Alternative Bank USSD Code and Alternative Bank Transfer Code
The Alternative Bank USSD code is *5050#. Customers can use this short code to access selected banking services directly from their mobile phones without an internet connection. The service supports money transfers, account balance enquiries, account number enquiries, airtime purchases, data purchases, card management, and other self-service functions.
If you want to know the Alternative Bank transfer code, how to transfer money from The Alternative Bank to another Nigerian bank, or how to check your account balance without opening a mobile application, this guide explains the available options and the steps to follow.
The Alternative Bank, also known as AltBank, is a Nigerian non-interest bank. Its official website confirms that customers can dial *5050# to access USSD banking. The service is designed to help customers carry out selected transactions using a compatible mobile phone and the telephone number registered with their bank account.
What Is the Alternative Bank USSD Code?
The official Alternative Bank USSD code is *5050#. USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, a technology that enables mobile phone users to access interactive services by dialling a short code.
Unlike mobile banking applications, USSD banking does not require mobile data or a Wi-Fi connection. Customers can use the service on supported mobile phones, including basic phones that cannot run modern banking applications.
According to The Alternative Bank’s official USSD page, customers can access the following services through the code:
- Transfer money to other bank accounts.
- Check their account balance.
- Retrieve their account number.
- Purchase airtime for themselves or other people.
- Purchase mobile data.
- Manage and block eligible debit cards.
- Block access to USSD banking or their account when necessary.
- Reset their USSD transaction PIN.
The available options depend on the bank’s current service menu and the customer’s registration status. To begin, dial *5050# from the phone number linked to your Alternative Bank account and follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
What Is the Alternative Bank Transfer Code?
The Alternative Bank transfer code is *5050#. It allows registered customers to access the transfer option through the bank’s USSD menu. From there, customers can follow the prompts to send money to eligible accounts at The Alternative Bank and other financial institutions in Nigeria.
Unlike a transfer service that requires a smartphone application, the USSD option works through a mobile phone’s dialler. This makes it useful when you have no internet connection, cannot open your banking application, or need to complete a supported transaction using a basic phone.
To use the service, dial *5050#, select the transfer option, and provide the requested beneficiary and transaction details. Check the recipient’s account information and the amount carefully before authorising the payment with your registered transaction PIN or any additional verification requested by the bank.
The Alternative Bank states that its default daily USSD transfer limit is ₦100,000. Its published instructions also explain that transfers above ₦20,000 in a single transaction require the last six digits of the customer’s debit card number for additional verification. Confirm the applicable limits and requirements displayed by the service before proceeding.
How to Register for Alternative Bank USSD Banking
Before making transfers or other transactions, you may need to register your account for USSD banking. The Alternative Bank provides a self-service registration process for existing customers.
Follow these general steps:
- Ensure that you have an active Alternative Bank account.
- Use the mobile phone number registered with your bank account.
- Open your phone’s dialler.
- Dial *5050#.
- Select the registration option displayed in the menu.
- Follow the prompts to provide the required verification details, such as your debit card information.
- Create and confirm a secure four-digit USSD transaction PIN when prompted.
- Complete the remaining instructions displayed by the bank.
The bank’s published USSD instructions identify debit-card-based registration for existing customers. Registration options may change as the service is updated, so follow the current prompts rather than relying on instructions from an unofficial source.
Keep your transaction PIN private. Never give it to another person, even if that person claims to be a bank employee or offers to register the service on your behalf.
How to Transfer Money From Alternative Bank to Another Bank
You can use The Alternative Bank’s USSD service to initiate a transfer to another Nigerian bank. The transaction is completed through the menu displayed after you dial the official code.
Here is how to make a transfer:
- Dial *5050# using the phone number registered with your Alternative Bank account.
- Select the transfer option from the available menu.
- Choose the appropriate destination bank or transfer type.
- Enter the beneficiary’s account number as requested.
- Enter the amount you want to transfer.
- Review the recipient details and transaction information displayed.
- Provide your transaction PIN and any additional verification requested by the bank.
- Wait for the transaction response or confirmation message.
The precise menu sequence may change, so use the instructions shown on your phone rather than assuming that a particular menu number always applies.
Before confirming a transfer, verify the beneficiary’s account name where it is displayed. An incorrect account number or amount can lead to a payment being sent to an unintended recipient.
