How to check your Account Limit
In today’s digital age, understanding your bank account limit is crucial for efficient financial management. Every bank account in Nigeria comes with transaction limits, which define how much you can deposit, withdraw, or transfer within a day, week, or month. These limits vary depending on the account type, and verification status of the customer.
However, a significant number of Nigerians—especially students, young entrepreneurs, petty traders, rural dwellers, and newly employed graduates—do not yet possess a National ID or NIN slip. For these individuals, the absence of formal identification can seem like a barrier to participating fully in the financial system, including saving money, receiving salaries, or accessing digital payment services.
This is part of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, aimed at promoting financial security, reducing fraud, and ensuring accountability in the banking system.
Fortunately, it is still possible to open a bank account in Nigeria without a National ID, thanks to the CBN’s tiered account system.
Banks offer entry-level accounts with minimal documentation requirements, designed to promote financial inclusion and give everyone access to basic banking services. These accounts, often referred to as Tier 1 or basic accounts, allow users to perform essential banking transactions, albeit with some limitations on transaction limits, account balance, and access to advanced banking services.
This guide provides a step-by-step approach to checking your bank account limit in Nigeria, explains the types of limits imposed, and offers tips on increasing limits if necessary.
A bank account limit is the maximum amount of money you can transact within a specific period. It can apply to:
- Daily withdrawal limit – the maximum amount you can withdraw from ATMs or tellers per day.
- Daily transfer limit – the maximum amount you can send to another bank account per day.
- Monthly transaction limit – the maximum cumulative value of transactions allowed in a month.
Banks impose limits to:
- Protect customers from fraud and unauthorized transactions.
- Comply with regulatory requirements set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
- Manage operational risk and ensure smooth service delivery.
Factors Affecting Your Account Limit
Several factors determine your account limit, including:
Account Type
- Tier 1 accounts (basic accounts) have lower limits and are designed for financial inclusion.
- Tier 2 accounts allow higher limits after partial verification.
- Tier 3 accounts (fully verified with NIN and official ID) enjoy the highest limits.
Bank Policies. : Each bank sets its own policies. For example, GTBank, Access Bank, and Zenith Bank may have slightly different limits for similar account types.
Channel of Transaction
- ATM withdrawals may have daily limits.
- Internet or mobile banking may have higher limits for transfers.
- POS payments are often capped per transaction or day.
- Accounts without a National ID or BVN will have restricted limits.
- Fully verified accounts can transact larger sums safely.
How to Check Your Bank Account Limit
Checking your account limit in Nigeria can be done through various channels, including mobile apps, USSD codes, bank websites, and physical branch visits.
Using Mobile Banking Apps
Most Nigerian banks offer mobile banking apps that display account details, including limits. Here’s how:
Step 1: Download and log in to your bank’s mobile app (e.g., GTBank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, Kuda).
Step 2: Navigate to the account details or settings section.
Step 3: Look for “Transaction Limit,” “Account Limit,” or similar options.
Step 4: Check daily withdrawal, transfer, and deposit limits.
Using USSD Codes: If you do not have internet access, USSD codes are a reliable way to check your account limit.
Example:
GTBank: Dial *737# → Select “Account Services” → Select “Check Account Limit”
UBA: Dial *919# → Follow prompts for account limit inquiry
Access Bank: Dial *901# → Select “Account Services” → “Check Limit”
Contacting Customer Service: You can always call your bank’s customer care line to inquire about account limits. Provide:
- Your account number
- Full name
- Verification details
Customer service can provide exact limits for ATM withdrawals, transfers, POS payments, and online transactions.
Visiting a Bank Branch: Physical branch visits are still a reliable way to confirm your limits, especially for accounts with specific restrictions. Bring:
- A valid ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license)
- Bank Verification Number (BVN)
A bank officer can give you a complete breakdown of all limits and explain how to increase them if needed.
How to Increase Your Bank Account Limit
If your account limit is too low, you can increase it by:
- Upgrading Your Account
- Submit National ID or NIN
- Provide valid proof of address
- Complete any additional KYC requirements
Requesting Bank Approval: Some banks allow temporary or permanent limit increases on request.
- Call customer service or use your mobile app
- Using Multiple Channels : ATM, POS, and mobile transfers may have separate limits; spreading transactions can effectively increase your usable limit.
- Opening a Second Account: Some customers open a second account in the same bank or another bank to manage higher transaction volumes.
Key takeaways
- Exceeding Limits Can Cause Transaction Failures : Attempting to withdraw or transfer above your daily limit can result in failed transactions or temporary account blocks.
- Limits Are Updated Automatical : Banks review and adjust limits based on account activity, verification, and risk management
- Mobile Banking Limits Differ from ATM Limits: Always check each channel’s limit separately to avoid surprises.
- Digital Banks Often Offer Flexible Limits: Fintech banks may allow higher mobile transfer limits but lower ATM withdrawals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I check my account limit without visiting the bank?
Yes, you can use mobile apps, USSD codes, or customer care.
Q2: Does every transaction count toward my daily limit?
Yes, withdrawals, transfers, and POS payments usually count toward your daily transaction limit.
Q3: Can I increase my limit without upgrading my account?
Some banks allow temporary increases via request, but permanent increases usually require full verification.
Q4: Are limits the same for all banks?
No, each bank sets its own limits within CBN guidelines.
Q5: Do digital banks have lower limits than traditional banks?
Not necessarily. Some digital banks provide flexible limits, especially for mobile transfers, but ATM withdrawals may be restricted
Conclusion
By using mobile apps, USSD codes, internet banking, customer service, or visiting a branch, you can know your daily, monthly, and per-transaction limits.
Understanding these limits prevents failed transactions, account restrictions, and unexpected charges. Regularly monitoring and managing your limits ensures smooth banking operations, whether for personal use, salary collection, or business transactions.
With proper knowledge of your account limit, you can plan your finances efficiently, optimize transactions, and upgrade your account when needed to enjoy higher limits and additional banking privileges.
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