How to Increase USSD Transfer Limit
USSD transfer limits can sometimes prevent customers from sending the amount they need through mobile banking. Nigerian banks apply transaction limits based on factors such as account type, authentication method, customer profile and internal risk controls.
If your USSD transfer limit is too low, the solution depends on the bank. Some banks allow customers to increase limits through a mobile app, while others may require stronger authentication, a token, an indemnity, account upgrade or a branch request.
Why Do Banks Set USSD Limits?
USSD banking provides convenient access to an account from a mobile phone, so transaction limits form part of the security framework. Limits reduce the amount that can potentially be moved through a compromised USSD profile.
Limits can apply per transaction, daily cumulative amount or both.
Can Every Customer Increase the Limit?
No. The available limit depends on the bank’s rules and your account profile. Some customers may need to complete additional identity verification or use a stronger authentication method before a higher limit becomes available.
Check Your Existing Limit First
Before requesting an increase, determine whether the problem is actually a limit restriction. You may also be encountering a failed transaction caused by insufficient funds, an incorrect PIN, network problems, an account restriction or a bank-system issue.
UBA USSD Limits
UBA currently publishes different limits depending on the authentication method. Its USSD information states that PIN-authenticated transfers have a lower limit than transactions supported by Secure Pass and indemnity.
UBA currently publishes up to ₦20,000 per transaction and ₦100,000 daily for PIN or Secure Pass authentication, while a Secure Pass plus indemnity arrangement can support up to ₦500,000 per transaction and ₦1 million daily.
These limits can change, so customers should confirm the current limit directly with UBA.
GTBank USSD Transfer Limits
GTBank publishes a daily cumulative transfer limit for its 737 transfer service. Its current public information lists ₦200,000 as the daily cumulative limit for transfers to GTBank and other bank accounts.
Customers who need to send larger amounts should consider the bank’s other channels or authentication options available to them.
How to Increase Your Limit
The exact procedure depends on the bank, but the general process can include:
- Check your current transfer limit.
- Confirm that your account is fully verified.
- Ensure your BVN and other identity details are properly linked.
- Check whether your bank offers a self-service limit increase.
- Use the bank’s mobile application if the option is available.
- Obtain a token or stronger authentication method where required.
- Complete any indemnity or documentation requirements.
- Visit a branch if the bank requires a manual request.
Why Your Bank May Refuse a Limit Increase
A bank may restrict an increase because of account type, incomplete KYC information, unusual activity, regulatory requirements, risk controls or other internal policies.
An account that has unresolved verification issues may need to be updated before higher transaction limits are made available.
Does BVN Affect Transfer Limits?
BVN and other customer-identification information form part of Nigeria’s banking identification and KYC framework. An account with incomplete customer information may have restrictions that affect certain banking services.
Does Account Tier Matter?
Yes. Account tiers can affect transaction limits and permitted balances, particularly for accounts with different levels of identity verification.
If your account is subject to a low transaction limit because of its tier, completing the bank’s upgrade process may provide access to higher limits where permitted.
USSD Limit vs Mobile App Limit
The limit on USSD does not necessarily equal the limit on your mobile banking application. Banks can apply different transaction limits and authentication requirements to different channels.
If you need to transfer a large amount, check whether your bank’s app, internet banking, branch or other authorised channel supports the required amount.
What If You Need to Transfer More Urgently?
Do not split a large transfer into many smaller transactions simply to work around a security restriction without understanding the bank’s rules. Repeated unusual transactions can trigger additional security checks.
Instead, use an approved banking channel that supports the amount you need.
How to Stay Safe When Increasing Limits
- Use only official banking channels.
- Do not share your PIN or token.
- Never pay an unofficial agent to increase your bank limit.
- Verify any request for personal information directly with your bank.
- Reduce your transaction limits again if your bank provides that option and you no longer need a higher limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I increase my USSD limit myself?
Some banks provide self-service options, while others require additional authentication or a branch request.
Why is my USSD limit low?
It can depend on your account type, authentication method, customer profile and the bank’s security rules.
Can I transfer more through mobile banking?
Possibly. Mobile apps and internet banking may have different limits from USSD.
Does changing my PIN increase the limit?
No. A PIN change does not automatically increase a bank’s transaction limit.
If you regularly need to transfer amounts above your USSD limit, use the bank’s official process to upgrade your transaction capacity or move the transaction to an approved channel with an appropriate limit.
