How to Open a Bank Account Online in Nigeria (All Banks Explained)

Opening a bank account online in Nigeria is fast, safer, and often free if you follow the rules. Since 2019–2025 banks have steadily improved mobile and web onboarding to make account opening digital-first while still meeting Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Know-Your-Customer (KYC) rules and Bank Verification Number (BVN) checks. Whether you want a basic savings account, a domiciliary account, or a business/current account, this article walks you through the universal steps, documents required, how BVN and NIN are used, and quick notes on major banks (GTBank, Access Bank, Zenith, UBA, First Bank, FCMB, and others). Follow these steps carefully and you’ll be transacting in minutes to a few days depending on the bank’s verification flow. (Updated November 2025.)

1. What banks can do online and what may still require visiting a branch

Can do fully online (most banks):

• Open personal savings accounts and many current/accounts via mobile apps or web onboarding.
• Identity verification using BVN, NIN, selfie/video liveness checks, and OTPs.
• Upload of scanned IDs and utility bills for address proof.

Often still require a visit (depending on bank & account type):

• Certain corporate/business account openings (may need in-person signatures, CAC docs).
• Accounts with enhanced privileges (high transaction thresholds or foreign currency facilities) may need extra due diligence or an in-branch meeting as required by CBN KYC/AML frameworks.

2. Universal documents & data you’ll need (KYC checklist)

• Zenith Bank Mobile App Review, Step-by-Step Registration Guide
• Access More App Review, How to Use and Fix Common Issues
• GTBank (GTWorld) Mobile App Review, Features, Pros & Cons
• How to Check Your Account Balance Without Internet + Essential Bank Shortcuts (Nigeria)
• How to Link Your BVN to Any Bank Account, Get Your Bank Statement on Mobile Apps, Recover Your Account Number Without Visiting a Branch

Before you start, have these ready:

• Phone number (active, for OTPs).
• Email address.
• Valid ID (national ID card, international passport, driver’s licence check bank’s accepted IDs).
• BVN (Bank Verification Number). If you don’t have one you can enroll at any bank BVN enrolment centre.
• NIN (National Identification Number) some banks request or prefer linking NIN.
• Utility bill or tenancy agreement (for proof of address sometimes optional for tier-1 accounts).
• Passport photograph (a clear selfie or upload as required).
• Business registration documents for corporate accounts (CAC documents, TIN, etc.).

Three-tier KYC: note that CBN/industry guidance supports tiered KYC depending on the risk and service level basic accounts need minimal verification, higher tiers require more documents

3. Step-by-step: Open an account online (general flow works for almost every bank)

Follow these exact actions:

Step 1. Choose the bank & channel

Pick a bank and either download its official mobile app from Google Play / Apple App Store or go to the bank’s official website. Use only official channels.

Step 2. Start “Open Account” or “Register” flow

• Tap Open Account, Create Account or similar.
• Select account type (Savings, Current, Domiciliary, Student, Salary).

Step 3. Provide basic details

• Full name (as in ID), phone number, email, date of birth, address.
• Choose a username and secure password (or the bank will use phone number + OTP).

Step 4. Identity verification

Banks will ask for:

• BVN entry (system checks BVN record).
• NIN (optional for some banks but increasingly required).
• Upload ID image(s) and a selfie or record a short verification video / liveness check.
• Some banks use instant face match with BVN photo on file (where BVN has a face record).

Step 5. Accept T&Cs and consent to checks

You’ll be asked to accept terms and give consent for BVN and KYC checks. Read fees and limits.

Step 6. Account creation & virtual account number

• After successful checks the bank may issue a virtual account number (or NUBAN) instantly.
• Some banks allow immediate limited transactions (receive funds, transfers after verification complete).

Step 7. Fund & activate

• Fund the account by transfer or payment (some banks require a first deposit to fully activate).
• You’ll receive welcome SMS and/or email with account details, internet banking credentials, and how to set up card ordering.

Timing: many retail account openings are instant (minutes) if BVN/NIN and selfie match. If manual review is required, expect between 24–72 hours.

4. Bank-specific channels & quicknotes (how to open with major Nigerian banks)

Important: banks slightly change UI names; search the bank’s site/app for “Open Account” or “New Account” if menu labels differ.

