Polaris Bank is a leading commercial bank in Nigeria that offers a wide range of financial services to individuals and businesses. Like other banks, Polaris Bank has several USSD codes that customers can use to access their accounts and carry out transactions via mobile phones.
What is USSD?
USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. It is a protocol used by GSM mobile phones to communicate with service providers using short codes. USSD codes provide a menu-based interface that allows users to access services quickly without having to use mobile data or install applications.
With USSD, customers can carry out several banking transactions by simply dialing a code on their phones and following menu prompts. Some common uses of USSD codes include:
- Checking account balances
- Transferring funds between accounts
- Paying bills
- Buying airtime
- Performing mini statements
USSD codes provide a convenient way to access banking services rapidly using only a basic GSM phone, without smartphones or internet connectivity.
Benefits of Using Polaris Bank USSD Codes
Here are some of the top benefits of using Polaris Bank USSD codes:
- Convenience – USSD codes allow customers to bank on-the-go without internet access or smartphones. Transactions can be completed conveniently and rapidly.
- Works on all networks – Polaris Bank USSD codes work seamlessly across all major mobile networks in Nigeria including MTN, Airtel, 9Mobile and Glo.
- No data required – USSD transactions do not require mobile internet or data. As long as you have call credit, you can carry out banking with USSD codes.
- User-friendly – USSD menus have a simple prompts and options. Customers can easily navigate and complete transactions.
- Secure – USSD codes provide a secure way to bank since no apps are downloaded. Customers get transaction receipts promptly for record keeping.
- 24/7 availability – You can access Polaris Bank USSD services anytime as they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to Use Polaris Bank USSD Codes
Using Polaris Bank USSD codes to access your account or make transactions is quite straightforward. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
- On your mobile phone, dial the appropriate USSD code for the transaction you want to perform. The main Polaris Bank USSD code is *833*0#.
- Follow the prompt and input your account number when required.
- Next, input your PIN number or verification details as requested.
- You will then be presented with various menu options for the transactions available via USSD on Polaris Bank.
- Navigate the menu by inputting the number or option for the specific transaction you wish to complete.
- Input any other details required such as amount, account numbers, bills, meters etc.
- Confirm the transaction when prompted.
- You will get a notification showing the transaction was completed successfully.
- Keep the reference or transaction ID for records.
That’s it! By following these simple steps you can conveniently access and manage your Polaris Bank account using USSD codes.
Types of Polaris Bank USSD Codes
Polaris Bank has designed various USSD codes to cater for the different needs of customers. Here are some of the main USSD codes and their uses:
| USSD Code | Use |
|---|---|
| *833*0# | Main account access code |
| *833*1*1# | Check account balance |
| *833*4*1# | Transfer funds |
| *833*12# | Stop cheque |
| *833*11# | Airtime purchase |
| *833*6*1# | Pay bills (DSTV, PHCN, GoTV etc) |
| *833*7*1# | Mini statement |
| *833*5*1# | Change PIN |
Customers can dial the appropriate code above to access and complete various transactions easily. The main account access code *833*0# opens up the menu for all the different options.
How to Check Polaris Bank Account Balance via USSD
Checking your account balance is fast and straightforward via USSD. Simply follow these steps:
- On your phone, dial *833*1*1# to access the account balance menu.
- Select the account you want to check by inputting 1 for savings or 2 for current account.
- Input your 10-digit account number followed by #.
- Enter your account PIN.
- Your account balance will display on the screen.
The whole process takes less than a minute. You can check your balance multiple times daily to stay updated.
How to Transfer Money via Polaris Bank USSD
Transferring funds to another Polaris Bank account using USSD is very convenient. Follow these simple steps:
- Dial *833*4*1# to access the funds transfer menu
- Select 1 for Polaris to Polaris transfer or 2 for Polaris to Other Banks transfer
- Input your 10-digit account number followed by #
- Input your PIN
- Input the destination account number followed by #
- Input the amount you want to transfer followed by #
- Input the description followed by #
- Input 1 to complete the transfer
- You will get a transaction notification confirming the transfer is successful.
The funds will reflect in the recipient’s account immediately for Polaris to Polaris transfers. For transfers to other banks, funds reflect within 24 hours.
How to Check Polaris Bank Mini Statement via USSD
To check your last 5 transactions via USSD mini statement:
- Dial *833*7*1#
- Select account by inputting 1 for savings or 2 for current
- Input your 10-digit account number
- Input your PIN
- Your last 5 transactions will display with dates and descriptions.
