When someone asked me this question “how can I know my Smartcash account number?” I wonder that Smartcash allows the use of customers' Airtel phone number as their Nigeria Unified Bank Account Number (NUBAN). But he replied that even when people know their phone number is fundamentally their account number, the account number is still being searched for because of two main reasons:
- Non-Airtel Users Operating the Account
- SIM Swapped, Lost, or Changed Numbers
Now, I realized that as non-Airtel users—subscribers like MTN, GLO, or T2—can register a Smartcash account and a dedicated NUBAN will be linked to their e-wallet. In addition to that, if a Smartcash users lost their SIM, changed phone number, or their SIMs are swapped, they can forget the phone number they registered with and looking for ways to know it.
In fact, some people have multiple SIM cards and can't remember which one they used for SmartCash. With that being said, I'm going to walk you through the process of knowing your Smartcash account number again.
My Smartcash Account Number
A SmartCash PSB (Payment Service Bank) account number is directly linked to your registered phone number and it is typically represented as the 10-digit sequence omitting the leading zero of the phone number. The account operates within the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) infrastructure under the security and supervision of "SmartCash PSB", which hands the 10-digit NUBAN for successful transactions routing.
Unlike commercial banks that assign random, complex 10-digit NUBAN sequences to newly registered customers, SmartCash PSB relies on an identity-mapping model to assign account numbers to a users. Aside from other subscribers of other telecommunication companies like MTN and GLO, your account number is directly derived from your registered phone number immediately you create an account on the platform.
Meanwhile, you will also be NUBAN (bank-style account number) along side your Airtel phone number (without the first zero), and both can technically be used for receiving funds from any financial institutions in Nigeria. This hybrid model is known as one of the means fintech companies in Nigeria—like OPAY, Palmpay, and Moniepoint—are using to extend financial inclusion to the unbanked and underbanked.
Note: USSD codes and account formats are subject to change by each provider. Verify current codes via each platform's official app or customer service before relying on them.
The bank account hybrid model also helps to remove the cognitive load of "remembering a bank account number." It also reduces friction for users who are not comfortable sharing a phone number to unknown person. Bank-style NUBAN is a good idea for business transactions and the like. But if you want to receive money from family and friends, you can simply tell them to send it to your phone number.
3 Ways to Know your SmartCash Account Number
1. Dial the USSD Code
This is the most direct way to check your Smartcash account because it works without internet connection. So, if you don't have a smartphone, you can still know your account number through this method. To use this method, dial *939# from your registered Airtel line and input your USSD banking PIN. Next, your wallet balance and account numbers will be displayed on the screen.
However, it's important to note that you must have activated USSD banking for your account and set up USSD PIN before this method can work. If you've not, you may need in-app activation which would required you to download the Smartcash app from your smartphone's app store.
2. Check the SmartCash PSB app
If you still have access to your Smartcash app, you can simply check your account number on the app via your Android or iOS device by logging in and you will see the NUBAN on top of your wallet balance. The bank-style NUBAN will also be displayed alongside it with your account names. However, you will need to authenticate your session using your secure 4-digit transaction PIN or biometric access.
3. Review your registration SMS
When you first activate a SmartCash wallet, the platform sends a confirmation message containing your NUBAN. This message is worth saving, since digging through old SMS threads is far less convenient than the other two methods.
FAQs
Can I create a Smartcash account using MTN in Nigeria?
Yes, you can register a Smartcash account using other telecom phone numbers like MTN, GLO, and T2 Mobile. Although, Smartcash is powered by Airtel but it's not limited to onky Airtel customers.
How to Delete my Smartcash Account?
You cannot delete your Smartcash account without the help of the platform's support team. I mean, you will need to contact the Smartcash customer service representative and request for accout closure. You will be guided on how to achieve the deletion successfully.
Why is my Smartcash account barred?
There are several reasons your Smartcash account get barred or temporarily restricted. Few of them are entering multiple incorrect PIN, suspicious activities, or your account is reported. To find out why and how to unblock your account, you will need to contact the support team.
