How to buy airtime and data from Ecobank Nigeria

In the modern day, technology has made it easier for people to carry out transactions from the comfort of their homes. One of the transactions that can now be done easily is buying airtime and data. Ecobank Nigeria, one of the leading banks in the country, has made it possible for their customers to buy airtime and data directly from their bank accounts.

This allows account holders to easily top up their mobile phones and buy data bundles without having to visit a physical store or stand in long queues.

This article aims to guide users through the process of buying airtime and data from Ecobank Nigeria’s and how to register for ussd code

Read: How to register for Ecobank internet banking and mobile App

Features:

Purchase airtime and data through various channels including the Ecobank Mobile App, USSD code (*326#), Internet Banking, and ATMs.
Airtime and data are credited to your phone instantly after a successful transaction.
Buy airtime and data for yourself or send it to friends and family.
Recharge airtime and data for various networks like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.
Access these services anytime, day or night.
Enjoy secure and encrypted transactions to protect your financial information.
Choose from a variety of data bundle options to suit your needs and budget.

Benefits:

The multiple channels offer flexibility and eliminate the need to physically purchase airtime or data cards, saving time and effort.
The instant top-up feature ensures you or your recipient can stay connected without any delays.
The service is available 24/7, allowing you to purchase airtime and data whenever needed.
Ecobank typically doesn’t charge additional fees for airtime and data purchases, offering cost savings compared to some third-party vendors.
You can easily track your airtime and data purchases through transaction history and statements.
Choose the data bundle that best fits your usage patterns and budget.

Table of Contents

How to register for ecobank ussd code

To register for Ecobank USSD code, follow these steps:

Dial *326# on your mobile phone (available in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and other Ecobank operating countries).

Select option 1 to register for USSD banking.

Enter your Ecobank account number or Enter your debit card number (optional).

Create a 4-digit PIN to secure your USSD transactions.
Re-enter the PIN to confirm.

Confirm your registration details.
You will receive a confirmation message with your USSD profile details.

How to buy Airtime from Ecobank

There are several convenient ways to buy airtime from Ecobank, depending on your preference and access to technology. To buy airtime directly from your Ecobank account using USSD, follow these steps:

For Yourself:

Dial *326*Amount# on your mobile phone linked to your Ecobank account.
- Replace “Amount” with the desired airtime value you want to purchase.
- For example, to buy ₦500 airtime, dial* 326*500#.
Input your Ecobank USSD PIN to authorize the transaction. This is the same PIN you use for the Ecobank Mobile App
The purchased airtime will be instantly credited to your phone number. You’ll also receive a confirmation message.

For Others:

Dial *326*PhoneNumber*Amount# on your mobile phone.
- Replace “PhoneNumber” with the 11-digit phone number you want to recharge.
- Replace “Amount” with the desired airtime value.
- For example, to buy ₦1000 airtime for 08012345678, dial 326*08012345678*1000#.
Input your Ecobank USSD PIN to authorize the transaction
The purchased airtime will be instantly credited to the recipient’s phone number. You’ll also receive a confirmation message.

2. Ecobank Mobile App:

This is arguably the most user-friendly and feature-rich option.
Download and install the Ecobank Mobile app from your app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store).
Log in to the app using your credentials.
Navigate to the “Airtime & Bills” or “Buy Airtime” section.
Select the network provider (e.g., MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile).
Enter the phone number you want to top up and the desired amount.
Confirm the transaction using your PIN or biometrics.
The airtime will be credited instantly.

3. Internet Banking:

Suitable if you prefer using a computer.
Log in to Ecobank Internet Banking.
Navigate to the “Airtime & Bills” or “Payments” section.
Select the network provider, enter the phone number and amount.
Authorize the transaction using your token or other security device.
The airtime will be credited to the specified number.

4. ATM:

A traditional option if you’re near an Ecobank ATM.
Insert your debit card and enter your PIN.
Select “Airtime Top-up” or a similar option from the menu.
Choose the network provider, enter the phone number and amount.
Confirm the transaction.
The airtime will be credited, and you may receive a receipt.

