What is the USSD?
The Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) is one of the features of mobile phones that has been adopted for financial inclusion. This tech service provides an opportunity to connect to the network without an internet connection. Instead, the service transmits data through the same GSM network channels for voice calls.

USSD codes are similar to SMS because they allow users to select options and respond with codes. Moreover, it has the advantage of better security and user experience. Service providers can also provide specific services with unique USSD codes.

In addition, USSD is familiar to smartphone users only because it works on any device, which makes it convenient for low-income earners too. So, when you pick a mobile phone and dial a string of numbers that starts with * and ends with ‘#,’ you have just used the USSD feature of the network.

Uses of USSD code
The USSD code helps users to perform many transactions without using access to the internet. For instance, customers can carry out banking transactions, including buying airtime, data, opening bank accounts, checking account balances, and transferring funds between banks. Apart from banking transactions, customers can also carry out non-financial transactions such as utility bills and buying solar products.

How do Payments with USSD work
As partners in the financial inclusion journey, mobile network operators are committed to finding easier ways to bring financial access to all. The registered subscribers on the mobile network can also now access financial and utility services via the mobile network provided by these MNOs. The USSD is the answer to a USSD payment gateway that customers can trust.

To use the USSD code for banking and non-banking operations, the customer does not need to go to the bank for registration. Instead, the journey begins and ends with the USSD code itself on your phone. To start using USSD on your phone, you will need your Biometric Verification Number (BVN) and your activated debit card from your bank.

Some standard banking services we have seen include fund savings, transfer, balance checking, and credit at scale. In addition, the available utility services include electricity, data/airtime recharge, and shopping or payments for solar. As a result, the MNOs can provide mobile payments without barriers through these financial and non-financial services.

USSD Code and Solar
To bring energy services to last-mile consumers, Infibranches partnered with Airtel SmartCash. This partnership allows Airtel subscribers to buy solar or make payments for solar with ease on their mobile phones. The approved USSD code is *939#.


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