
Follow the instructions on your phone and provide the required details.
Once completed, UBA will generate an account number for you.
What You Can Do
- Receive money
- Make basic transfers
- Use USSD banking
Just like others, there will be limits until BVN or NIN is added.
4. GTBank Mobile Wallet
GTBank offers a service called GTMobile Wallet.
This is not the same as a regular GTBank account, but it still allows you to perform basic banking transactions without BVN.
GTBank Mobile Wallet Features
- Linked to your phone number
- No BVN required
- You can:
- Send money
- Receive money
- Pay bills
- Make simple transfers
This option is very useful for people who just want a simple wallet for daily transactions.
5. GoMoney
GoMoney is a digital bank in Nigeria that operates with a tiered account system.
This means:
- You can open an account without BVN
- You can start using the account immediately
- But there are limits on transactions
What Happens Without BVN on GoMoney
- You get a basic account
- Limited daily transactions
- Limited balance
If you later decide to enjoy full features, you can then add your BVN.
GoMoney is good for people who want to test a digital bank before fully upgrading.
6. Opay
Opay is one of the most popular fintech companies in Nigeria right now.
Interestingly, Opay does not require BVN to open an account.
During my conversation with Opay customer support, they made something very clear:
Opay is not just one of the banks that don’t need BVN,
they proudly claim to be the best among them.
Why Opay Stands Out
- No BVN required for registration
- Easy sign-up process
- Widely used across Nigeria
- Supports POS business
- Fast transfers
Services Offered by Opay
- Mobile banking
- Money transfer
- Bill payments
- POS services
- Airtime and data
For many merchants and POS agents, Opay has become the first choice when BVN is not available.
Important Things You Should Know
Even though these banks don’t need BVN, there are some things you must understand:
- Transaction limits apply
You may not be able to send or receive large amounts until BVN or NIN is added. - NIN may be requested
Some platforms allow NIN instead of BVN. - Upgrade is optional but recommended
If you want loans, grants, or higher limits, BVN will eventually be required.
Conclusion
While BVN has become a standard requirement in Nigerian banking, not all banks require it at the beginning.
Banks and fintech companies like:
- Kuda Bank
- FCMB Easy Account
- UBA
- GTBank Mobile Wallet
- GoMoney
- Opay
still allow people to open accounts without BVN and enjoy basic banking services.
This is very helpful for:
- Students
- Small business owners
- POS agents
- People just starting out
If you don’t have BVN yet or you don’t want to provide it immediately, these options can help you manage your money without stress.