How to Buy Data from Ecobank

There are a few ways to purchase data bundles from Ecobank, catering to different preferences and accessibility:

1. Ecobank Mobile App:

This is arguably the most user-friendly and comprehensive method.
Download and install the Ecobank Mobile app from your app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store).
Log in to the app using your credentials.
Navigate to the “Airtime & Bills” or “Buy Data” section.
Select the network provider (e.g., MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile).
Choose the desired data bundle from the available options.
Enter the phone number you want to top up.
Confirm the transaction using your PIN or biometrics.
The data bundle will be credited instantly.

2. USSD Code:

This is a quick and easy option, particularly useful if you don’t have internet access.
Dial *326# from your registered mobile number.
Follow the prompts to select “Data Purchase”.
Choose the network provider and select the desired data bundle.
Enter the phone number you want to top up.
Confirm the transaction with your PIN.
The data bundle will be credited immediately.

3. Internet Banking:

Suitable if you prefer using a computer.
Log in to Ecobank Internet Banking.
Navigate to the “Airtime & Bills” or “Payments” section.
Select the “Buy Data” option.
Choose the network provider and the desired data bundle.
Enter the phone number.
Authorize the transaction using your token or other security device.
The data bundle will be credited to the specified number.

Pay attention: How to check EcoBank account balance

How to transfer money from ecobank

There are several ways to transfer money from your Ecobank account, depending on your preference and the recipient’s bank:. You can transfer money to Ecobank and other banks using Ecobank USSD code in the following ways:

Transfer to Ecobank Accounts:

Dial *326# from your registered phone number
Select the “Transfer Money” option.
Choose “Ecobank Account”
Enter the recipient’s 10-digit Ecobank account number.
Enter the amount you want to transfer.
Confirm the details and enter your 4-digit PIN to authorize the transaction.

Transfer to Other Banks:

Dial *326# from your registered phone number
Select the “Transfer Money” option.
Choose “Other Banks”
Enter the recipient’s 10-digit account number.
Select the recipient’s bank from the list.
Enter the amount you want to transfer.
Confirm the details and enter your 4-digit PIN to authorize the transaction.

2. Ecobank Mobile App:

Within Ecobank:
- Open the Ecobank Mobile app and log in.
- Navigate to the “Transfers” or “Send Money” section.
- Choose “Ecobank Transfer” or a similar option.
- Enter the recipient’s Ecobank account number and the amount.
- Confirm the details and authenticate with your PIN or biometrics.
To Other Banks (Nigeria):
- Follow the same steps as above but choose “Transfer to other banks” or a similar option.
- Provide the recipient’s bank, account number, and amount.
- Confirm and authenticate the transaction.

- Confirm with your PIN.

3. Internet Banking:

Log in to Ecobank Internet Banking.
Go to the “Transfers” or “Payments” section.
Choose the appropriate transfer type (within Ecobank, other banks, or international).
Enter the recipient’s details and amount.
Authorize the transaction using your token or other security device.

4. ATM:

Insert your Ecobank card into any Ecobank ATM.
Enter your PIN.
Select “Transfer” or a similar option.
Choose the transfer type and enter the recipient’s details.
Confirm the transaction.

How to block Eco Bank ussd code and card

To block your Ecobank USSD code and card, follow these steps:

Dial *326*911# from your registered mobile phone.
Choose the option, to “Block your account and card.”
You’ll be asked to confirm that you want to block your account and card.
You should receive a confirmation message indicating that your account and card have been successfully blocked.

Ecobank bank cardless withdrawal

Ecobank’s cardless withdrawal service is primarily called Xpress Cash. You can initiate it through both their USSD code and mobile app:

*Using the USSD Code (326#):

*Dial 326# on your phone (linked to your Ecobank account).
Select “Xpress Cash” from the menu (option numbers may vary).
Choose “Withdraw Cash”
Input the desired withdrawal amount.
If you have multiple accounts, choose the one to debit.
Use your Ecobank ussd PIN (NOT your ATM card PIN)
You’ll get an 8-digit code on your phone, this is your e-Token.

Withdraw Cash at ATM:

Go to the ATM: Any Ecobank ATM will work.
Choose “Xpress Cash” on the ATM screen.
Enter e-Token and your phone number.
Withdraw your cash.

