GTBank adopts new USSD billing model, airtime now required for transactions from June 18.
₦6.98 fee moves from bank deductions to airtime charges, following NCC-CBN directive.
NewsKobo.com earlier reported that Nigerian banks have shifted USSD charges to airtime following a directive from the NCC.
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has announced the implementation of a new billing system for USSD transactions, stating that from June 18, 2025, the ₦6.98 charge per session will be deducted directly from customers’ airtime balances instead of their bank accounts.
The bank confirmed this change in a message sent to customers, stating:
“Dear Customer, please be informed that effective 18 June 2025, the N6.98 USSD fee will be deducted from your airtime balance, no longer from your bank account. Thank you.”
This update is in line with a regulatory directive jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The directive was part of a broader move to resolve the longstanding dispute between telecom operators and financial institutions regarding unpaid USSD service charges.
The dispute, which had led to tensions and threats of USSD service disruptions in the past, revolved around who should bear the cost of facilitating USSD banking services, banks or telecom operators. The new model shifts the billing responsibility squarely onto the end-user via their airtime, a decision expected to ease pressure on banks while ensuring telcos are paid for their infrastructure and service provision.
GTBank now joins several other banks in adopting this revised billing structure, signaling a coordinated shift in the operational framework of Nigeria’s digital banking system. For millions of Nigerians who rely on USSD banking, this change means that having sufficient airtime is now essential to initiate transfers, check balances, or pay bills using the *737# code or other USSD platforms.
This development marks a significant evolution in the country’s financial technology landscape, particularly for users in rural and low-internet areas where USSD remains the most accessible banking channel.
Although the ₦6.98 fee has been a standard charge for USSD sessions for some time, it was previously deducted from users’ bank accounts, making it less visible. The shift to airtime billing may make the cost more apparent to users and could impact transaction behavior, especially among low-income customers.
Industry experts believe this could drive more transparency in digital banking charges while ensuring that telecom operators are properly compensated for their role in powering USSD services. However, critics argue that the new model could further burden consumers already facing high costs of living.
The NCC and CBN, in their joint directive, noted that the change would ensure sustainability and eliminate future disputes between stakeholders. The agencies also emphasized the need to balance financial inclusion goals with service provider viability.
Customers are now advised to ensure they have sufficient airtime before initiating USSD transactions, as insufficient airtime could result in failed transactions or service denial.
The implementation of this new model highlights the growing complexity of digital banking in Nigeria, where infrastructure, regulation, and consumer needs must be carefully balanced to drive inclusion and innovation.
As the new USSD billing structure takes effect, GTBank and other financial institutions are expected to continue sensitizing customers while monitoring the impact on service adoption and user experience.
