Technology

What is a NUBAN and why every Nigerian account has 10 digits

The Nigeria Uniform Bank Account Number explained: how the 10 digits are built and why transfers fail when one digit is wrong.

Every bank account in Nigeria uses the same 10-digit format, known as the Nigeria Uniform Bank Account Number, or NUBAN. It was introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria so that account numbers from different banks would never clash.

How the number is built

The first nine digits are the account serial number. The tenth is a check digit calculated from the bank code and the serial number. If you mistype a single digit, the check digit usually no longer matches and the transfer is rejected before any money moves.

Why it matters when you receive payments

When a platform pays you, it sends money to the account number and bank you provide. Always double-check both, and make sure the account name matches the name on your profile.

Sources

  1. www.cbn.gov.ng/

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