If the transaction is pending, check your account and transaction status before attempting the payment again. This helps reduce the risk of making duplicate transfers.
How to Transfer Money Between Alternative Bank Accounts
Customers who want to send money to another eligible Alternative Bank account can start by dialling *5050# and selecting the transfer option.
Follow the prompts to enter the destination account number and the amount. Check the beneficiary details where available, then authorise the transaction using the required security credentials.
Once the transaction has been processed, retain the confirmation message or transaction reference. If the recipient does not receive the money immediately, check the transaction status before initiating another transfer.
Customers can also use the official AltBank mobile application for supported transfers. The application provides additional digital banking features, including transaction tracking and beneficiary bank availability information.
Alternative Bank USSD Code for Checking Account Balance
If you want to know how much money is available in your Alternative Bank account without using the internet, dial *5050# and select the account balance option.
Follow the menu instructions and complete any authentication requested by the bank. The service will display or communicate the available balance according to its current process.
Checking your balance before making a transfer helps you confirm that sufficient funds are available. Remember that pending transactions, restrictions, and applicable charges may affect the amount available for a new payment.
If the balance enquiry does not work, confirm that you are using the registered telephone number and that your USSD service is active. You can contact The Alternative Bank’s customer support team if the problem continues.
How to Retrieve Your Alternative Bank Account Number
Customers who have forgotten their account number can use the bank’s USSD menu to retrieve it.
- Dial *5050# from your registered mobile number.
- Select the account balance or account information option, following the current menu instructions.
- Complete any required verification.
- Check the account information provided by the service.
The Alternative Bank’s official USSD page describes the balance menu as a way to retrieve the account number. The exact display and navigation may depend on the current version of the service.
Keep your account details private when sharing screenshots or transaction messages. Avoid posting personal banking information publicly on social media.
Alternative Bank Airtime Recharge Code
The Alternative Bank USSD service also supports airtime purchases. This allows eligible customers to recharge their own phones or purchase airtime for other people through their bank accounts.
To purchase airtime:
- Dial *5050#.
- Select the airtime purchase option.
- Choose the appropriate recharge option from the displayed menu.
- Enter the requested phone number and recharge amount, where applicable.
- Review the details and authorise the transaction.
The bank publishes a daily USSD airtime top-up limit of ₦20,000. Your actual available limit may depend on current service rules and account conditions.
Before confirming a recharge for another person, double-check the phone number. Airtime sent to the wrong number may not be recoverable.
Alternative Bank Data Purchase Code
You can also access mobile data purchases through The Alternative Bank’s USSD service. This feature is useful when you need to buy a data bundle without opening a mobile banking application.
Dial *5050# and look for the data purchase option. Follow the displayed instructions to select the supported network and bundle, enter any required phone number, and confirm the transaction.
Check the network, phone number, and bundle details before authorising payment. Available bundles and supported options may vary, so rely on the current menu rather than an outdated list of bundle codes.
How to Block Your Alternative Bank Account or Debit Card
If your phone or debit card is lost, stolen, or suspected of being compromised, acting quickly can help reduce the risk of unauthorised transactions.
The Alternative Bank’s USSD service includes options for managing cards and blocking access to USSD banking or an account. Where you still have access to your registered phone and can safely use the service, dial *5050# and follow the relevant blocking instructions.
If your phone has been stolen, do not assume that you can safely use the USSD service from that device. Contact the bank immediately through its official customer support channels and request that access to the affected service be disabled. Contact your mobile network operator if your SIM card also needs to be blocked.
After securing your account, check recent transactions and report any activity you do not recognise.
How to Reset Your Alternative Bank USSD PIN
Your USSD transaction PIN authorises banking transactions. If you forget it or suspect that someone else knows it, use the bank’s approved PIN reset process.
- Dial *5050# from your registered mobile number.
- Select the PIN reset option.
- Follow the verification instructions shown on your phone.
- Set a new PIN when prompted.
- Confirm the change according to the instructions provided.
Choose a PIN that is difficult for other people to guess. Do not use the same PIN for unrelated services, and never share it with anyone.