GTBank (Guaranty Trust) GTWorld / Online

• App: GTWorld (download official app).
• Flow: Create profile → Select account type → Provide BVN, ID, selfie → receive NUBAN.
• Notes: GTBank offers instant activation for savings and certain accounts via GTWorld.

Access Bank AccessMore / QuickSave / Mobile App

• App: AccessMore / AccessBank App.
• Flow: Open account online, BVN + NIN checks, upload ID.
• Notes: Access offers virtual account creation and card ordering via the app.

Zenith Bank Zenith Mobile / Internet Banking

• App: Zenith Mobile.
• Flow: Online onboarding with BVN and ID upload.
• Notes: Domiciliary account opening may require additional checks.

First Bank FirstMobile / Firstmonie

• App: FirstMobile (or web).
• Flow: Basic accounts openable online; higher tiers may need branch verification.

UBA UBA mobile app / Open Account portal

• App: UBA Mobile Banking / Open a UBA account on their site.
• Flow: BVN + ID + selfie; UBA often issues instant account number.

FCMB, Fidelity, Polaris, Stanbic IBTC, etc.

• All major banks provide similar online flows; look for Open Account, Register, or Create Account links in official apps.

(Always use the bank’s official app or verified website to avoid phishing.)

5. BVN, NIN and identity verification explained

BVN (Bank Verification Number)

• A unique 11-digit number tied to biometric info; most banks require BVN for account opening and to prevent identity fraud. If you don’t have BVN, enroll at any bank BVN enrolment centre. NIBSS manages BVN infrastructure.

NIN (National Identification Number)

• NIN from NIMC (National Identity Management Commission) is increasingly requested and sometimes required to link to BVN for stronger identity proof.

How verification works

• The bank checks BVN and BVN photo, compares with the selfie uploaded, and may cross-check NIN. Some banks perform instant automated checks; others queue for manual review if mismatched.

6. Common issues & how to fix them

Problem: “BVN not found” or “BVN mismatch”

• Fix: Visit any branch or BVN enrolment centre to confirm your details and re-enrol if needed. If BVN belongs to another bank, request correction through BVN enquiry channels.

Problem: “Name mismatch between ID and BVN”

• Fix: Correct the name either at the BVN enrolment centre (if BVN has wrong data) or update ID (if the bank has wrong entry). You may need to supply additional documents.

Problem: “Account not fully activated”

• Fix: Some banks need a minimum deposit or manual verification. Contact bank support, supply requested documents, or visit branch if asked.

Problem: “Unable to upload documents” or poor selfie match

• Fix: Use a stable internet connection, clear images, plain background, and good lighting. For liveness checks, follow the on-screen instructions precisely.

7. Security tips and what to avoid

• Use only official apps/websites. Confirm publisher on Google Play/Apple App Store and bank domain for web.
• Never share your OTP or full BVN to anyone banks never ask for OTPs or passwords over phone/email.
• Check for HTTPS and correct domain names. Scammers clone pages.
• Beware of “account approval” fees paid to third-party agents legitimate banks charge standard, listed fees on their site or app only.
• Keep software updated (app and OS) and enable biometric login if available.

8. FAQs

Q1: Can I open a domiciliary (USD/GBP) account online?
A1: Many banks allow domiciliary account opening online but may require extra documentation (proof of source of funds, international address) and manual verification.

Q2: How long before I can receive money?
A2: Often instantly after account number issuance; some banks limit incoming transfers until full KYC is complete.

Q3: What if I don’t have BVN or NIN?
A3: You can enroll for BVN (go to a branch or enrollment center). NIN is recommended and often required for higher-tier services.

Q4: Is there a difference between account opening on web vs mobile app?
A4: Functionally similar; mobile apps may offer faster camera-based selfie and document upload (preferred for liveness).

Q5: Are there fees to open an account online?
A5: Account opening is usually free. Fees are for maintenance, cards, and certain services — always check the bank’s fee schedule.

9. Conclusion

Opening a bank account online in Nigeria in 2025 is straightforward if you prepare the right documents (BVN, valid ID, phone, NIN where needed) and use the bank’s official app or website. Follow the step-by-step flow above, take clean photos, and be ready to provide additional information if the bank’s verification flags anything. For corporate or high-limit accounts you may still need branch visits or extra due diligence that’s part of CBN-mandated KYC/AML protections. For BVN enrolment or KYC clarifications contact your chosen bank or visit its nearest branch