PalmPay USSD Code: Transfer, Balance & Airtime (*861#)
PalmPay's USSD code is *861#. Dial it to transfer money, check your balance, buy airtime, and pay bills without internet. To transfer: dial *861# and select Transfer in the menu.
USSD codes verified June 2026. Banks occasionally change codes and formats. If a code fails: dial the base code *861# and use the menu, or confirm with PalmPay.
PalmPay USSD codes — reference
| Operation | Method (always correct) | Direct shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Base code (USSD) | Dial *861# | *861# |
| Transfer | Dial *861#, then select Transfer from the menu | — menu only |
| Balance | Dial *861#, then select Balance from the menu | — menu only |
| Airtime | Dial *861#, then select Airtime purchase from the menu | — menu only |
How do I transfer money with the PalmPay USSD code?
- Dial *861# from the phone number linked to your PalmPay account.
- Select "Transfer" from the USSD menu.
- Enter the recipient's 10-digit NUBAN account number.
- Enter the destination bank code (or pick from the displayed list).
- Enter the amount to transfer.
- Verify the displayed recipient name, then enter your PalmPay USSD PIN to confirm.
Why is the PalmPay USSD code not working?
- Wrong phone number : bank USSD only works from the phone number linked to your PalmPay account. If you've changed your number, update your bank profile first.
- USSD service not activated : new accounts — activate PalmPay USSD via a branch or the mobile app before first use.
- Insufficient telco airtime : the USSD session fee is ~₦6.98, charged by your telco. Without airtime, the code fails silently.
- Weak network : USSD needs a stable cellular signal; retry with better coverage.
- Code changed : dial the base code *861# and use the menu — the menu always reflects current operations, unlike an old direct shortcut. Contact PalmPay to confirm.
Fees and security
USSD fees : ~N6.98 USSD session fee + EMTL N50 (>=N10,000). The USSD session fee is charged by your telco operator (NCC regulation), not by the bank. Compare against MoMo fees in our Nigeria calculator.
Security : NEVER share your PalmPay USSD PIN with anyone — including someone claiming to be a bank agent. PalmPay will never ask for your PIN via call, SMS, email or WhatsApp. Lock your SIM card (SIM PIN) so a phone thief cannot access USSD. If your phone is lost or stolen, call PalmPay immediately to block USSD.
Note : Menu-driven UX; PalmPay app remains the primary channel.
Other PalmPay codes & resources
Compare with other Nigerian banks
Frequently asked questions
How do I transfer money with the PalmPay USSD code?
Dial *861# from the phone number linked to your PalmPay account, select Transfer in the menu, then enter the recipient's account number, bank code, and amount. Use the menu only — no consistent direct shortcut exists for every destination bank. Confirm with your PalmPay USSD PIN.
How do I check my PalmPay account balance with USSD?
Dial *861# from the phone number linked to your account, then select "Balance" in the USSD menu. Direct shortcuts vary across sources and customer tiers; the menu is the always-correct method.
What is the PalmPay code to buy airtime?
Dial *861# and select "Airtime purchase" from the USSD menu.
Why is my PalmPay USSD code not working?
Common causes: (1) you are dialling from a number not linked to the account (bank USSD only works from the registered phone number); (2) the bank's USSD service is not activated on your account (visit a branch or activate via the app); (3) weak network signal — retry with better coverage; (4) insufficient telco airtime balance to pay the USSD session fee; (5) the code has changed — dial *861# and use the menu, or contact PalmPay to confirm the current code.
Are PalmPay USSD transfers safe?
Yes, when used correctly. NEVER share your PalmPay USSD PIN with anyone — including someone claiming to be a bank agent. PalmPay will never ask for your PIN via call, SMS, email, or WhatsApp. Lock your SIM card (SIM PIN) so a phone thief can't access USSD. If your phone is lost or stolen, call PalmPay immediately to block USSD.
How much does a USSD transfer cost on PalmPay?
Two charges stack: (1) ~₦6.98 USSD session fee from your telco (NCC regulation); (2) the bank's transfer fee + EMTL stamp duty ₦50 on transfers of ₦10,000+ (deducted from the SENDER since January 2026). So a ₦5,000 transfer is essentially the USSD session fee only; a ₦20,000 transfer adds the ₦50 EMTL.