The mini statement provides a quick way to monitor account activities and transactions on the go via USSD without visiting the branch.
How to Pay Bills via Polaris Bank USSD
Polaris Bank USSD provides a convenient way to pay your utility bills, cable TV subscriptions, school fees and other payments. To pay bills:
- Dial *833*6*1# to access bill payment menu
- Select biller by inputting code, e.g. 8 for DSTV, 12 for PHCN
- Input your 10-digit account number
- Enter your PIN
- Input meter number, customer ID or account number of service you are paying
- Input amount and press 1 to confirm
- You will receive a notification confirming the bill payment is successful.
With Polaris Bank USSD, paying your utility and service bills is completed in minutes from wherever you are.
How to Purchase Airtime on Polaris Bank via USSD
Recharging your mobile airtime is easy with Polaris Bank’s USSD codes. Just follow these steps:
- Dial *833*11# to access airtime purchase menu
- Input your 10-digit account number
- Enter your account PIN
- Select your network by inputting code (1 for MTN, 2 for 9Mobile etc)
- Enter the airtime amount and press 1 to continue
- Input the mobile number to fund airtime for
- You will receive an SMS confirming airtime crediting.
You can now easily buy airtime for yourself, family or employees conveniently via Polaris Bank USSD.
How to Change your Polaris Bank PIN via USSD
If you need to change your account PIN, simply dial *833*5*1# to access the change PIN menu.
- Input your 10-digit account number and press #
- Enter your old PIN
- Input your new 4-digit PIN
- Confirm your new PIN
- You will receive an SMS confirming your PIN change is successful.
It is advisable to change your PIN periodically for security purposes. Avoid using predictable number combinations for your PIN.
Polaris Bank USSD Transaction Charges
Polaris Bank offers USSD services to customers at very affordable transaction rates:
| Transaction | Charge |
|---|---|
| Balance inquiry | Free |
| Intra-bank transfers | N50 per transaction |
| Inter-bank transfers | N50 per transaction |
| Bill payments | N50 per transaction |
| Airtime purchase | Free |
| Mini statement | Free |
| PIN change | Free |
Polaris Bank does not charge for balance inquiries, mini statements, airtime purchase and PIN change. A flat fee of N50 applies to funds transfers and bill payments which is very reasonable.
How to Resolve Polaris Bank USSD Service Issues
While Polaris Bank USSD codes provide a seamless service, users may occasionally encounter some issues. Here is how to resolve the common USSD problems:
Unable to Connect to the Bank’s USSD Service
If you dial a USSD code and get a message like “Unable to connect”, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure you have sufficient airtime and call credit on your mobile line.
- Confirm the USSD code you are dialing is correct.
- Retry dialing the USSD code after some time as the network could be busy.
- Move to location with better network reception and retry.
Incorrect Account Number or PIN Error
Receiving an invalid account number or PIN error implies you are entering a wrong number. To resolve:
- Double check and enter your account number carefully.
- Confirm your PIN is correct or reset it if forgotten.
Transaction Declined or Failed Message
If your USSD transaction like funds transfer fails, you may see a decline/failure message. Some solutions include:
- Your account balance is insufficient for the transfer amount. Fund your account.
- You entered a wrong payee account number. Re-enter the correct details.
- Your account has been temporarily blocked. Contact customer care.
How to Contact Polaris Bank Customer Service
Reach out to Polaris Bank customer care via the following channels if your USSD issues remain unresolved:
- [email protected] – Email
- 0700coomber – WhatsApp
- +234 1 270 8899 – Customer care phone line
- @Polarisbanklimited – Facebook
- @polarisbankltd – Twitter
The customer service agents will assist to address your concerns and ensure your USSD service functions seamlessly.
Conclusion
Polaris Bank offers an excellent USSD banking platform that enables customers to conveniently transact on-the-go. The various USSD codes available cater for a wide range of services including balance inquiry, funds transfers, airtime top-up, bill payments and more. Customers can bank speedily using only basic phones without internet.
To enjoy seamless USSD banking with Polaris, ensure you have sufficient call credit, memorize the codes, input details accurately and contact customer care if any challenges arise. Overall, Polaris Bank USSD eliminates the stress of having to visit branches for routine transactions.
