At some point, every Nigerian trying to open a bank account, sign up for a fintech app, or verify an identity online runs into a question they always have to answer: what is your BVN?
It is worth understanding what a BVN actually is, its usefulness, and when sharing it is fine versus when it is not.
This guide covers all of that, including how to retrieve your BVN if you do not have it on hand, and what it unlocks when you verify with Resolva.
In This Guide:
What is KYC and why is it Important?
KYC stands for Know Your Customer. It is the process financial institutions use to verify the identity of their users before allowing them to access financial services. Banks do it. Fintech apps do it. Crypto platforms do it. It is a global regulatory standard, not just a Nigerian thing.
The reason it exists is that financial institutions need to know that the person using their service is who they claim to be. KYC protects the platform from fraud, protects other users, and also protects you. A verified account is harder to hack and impersonate, and it is more trusted by the system.
In Nigeria, BVN is the most common KYC requirement for financial services. It is what ties your identity to your financial activity in a way that is verifiable and standardised.
What is BVN?
BVN stands for Bank Verification Number. It is an 11-digit unique identifier assigned to every bank customer in Nigeria by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It was introduced in 2014 as part of a nationwide effort to reduce fraud, curb identity theft, and create a single verifiable identity across the Nigerian banking system.
Before BVN, someone could open five different bank accounts using five different identities, and no one would know. The introduction of BVN changed that. Your biometric data, fingerprints and facial photograph is captured at enrolment and linked to your number. That number follows you across every bank and financial institution in Nigeria.
How to Check Your BVN in Nigeria
If you cannot remember your BVN, there are a few ways to retrieve it. Some of them do not require visiting a bank.
Dial a USSD code
This is the fastest way. Dial *565*0# from the phone number registered to your bank account. Your BVN will appear on the screen within seconds. This works on all Nigerian networks.
Note: A small fee (usually around 20 Naira) may be charged by your network provider.
Check your bank app
Most Nigerian bank apps display your BVN somewhere in your profile or account settings. Log in, go to your profile, and look under account details or personal information.
Visit any bank branch
Walk into any bank branch with a valid ID and ask to retrieve your BVN. You do not have to visit the specific bank where you enrolled. Any bank can pull it up with your identity verification.
Is it Safe to Share Your BVN?
This is where a lot of people get confused, and understandably so. The short answer: it depends entirely on who is asking.
Your BVN alone cannot be used to access your bank account or move money. It does not contain your PIN, your account number, or any transaction credentials. What it contains is your identity. That is why regulated financial institutions use it for verification.
The line to draw is between legitimate financial platforms and everyone else.
| Safe to share with | Never share with |
| Your bank | Random individuals on social media |
| Licensed fintech apps (e.g. Resolva, Opay, Palmpay) | P2P traders or OTC vendors |
| CBN-regulated platforms | Anyone who contacts you unsolicited |
| KYC verification forms on official platforms | Unverified websites or apps |
BVN Verification on Resolva
Resolva is a CBN-compliant crypto off-ramp platform. Like every legitimate Nigerian fintech, it requires BVN verification as part of its KYC process. It is a regulatory requirement for any platform that processes financial transactions in Nigeria.
When you enter your BVN on Resolva, it is used solely to confirm that you are who you say you are. It is processed through a secure, encrypted system. Resolva does not store your BVN after verification is complete and has no access to your bank account or transaction history.
How to Complete BVN Verification on Resolva
Once you have created your Resolva account and verified your email, (see how to set up your Resolva account here) there are two steps left before your account is fully active: BVN verification, then connecting your bank account. Together they take less than a minute.
Step 1: Connect your bank account
Before you confirm your BVN, you will be prompted to add your bank details. Enter your bank name and account number. Resolva fetches your account name automatically to confirm everything matches.
Step 2: Verify your BVN
On the verification screen, you will see the input fields to enter your name and BVN, enter the details (your name and your 11-digit BVN) and tap Submit. Resolva confirms your identity instantly through a secure, encrypted process.
If you cannot remember your BVN, just dial *565*0# from your registered number to retrieve it.
Step 3: Access your profile
Once both steps are complete, you will be able to use Resolva for fast crypto to cash transactions.
Note: BVN verification is instant. Bank account confirmation is also immediate once your account number is entered. The whole process runs in under a minute if your details are ready.
Ready to get your crypto moving?
Download Resolva, complete your BVN verification, and start sending Naira from crypto in minutes.
Quick FAQ
What does a BVN look like?
A BVN is an 11-digit number, for example: 12345678901. It does not contain letters or special characters.
Are BVN and NIN the same thing?
No. BVN (Bank Verification Number) is issued by the CBN and is specific to the banking system. NIN (National Identification Number) is issued by NIMC and is a national identity document. Both are used for KYC purposes, but they are different numbers from different government bodies.
Can someone steal my money with just my BVN?
No. Your BVN alone cannot be used to access your account or initiate transactions. It is an identity reference, not a transaction credential. Your PIN, OTP, and account password are what protect your funds.
What if my BVN does not match my Resolva details?
Make sure the name and phone number you registered with on Resolva match what is on your BVN. If there is a mismatch, contact Resolva support at support@useresolva.io.
Do I need a BVN to use Resolva Merchant?
No. BVN verification for business owners is optional as part of the Resolva Merchant onboarding process.
