In today's digital age, having a reliable internet connection is essential. But what happens when your data runs out and you have no airtime to recharge? The answer is simple: buy data with bank transfer. This method allows you to purchase data bundles directly from your bank account, bypassing the need for physical scratch cards or airtime.
Whether you are using MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile, there are multiple ways to buy data using your bank account — from USSD codes and banking apps to VTU platforms and fintech apps. In this comprehensive guide, we cover every method to buy data with bank transfer in Nigeria, so you can stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Why Buy Data with Bank Transfer?
Buying data with bank transfer offers several advantages over traditional methods:
- No airtime needed: You can purchase data even when your airtime balance is zero.
- Convenience: Buy data anytime, anywhere, without visiting a physical store.
- Multiple options: Choose from USSD codes, bank apps, VTU platforms, or fintech apps.
- Secure: Transactions are processed through your bank's secure channels.
- Instant delivery: Data is credited to your phone within seconds.
- Better discounts: VTU platforms often offer better rates than direct network purchases.
Now, let us explore the different ways to buy data with bank transfer.
Method 1: Using Network‑Specific USSD Codes
All four major networks in Nigeria offer USSD codes that allow you to buy data directly from your bank account. These codes work on any phone — smartphone or feature phone — and do not require an internet connection.
MTN – *904# (MTN On Demand / XtraBuy)
MTN's *904# service, also known as MTN On Demand or XtraBuy, allows you to buy airtime and data directly from your bank account.[reference:0][reference:1] You can also use the *904*Amount# shortcut to buy airtime directly.[reference:2]
Steps:
- Dial *904# from your MTN line.
- Select "Buy Data" from the menu.
- Choose "For Self" or "For Others".[reference:3]
- Select your preferred data bundle.
- Choose your bank from the list of supported banks.
- Authorise the payment with your bank's USSD PIN.
- Your data is credited instantly.[reference:4]
Supported banks (Bank USSD option): First Bank, Access Bank, UBA, Zenith Bank, GTBank, FCMB, Union Bank, Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Ecobank, Sterling Bank, Heritage Bank, VFD MFB, Keystone Bank, Wema Bank, Unity Bank, Polaris Bank.[reference:5][reference:6]
Bank Account option (7 banks): FCMB, Fidelity, Keystone, Polaris, Stanbic, UBA, Union.[reference:7][reference:8]
Direct dial: Dial *904*amount# and select your bank from the list.[reference:9]
Glo – *805# (Simple Recharge) & *777#
Glo offers two primary USSD codes for buying data from your bank account: *805# (Simple Recharge) and *777#.
Steps:
- Ensure your Glo number is linked to your bank account.[reference:11]
- Dial *805# from your Glo line.[reference:12]
- Select the bank you want to use.[reference:13]
- Choose the amount of airtime or data you want to purchase.
- Authorise the payment and your data is credited instantly.[reference:14]
You can also top up family and friends using this service.[reference:15]
Steps:
- Dial *777# from your Glo line.[reference:16]
- Select the service or product you want.
- Choose payment option — either through your bank or using a debit card.[reference:17]
- Follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
Airtel – *121#
Airtel's primary USSD code *121# allows you to buy data using your bank account, though the bank payment option may not be available to all users.
Steps:
- Dial *121# from your Airtel line.
- Select "Data" or "Buy Data" from the menu.
- Choose your preferred data plan.
- If the bank payment option appears, select it and follow the prompts.
- Authorise the payment with your bank's USSD PIN.
Note: The bank payment option on Airtel's *121# is not always available. For a more reliable bank transfer method, consider using VTU platforms or banking apps (see below).
9mobile (T2mobile) – *229#
9mobile's *229# code allows you to subscribe to data plans, though direct bank payment may not always be available.
Steps:
- Dial *229# from your 9mobile line.
- Navigate to "Data" or "Buy Data".
- Select your preferred plan.
- If bank payment is available, follow the prompts.
Note: For a more reliable bank transfer method on 9mobile, use VTU platforms or banking apps.
