Sterling Bank USSD Code: Transfer, Balance & Airtime (*822#)
Sterling Bank's USSD code is *822#. Dial it to transfer money, check your balance, buy airtime, and pay bills without internet. To transfer: dial *822# 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 *822# and use the menu, or confirm with Sterling Bank.
Sterling Bank USSD codes — reference
| Operation | Method (always correct) | Direct shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Base code (USSD) | Dial *822# | *822# |
| Transfer | Dial *822#, then select Transfer from the menu | — menu only |
| Balance | Dial *822#, then select Balance from the menu | — menu only |
| Airtime | Dial *822#, then select Airtime purchase from the menu | — menu only |
How do I transfer money with the Sterling Bank USSD code?
- Dial *822# from the phone number linked to your Sterling Bank 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 Sterling Bank USSD PIN to confirm.
Why is the Sterling Bank USSD code not working?
- Wrong phone number : bank USSD only works from the phone number linked to your Sterling Bank account. If you've changed your number, update your bank profile first.
- USSD service not activated : new accounts — activate Sterling Bank 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 *822# and use the menu — the menu always reflects current operations, unlike an old direct shortcut. Contact Sterling Bank to confirm.
Fees and security
USSD fees : ~N6.98 USSD session fee + bank fees. 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 Sterling Bank USSD PIN with anyone — including someone claiming to be a bank agent. Sterling Bank 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 Sterling Bank immediately to block USSD.
Note : All sub-operations via menu.
Other Sterling Bank codes & resources
Compare with other Nigerian banks
Frequently asked questions
How do I transfer money with the Sterling Bank USSD code?
Dial *822# from the phone number linked to your Sterling Bank 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 Sterling Bank USSD PIN.
How do I check my Sterling Bank account balance with USSD?
Dial *822# 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 Sterling Bank code to buy airtime?
Dial *822# and select "Airtime purchase" from the USSD menu.
Why is my Sterling Bank 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 *822# and use the menu, or contact Sterling Bank to confirm the current code.
Are Sterling Bank USSD transfers safe?
Yes, when used correctly. NEVER share your Sterling Bank USSD PIN with anyone — including someone claiming to be a bank agent. Sterling Bank 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 Sterling Bank immediately to block USSD.
How much does a USSD transfer cost on Sterling Bank?
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.