Alternative Bank USSD Transfer Charges and Limits
The Alternative Bank publishes the following charges for USSD transfers to other banks. These amounts are the bank’s published charges and may be updated, so confirm the applicable fee before authorising a transaction.
| Transfer amount | Published transfer charge |
|---|---|
| ₦0–₦5,000 | ₦10.75, including VAT |
| ₦5,001–₦50,000 | ₦26.88, including VAT |
| ₦50,001 and above | ₦53.75, including VAT |
The bank’s published default daily USSD transfer limit is ₦100,000. It also states that a transfer above ₦20,000 in a single transaction requires the last six digits of the debit card number for additional verification.
Transaction limits and charges can change. Check the information provided by the bank during the transaction, especially if you are making a large payment or using the service for the first time.
Alternative Bank USSD Code Not Working? Try These Solutions
If *5050# does not open or a transaction fails, the problem may be related to your mobile network, registration status, account settings, or a temporary service interruption.
- Check your registered number: Use the mobile number linked to your Alternative Bank account.
- Check network availability: Make sure your phone has mobile network coverage.
- Try again carefully: Redial the code and follow the current menu prompts.
- Confirm registration: Complete the bank’s USSD enrolment process if you have not registered.
- Check your PIN: If you have forgotten your transaction PIN, use the official reset option.
- Check transaction status: If your account has been debited, confirm whether the payment succeeded before retrying.
- Contact customer support: Report persistent errors through the bank’s official channels.
The bank states that failed transfers or airtime purchases that debit an account should be reversed within 24 hours. If the funds are not returned within that period, contact customer support and provide the transaction reference and other relevant details.
Is Alternative Bank USSD Banking Available Without Internet?
Yes. The Alternative Bank states that its *5050# service does not require mobile data or an internet connection. It is designed to work on compatible mobile phones with an active SIM and network access.
This can be useful when your data bundle has expired, you are using a basic phone, or you cannot access your mobile banking application. However, the service still depends on mobile network availability and the bank’s USSD platform being operational.
Alternative Bank Customer Care Contact Details
If you need assistance with the USSD code, a failed transfer, account registration, a PIN reset, or an account security concern, contact The Alternative Bank directly.
- Customer care: 0201 700 0555
- Additional support and fraud reporting: 0201 888 9090
- Official website: https://altbank.ng/
- Official USSD information: https://altbank.ng/ussd/
Use contact details published on the official website and never disclose your transaction PIN, password, or one-time password to a caller claiming to represent the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alternative Bank USSD Code
What is the Alternative Bank USSD code?
The official Alternative Bank USSD code is *5050#. Dial it from your registered mobile number to access the supported banking menu.
What is the Alternative Bank transfer code?
The transfer service is accessed through *5050#. Select the transfer option and follow the prompts to send money to an eligible bank account.
Can I transfer money to other Nigerian banks?
Yes. The Alternative Bank’s official USSD page confirms that customers can transfer money to banks and other financial institutions in Nigeria.
Can I check my balance with *5050#?
Yes. Dial *5050# and select the account balance option to check your account balance.
Can I use the code without mobile data?
Yes. USSD banking does not require an internet connection, although your phone needs an active mobile network connection.
What is the daily transfer limit?
The bank publishes a default daily USSD transfer limit of ₦100,000. Confirm your current limit and any available adjustments directly with the bank.
What is the USSD transfer charge?
The published charges for transfers to other banks range from ₦10.75 to ₦53.75, including VAT, depending on the transaction amount. Check the bank’s current tariff before confirming a payment.
What should I do if a transfer fails after my account is debited?
Check the transaction status and allow time for the bank’s reversal process. The bank states that an automatic reversal should occur within 24 hours. If it does not, contact customer support with the transaction reference.
Conclusion
The Alternative Bank USSD code and transfer code is *5050#. The service provides customers with a way to access supported banking functions without using mobile data or opening a smartphone application.
By dialling the code, registered customers can access transfers, balance enquiries, account number enquiries, airtime and data purchases, card management, and PIN reset options. The bank also publishes transfer charges and a default daily USSD transfer limit, which customers should confirm before making transactions.
For safe and convenient banking, use your registered phone number, protect your transaction PIN, verify beneficiary details, and follow the instructions displayed by the official service. If a transaction fails or your account may be compromised, contact The Alternative Bank through its verified customer support channels.
