How to Pay DSTV and GOTV via Bank USSD
DSTV and GOtv subscriptions can be paid from a Nigerian bank account using USSD on participating bank platforms. This can be useful when you need to renew a subscription but do not have access to a banking application or internet connection.
The exact payment procedure varies by bank. Some banks provide cable-TV payment directly through their USSD menu, while others may require customers to select the bill-payment option and then choose the appropriate television service.
What You Need
- An active bank account.
- A phone number registered with the bank.
- Your DSTV or GOtv Smartcard/IUC number.
- Sufficient funds.
- Your USSD PIN or required authentication details.
How to Pay DSTV or GOtv by USSD
- Dial your bank’s official USSD code.
- Select bill payment or cable TV.
- Select DSTV or GOtv where available.
- Enter the Smartcard or IUC number.
- Enter the subscription amount.
- Confirm the decoder details displayed.
- Authenticate the transaction.
- Wait for the payment confirmation.
GTBank USSD for Cable TV
GTBank’s 737 service supports cable-TV payments. Its current 737 information includes cable TV among the available services and provides a Smartcard-number payment option.
Customers should use the current 737 bill-payment menu and follow the prompts for the relevant television provider.
UBA USSD for DSTV and GOtv
UBA’s *919# USSD service supports bill payments, including DSTV and GOtv. UBA’s published service information specifically lists DSTV and GOTV payment among its bill-payment services.
Dial:
*919#
Then select the relevant bill-payment option and follow the instructions.
Why Pay Through USSD?
- No mobile banking application is required.
- Internet access is generally not required.
- It can work on a basic phone.
- Payment can be made directly from the bank account.
- It is convenient when a subscription needs urgent renewal.
Verify Your Smartcard or IUC Number
The Smartcard or IUC number is important because it identifies the television account. Enter it carefully and confirm the subscriber information shown by the payment system before completing the transaction.
A wrong number can result in payment being applied to another account.
How Much Should You Pay?
Enter the amount required for the subscription package you intend to renew. If you are unsure about the current package price, confirm it through the official DSTV or GOtv customer channel before making payment.
What Happens After Payment?
After successful payment, the television service may be restored automatically if the account is eligible for reconnection. In some cases, customers may need to refresh or restart the decoder.
Keep your bank transaction reference until the subscription is confirmed.
What If Your Account Is Debited but the Subscription Is Not Active?
Do not immediately pay again. First confirm whether the bank transaction was successful and retain the reference number. If payment was successful but the subscription remains inactive, contact the bank and the television provider using their official customer-support channels.
USSD Payment Charges
Bill-payment charges can vary by bank and transaction type. For example, UBA’s published USSD service charges include a bill-payment fee, while banks can update their charges over time.
Always check the current bank tariff where the exact transaction cost matters.
USSD vs Mobile App for DSTV and GOtv
| USSD | Mobile App |
|---|---|
| Does not normally require mobile data | Requires internet access |
| Can work on basic phones | Requires compatible smartphone |
| Fast menu-based payment | Can provide broader account information |
Security Tips
- Use only your bank’s official USSD code.
- Confirm the Smartcard or IUC number.
- Check the subscription amount.
- Never share your USSD PIN.
- Keep the transaction reference after payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay DSTV without internet?
Yes, participating bank USSD platforms allow eligible customers to make cable-TV payments without mobile data.
Can I pay GOtv through USSD?
Yes. Banks that support GOtv bill payment can process it through their USSD bill-payment menus.
What number do I need?
You normally need the decoder’s Smartcard or IUC number, depending on the service.
Can I pay another person’s subscription?
Yes, where the bank’s bill-payment service permits it. Enter the correct decoder account number and verify the subscriber details.
Paying DSTV or GOtv through bank USSD is a convenient option when you need to renew a subscription without internet access. Always verify the decoder number, amount and subscriber information before confirming the transaction, and keep your payment reference until the service is restored.
