Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has started deducting the ₦6.98 USSD transaction fee from customers’ mobile airtime balances instead of their bank accounts, in compliance with a new directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The new billing model took effect Wednesday, June 18, 2025, according to a message sent by the bank to its customers:
“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.”
The change follows a nationwide regulatory mandate aimed at resolving a prolonged dispute between banks and telecom operators over unpaid USSD service fees, which reportedly reached ₦250 billion by 2024.
Previously, banks were deducting the fee directly from customers’ accounts and often delaying payments to telcos despite using their infrastructure. This led to service disruptions and growing debt.
The NCC and CBN have now implemented an End-User Billing model, which requires:
- All USSD transaction fees to be deducted from users’ mobile airtime
- Banks to clear all historical debts owed to telcos
- Customers to receive a prompt for consent at the start of each session before the charge is made
What GTBank Customers Should Expect
- ₦6.98 fee will now be charged only if customers have sufficient airtime
- Customers will receive a pop-up prompt at the start of the USSD session
- Deductions from bank accounts will no longer happen
This model is designed to enhance billing transparency, improve customer trust, and remove unfair cost burdens on telecom operators who previously covered USSD infrastructure costs without direct compensation.
GTBank is among the first major financial institutions to roll out the change. More banks are expected to comply with the NCC/CBN directive over the coming weeks.
Analysts say the move may stabilize USSD services, reduce sector tension, and improve the user experience for millions who rely on mobile banking in Nigeria.
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