USSD technology facilitates sessions of communication that can be used in various areas of life including banking. The *894# USSD service makes banking services available across all GSM networks, on any type of handset or device; iphone, android, blackberry and even simple feature phone famously referred to in Nigerian lingo as ‘kpalasa’.
It requires no internet service connection and can be used in remote locations across Nigeria. This USSD service is delivered on the customers’ registered phone numbers linked to their FirstBank accounts.
With *894#, the mobile phone has become a mobile branch and FirstBank customers can activate this service in three steps: dial *894*0#; enter a four digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) linked to the debit card; create a five digit PIN, and the registration is complete.
Customers can transfer money to FirstBank and other banks in Nigeria; buy airtime for themselves and their loved ones; check account balance on their phones, and do lots more wherever they are. PIN reset on this service requires only a quick dial of *894*0#.
Banking transactions can now be performed on the go irrespective of location or time as there is no worry of internet connectivity or a token device, but only a Personal Identification Number (PIN).