Method 2: Using Banking Apps
Most Nigerian banks now offer airtime and data purchase features directly within their mobile apps.[reference:18] This is one of the most convenient methods, as your funds are already in the app, and you do not need to create a separate account.
Banks that support data purchase:
- GTBank (GTWorld app) — data and airtime purchases[reference:19]
- Access Bank (Access Mobile app) — data bundles
- UBA (UBA Mobile app) — data and airtime[reference:20]
- Zenith Bank (Zenith Mobile app) — data purchases
- First Bank (FirstMobile app) — data and airtime
- FCMB — data purchases
- Fidelity Bank — data purchases
- Stanbic IBTC — data purchases
- OPay — data and airtime[reference:21]
- Moniepoint — airtime and data via *5573#[reference:22]
Steps (general):
- Open your bank's mobile app and log in.
- Navigate to the "Pay Bills" or "Quickteller" section.[reference:23]
- Select "Mobile Data" or "Airtime & Data".
- Choose your network (MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile).[reference:24]
- Enter the phone number you want to top up.
- Select your preferred data plan.
- Confirm and authorise the payment.
- Your data is credited instantly.
Bank apps are very convenient because your funds are already there, and you do not need to create a separate account. However, the discounts are often lower than dedicated VTU platforms — typically 2‑5% off official prices.
Method 3: Using VTU Platforms (The Smart Way)
Virtual Top‑Up (VTU) platforms are dedicated websites and apps that allow you to buy data, airtime, and pay bills at discounted rates. These platforms are the smartest way to buy data with bank transfer because they offer:
- Better discounts: Up to 15% off official prices
- All networks: MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile — all in one place
- All plan types: Daily, weekly, monthly, night, social
- Instant delivery: Data is credited within seconds
- Transaction history: Keep track of all your purchases
- Multiple payment options: Bank transfer, card, USSD, mobile money, crypto
Top VTU platforms for buying data with bank transfer:
- Fujest — Nigeria's #1 VTU platform with up to 15% discounts
- AirtimeFlip — supports bank transfer and card payments[reference:25]
- VTpass — pay securely using bank transfer or debit card[reference:26]
- SMEDATA — supports internet banking transfer and mobile banking[reference:27]
How to buy data on a VTU platform (general steps):
- Sign up for a free account on the VTU platform.
- Fund your wallet using bank transfer — the platform will provide account details.[reference:28]
- Navigate to the "Data" or "Buy Data" section.
- Select your network (MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile).[reference:29]
- Choose your preferred data plan.
- Enter the phone number you want to top up.
- Confirm the transaction — your data is delivered instantly.[reference:30]
Method 4: Using Fintech Apps (OPay, Moniepoint, etc.)
Fintech apps like OPay, Moniepoint, and Paga have become increasingly popular for buying data and airtime. These apps offer competitive rates and are easy to use.
Popular fintech apps for data purchase:
- OPay — offers top airtime and data deals on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile with up to 6% cashback.[reference:31]
- Moniepoint — buy airtime and data via USSD code *5573# or the mobile app.[reference:32]
- Paga — buy data and airtime for all networks.
- PalmPay — data and airtime purchases with cashback offers.
Steps (general):
- Download and install the fintech app.
- Create an account and fund your wallet via bank transfer.
- Navigate to the "Data" or "Airtime & Data" section.
- Select your network and data plan.
- Enter the phone number and confirm the transaction.
- Your data is credited instantly.
Comparison: Which Method is Best?
| Method | Discounts | Networks | Internet Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network USSD Codes | 0% (official) | Single network | No | Quick, offline purchases |
| Banking Apps | 2‑5% | All networks | Yes | Convenience, existing bank account |
| VTU Platforms | Up to 15% | All networks | Yes | 🏆 Best discounts & features |
| Fintech Apps | 3‑10% | All networks | Yes | Cashback, easy funding |
Verdict: For the best discounts and most features, VTU platforms like Fujest are the clear winner. For quick, offline purchases, network USSD codes work well. Banking apps and fintech apps offer good middle‑ground options.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Buy Data with Bank Transfer on Fujest
Buying data with bank transfer on Fujest is incredibly easy. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Website or Download the App: Go to fujest.com or download the Fujest mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Create a Free Account: Sign up with your email and phone number. Registration takes less than 2 minutes.
