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SmartCash is a Payment Service Bank (PSB) launched by Airtel Africa to provide financial services to underbanked and unbanked populations in Nigeria. The Airtel's product is mobile-wallet operating under the license of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) via its Payment Service Bank arm.
You can use it to send and receive money, buy airtime and data, pay bills, withdraw cash via agents. All these are for the purpose of bridging the financial divide in the country. In addition to the mobile wallet access via the Airtel's SmartCash app, the basic banking services can also be access via USSD.
The main purpose of this article is to teach you how to open Airtel's SmartCash account in Nigeria. It has been observed that many under-banked demographics in Nigeria are older people in rural areas. These sets of people are mostly uneducated, and opening such a banking app—especially submitting their documents for KYC—can be complicated.
How to open the account
There are two methods register an Airtel's Smartcash account in Nigeria: via USSD and via the SmartCash App. Just follow either of the methods to create your account and verify your KYC.
Method 1: Via USSD
The USSD method for opening an Airtel's SmartCash account doesn't require a smartphone or internet connection. All you need to do is insert your Airtel SIM in a mobile phone and dial *939# to start the registration.
Next, select the “Register An Account” option, and enter your personal details—such as your name, date of birth, and your bank verification number (NVN). Note, the date on your BVN must be the same with the one you entered while creating the account.
Next, create a 4-digit PIN and you're done creating your Airtel's Smartcash account. Your wallet is now activated and ready for use. Meanwhile, it's worth noting that the account created via USSD is limited because you've not completed your KYC verification.
The KYC verification process cannot be via USSD; you can only complete your KYC via SmartCash app. Until your KYC is complete, the account will be limited to N50,000 transfer per day, and maximum of N200,000 accumulated balance.
Method 2: Via the SmartCash App
- Download the “SmartCash PSB” app from Google Play or Apple App Store.
- Open the app, tap Create Account.
- Enter your Airtel number and verify it via OTP sent to the number.
- Next, fill in your personal info such as full legal names as they appear on your BVN and NIN, Date of Birth, Age and home address.
- After that, setup your 4-digit PIN for transactions.
Once done, you can use the wallet from the app. But to upgrade your SmartCash account to the highest limit—N5,000,000 transfers per day and unlimited balance—you'll need to complete your KYC on the app. To do that, you'll need to submit your NIN, BVN, and Proof of Address.
It's also worth noting that you must be 18 years or older to use the Airtel's Smartcash account/app. If you're not up-to that age, you can ask your parents to create one for you for the purpose of parental control on spending limits.
Airtel's SmartCash FAQs
How to use Airtel Smartcash bonus?
The Airtel SmartCash bonus can be used just like regular money in your SmartCash wallet. Once you receive the bonus, you can use it to buy airtime or data, pay bills, or make transfers to other SmartCash users directly through the SmartCash app or by dialing *939#.
It's also worth noting that it's not all bonuses can be used directly like that. Some bonuses may have specific conditions, such as being valid only for certain types of transactions or within a limited time frame. So, it's wise to check the bonus terms in the SmartCash app to know how to use it.
How to delete my Smartcash account?
To close your SmartCash PSB account, make sure your wallet balance is zero naira. You can transfer or withdraw all funds in it, otherwise, you'll not be allowed to delete the account. Once all the money has been removed, then contact the SmartCash PSB via their official customer-service channel—through email or phone call—and request account closure.
You can contact Airtel's SmartCash customer service through any of these channels: phone: 09125 939 939, 📧 email: customerservice@smartcashpsb.ng, and📱 Social Media: X/Twitter: @smartcashpsb.
I forgot my SmartCash PIN — what should I do?
If you forget your SmartCash PIN, you can easily reset it through the SmartCash app or USSD code. To reset via USSD, dial *939#, select “Reset PIN,” and follow the prompts to verify your identity using your registered phone number or security details.
If you’re using the SmartCash app, open it, tap “Forgot PIN,” and follow the on-screen steps to reset it with an OTP sent to your Airtel line. If you can’t reset it yourself or face issues, contact SmartCash customer care at 09125 939 939 or email customerservice@smartcashpsb.ng for assistance.
What is Smartcash customer care whatsapp number?
Currently, Airtel's SmartCash has not announced or released any official WhatsApp number, group, or channel. The only official contact details listed and verified are a phone number: 09125-939-939 and an email: customerservice@smartcashpsb.ng. You can submit your questions and inquiries through these channels.
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