How to pay bills from ecobank

There are several convenient methods to pay your bills from your Ecobank account:

1. Ecobank Mobile App:

This is the most popular and user-friendly method.
Download and install the Ecobank Mobile app from your app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store).
Log in to the app using your credentials.
Navigate to the “Bills Payment” or “Pay Bills” section.
Select the biller category (e.g., electricity, cable TV, internet, etc.).
Choose the specific biller and enter the required details (e.g., customer ID, account number).
Enter the amount you wish to pay.
Confirm the transaction with your PIN or biometrics.
Your bill will be paid instantly.

2. USSD Code:

This is a quick and easy option, especially if you don’t have internet access.
Dial *326# from your registered mobile number
Follow the prompts to select “Pay Bills.”
Choose the biller category and then the specific biller.
Enter the required details and amount.
Confirm the transaction with your PIN.

3. Internet Banking:

Suitable if you prefer using a computer.
Log in to Ecobank Internet Banking.
Go to the “Bills Payment” or “Payments” section.
Select the biller category and choose the specific biller.
Provide the necessary details and enter the payment amount.
Authorize the transaction using your token or other security device.

List of Ecobank USSD Codes

Ecobank Transaction	USSD Code
To open an Xpress save account	*326#
For Xpress loan	*326#
To reset PIN	*326#
Airtime Top-up for self	326Amount#
Airtime Top-up for others	326 Amount*Phone Number#
Check Balance	3260#
Pay bills	326 choose the option to pay bill#

Frequently asked questions and answers

What is the Ecobank USSD code?
- The main Ecobank USSD code is *326#.
What services can I access using the Ecobank USSD code?
- Balance Inquiry
- Transfers (to Ecobank and other banks)
- Airtime purchase
- Data purchase
- Bill payments
- Cardless cash withdrawals
- Account opening
- Mini statement
- PIN change
Do I need an internet connection to use the Ecobank USSD code?
- No, you don’t need an internet connection. Ecobank USSD works on basic feature phones and smartphones without data.
What networks support the Ecobank USSD code?
- It works on all major networks in Nigeria, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.
Are there any charges for using the Ecobank USSD code?
- Standard USSD charges from your network provider may apply. Also, some transactions like transfers to other banks may incur a small fee.

Registration & PIN

How do I register for Ecobank USSD?
- If you’re an existing Ecobank customer:
  - Dial *326#
  - Select “3. Attach Mobile Number to account”
  - Follow the prompts to link your phone number
- If you’re a new customer:
  - Dial *326#
  - Select “1. Open Xpress account”
  - Follow the prompts to open an account and register for USSD
What if I forget my USSD PIN?
- You can reset your PIN through the Ecobank Mobile App or by contacting Ecobank customer care.

Transfers

How to transfer money to another Ecobank account?
- Dial *326*1*Amount*Account Number#
How to transfer money to other banks?
- Dial* 326*2*AmountAccount Number#
- Select the recipient’s bank from the list provided
What are the transfer limits?
- The daily maximum transfer limit using the USSD code is N100,000 (N20,000 per transaction) while for airtime recharge the daily maximum limit is N20,000.

How to buy airtime?
- For Self: *326*Amount#
- For Others: *326*PhoneNumber*Amount#
How to buy data?
- Dial *326#, select “Airtime & Data,” then choose “Buy Data” and follow the prompts.
How to pay bills?
- Dial *326*3# and select the biller category and provider, then follow the prompts.
How to do a cardless withdrawal?
- Dial *326#, select “Xpress Cash,” then “Withdraw Cash” and follow the instructions.

What if a USSD transaction fails?
- Check your network connection and try again. If the problem persists, contact Ecobank customer care.
Is it safe to use Ecobank USSD?
- Yes, it’s secure, but keep your PIN confidential and be cautious of phishing attempts.
How to block my Ecobank account/card using USSD?
- Dial *326*911# and follow the prompts.

Bottom line

Buying airtime and data from Ecobank offers numerous benefits for customers, including convenience, accessibility, financial management, rewards, security, cost-effectiveness, and support for digital innovation. By leveraging on this platform for airtime and data purchases, customers can enjoy a seamless banking experience

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Meet Ogbeide Frank, also known as Perere, a blogger passionate about writing on finance and technology. He studied Business Administration at Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma and Mobile Communication at Orange College in Malaysia. Frank has experience working as a banker and consultant for various agencies in Nigeria.