- Fund Your Wallet via Bank Transfer: Click on "Fund Wallet" and select "Bank Transfer". Fujest will provide account details (bank name, account number, and account name). Make a transfer from your bank app or USSD to the provided account.[reference:33]
- Confirm Your Funding: The funds will reflect in your Fujest wallet within minutes. You may need to enter the amount and reference number for confirmation.
- Select Your Data Plan: Go to the "Data" section, choose your network (MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile), and select the plan you want.
- Enter Your Phone Number: Input the number you want to top up (this can be your own number or someone else's).
- Confirm and Buy: Review the details and click "Buy". Your data will be delivered instantly to the phone number you entered.
That is all there is to it! You will receive a confirmation notification once the data is credited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the code to buy data with bank transfer on MTN?
Dial *904# (MTN On Demand / XtraBuy) from your MTN line, select "Buy Data", choose your plan, select your bank, and authorise the payment.[reference:34][reference:35]
What is the code to buy data with bank transfer on Glo?
Dial *805# (Simple Recharge) from your Glo line, select your bank, and choose the amount of data you want.[reference:36] Alternatively, use *777#.[reference:37]
Can I buy Airtel data with bank transfer?
Yes. You can use Airtel's *121# USSD code (if the bank payment option is available) or use banking apps, VTU platforms like Fujest, or fintech apps like OPay.[reference:38]
Can I buy 9mobile data with bank transfer?
Yes. Use 9mobile's *229# USSD code (if bank payment is available) or use VTU platforms like Fujest, banking apps, or fintech apps.
Which banks support MTN On Demand (*904#)?
The following 17 banks support MTN On Demand: First Bank, Access Bank, UBA, Zenith Bank, GTBank, FCMB, Union Bank, Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Ecobank, Sterling Bank, Heritage Bank, VFD MFB, Keystone Bank, Wema Bank, Unity Bank, and Polaris Bank.[reference:39][reference:40]
Is it safe to buy data with bank transfer?
Yes, as long as you use trusted platforms and secure channels. VTU platforms like Fujest use SSL encryption and PCI‑DSS compliance. Network USSD codes and banking apps use your bank's secure authentication methods.
Can I buy data for someone else using bank transfer?
Yes. On VTU platforms like Fujest, you can enter any phone number — yours or someone else's — to top up data. Network USSD codes also allow you to buy data for others (e.g., MTN's *904# has a "For Others" option).[reference:41]
Conclusion — Buy Data with Bank Transfer the Smart Way
Fujest – Your #1 Platform for Buying Data with Bank Transfer
Buying data with bank transfer in Nigeria has never been easier. Whether you choose network USSD codes, banking apps, VTU platforms, or fintech apps, there is a method that suits your needs.
However, for the best value, highest discounts, and most features, Fujest is the clear winner. With up to 15% off all data plans, support for all networks (MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile), instant delivery, multiple payment options, and 24/7 support, Fujest is the smartest way to buy data with bank transfer.
Why Fujest is the best platform for buying data with bank transfer:
- Up to 15% discount on all data plans
- All networks supported: MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile
- All plan types: daily, weekly, monthly, night, social
- Instant delivery — guaranteed
- Bank transfer funding — fast and secure
- 10+ payment methods (bank transfer, card, USSD, mobile money, crypto)
- Enterprise‑grade security (SSL, PCI‑DSS)
- 24/7 live support
- Extra services: airtime, bills, bulk SMS, OTP, gift cards, SMM
- 4.8‑star rating from 10,000+ users
Stop overpaying for data. With Fujest, you get the best data plans at the best prices — paid for with a simple bank transfer. Sign up today and start saving.
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