PalmPay USSD Codes in Nigeria May 2026: Transfer, Airtime, Balance – Full Guide

Most people using PalmPay USSD codes are doing it wrong. This is not because they don’t know the *861# code, rather it is that they are using it for exactly the situations where it costs them the most. So they carry out repeated daily transactions, multiple airtime purchases, and bill payments every week.

Every session drains ₦6–₦7 from your account and 30 seconds from your day. Before you know it, you will have wasted some amount of money that could have served as airtime for these sessions. Well, that’s what this article aims to solve.

You will learn the exact codes, know when USSD actually makes sense, and see when you should stop using these PalmPay USSD codes entirely.

Quick Answer: What Is the PalmPay USSD Code?

The official PalmPay USSD code is *861#. Dial it from your registered phone number to:

• Send money (PalmPay or bank accounts).
• Buy airtime or data.
• Check your wallet balance.
• Pay bills.
• Secure your account.

This does not require the internet. All transactions are completed using your mobile network and confirmed with your USSD PIN.

Every PalmPay USSD Code in 2026 (Updated). 

This table shows every PalmPay USSD code you may need in 2026.

Service	Code/Path	Works on
Main Menu	*861#	All networks
Buy Airtime (Self)	*861Amount#	MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9Mobile (now, T2 Mobile)
Buy Airtime (Others)	*861Amount*PhoneNumber#	MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9Mobile (now, T2 Mobile)
Send Money	*861#, Select Transfers	PalmPay wallet + all banks
Check Balance	*861#, Select Balance	Instant
Buy Data	*861#, Select Data	All networks
Pay Bills	*861#, Select Pay Bills	Electricity, cable, and betting
Account Support	*861#, Select Support	Issue resolution

Very important: Use the SIM linked to your PalmPay account. Use any other SIM, and none of this works.

First-Time USSD Activation (90 Seconds)

If it is your first-time, you can activate the USSD code following these steps; 

1. Dial *861#
2. Follow prompts
3. Create a 4-digit PIN (not your account password)
4. Confirm

That PIN locks every transaction. Ensure you don’t lose it or share it with anyone.

How Each Code Actually Works.

Here is a breakdown of how each PalmPay USSD code works; 

1. Sending Money

If you want to send money, follow these prompts; 

• Dial *861#. 
• Click on Transfers.
• Choose wallet (PalmPay) or bank (if the recipient has an account).
• Enter recipient phone/account number
• Enter amount
• Confirm with PIN

2. Airtime

A lot of people want to recharge instantly and move on to other things. However, it’s advisable to exercise patience, especially while inputting the number for someone else, because a wrong number would mean the airtime goes to the wrong user. 

For yourself: 

• Dial *861500# (Replace 500 with your desired amount)

For someone else: 

• Dial *8611000*08012345678# (Replace amount and number)

3. Checking Balance

To check your balance; 

• Dial *861#
• Select Balance
• Enter PIN.

You see the exact balance within seconds.

4. Data Purchases

For your data purchase, 

• Dial *861# 
• Click on Data
• Select network
• Choose the plan
• Input your PIN.

You should note that the plans may vary by network.

5. Bill Payments

For the Bill payment, 

• Dial *861#
• Click on Pay Bills
• Select Electricity, Cable TV, Internet bundles, or Betting platforms.
• Insert the ID number for any of the bills. 
• Ensure you confirm the name is accurate. 
• Input your PIN.

Why Is PalmPay USSD Code Not Working (and Solutions)?

Here are possible reasons why your PalmPay USSD Code is not working; 

1. “Code Not Working”

You’re using the wrong SIM.

The solution: You have to switch to the number registered with your PalmPay account. That’s it.

2. “Invalid PIN” Error

You entered the wrong PIN 3+ times. Hence, the System has locked you out temporarily.

The solution: 

1. Dial *861#
2. Click on Forgot PIN
3. Click on Follow recovery. 

You can reset your PIN. However,  ensure you remember the PIN to avoid a repetition of the same error. 

3. Session Timeout (Halfway Through Transaction)

Most USSD sessions expire in less than 30 seconds. However, it’s understandable that there could be a network delay, and hence, your session times out.

What to do:

• Don’t retry immediately (you risk a duplicate charge)
• Wait 60 seconds
• Check the balance first
• Then retry

Another trick is to avoid peak hours (5-8 pm). You can try to use USSD between 10 am and 2 pm to enjoy a higher success rate.

4. Transaction Failed, but Money Left Your Account

While this is a rare situation, the money is still recoverable if you follow the steps below;

• Check balance (the actual amount)
• Wait 24 hours
• If money doesn’t return, contact PalmPay support with the transaction timestamp

They will track the situation, and you will get refunded.

When USSD Actually Makes Sense

Use USSD when:

• No internet available (your data is exhausted, WiFi is down)
• One quick transaction (buy airtime, check balance, send money once)
• Your app crashes mid-session, and you need backup access
• Network is unstable (USSD is more resilient than app-based transfers)

In those moments, USSD is exactly what you need. The problem starts when you use it for everything.

Frequently Asked Questions About Palmpay USSD Codes in Nigeria.

Here are the frequently asked questions about Palmpay USSD Codes in Nigeria; 

Question 1: *Is 861# the official code? 

Yes, *861# is the official PalmPay code in Nigeria.

Question 2: Can I use USSD on any SIM? 

No, you can only use it on the SIM registered to your account.

Question 3: What if I’m outside Nigeria? 

USSD is Nigeria-only. Use the app if traveling.

Question 4: Can I transfer to accounts I don’t recognize? 

Yes, but you’re responsible for accuracy. Ensure you double-check before confirming.

Question 5: Can I reset my PIN? 

Yes. All you have to do is dial *861#, click on Support, and click on Forgot PIN.

Question 6: Is USSD actually cheaper than the app? 

No, it is not cheaper than the app, as the same transaction fees apply. However, USSD just adds session charges on top.

Conclusion

PalmPay USSD codes work. They are fast, simple, and reliable when you need to move money or buy airtime without internet. However, it’s important to know how the system works to enjoy a quality network experience. With *861#, you can go ahead with any transaction you want. 

Reference;

PalmPay USSD Codes in Nigeria (2026) – Ricki

PalmPay USSD Codes in Nigeria (2026) – Koyn  

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