How to Open a Sterling Bank Account on Your Phone (No Branch Visit)

Opening a Sterling Bank account no longer requires a branch visit. Sterling Bank's fully digital onboarding lets you open a current or savings account from your phone in under 10 minutes — all you need is your BVN, NIN, and a smartphone with a camera.

This guide walks you through every step, from downloading the app to receiving your account number.

Types of Sterling Bank Accounts You Can Open on Your Phone

• Sterling OneBank Account — personal savings account, zero minimum balance, instant account number
• Sterling Specta Account — designed for salary earners with loan access features
• Sterling Dominion Account — current account with cheque book facility (may require additional documentation)

For most individuals, the OneBank Account is the best starting point — it is the easiest to open digitally and has no maintenance fee.

What You Need Before You Start

• A Nigerian phone number (any network)
• Your 11-digit BVN (Bank Verification Number) — dial *565*0# on any network to get it
• Your NIN (National Identification Number) — dial *346# to retrieve it
• A valid government-issued ID: International Passport, National ID Card, Voter's Card, or Driver's Licence
• A smartphone with a front-facing camera (for selfie verification)

Step-by-Step: How to Open a Sterling Bank Account on Your Phone

Step 1 — Download the Sterling OneBank App

Search for "Sterling OneBank" on the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iPhone). Install the app published by Sterling Bank Plc. The app is free and about 40–70 MB.

Step 2 — Tap "Open an Account"

When you launch the app, tap Get Started or Open an Account on the welcome screen.

Step 3 — Enter Your Phone Number

Provide your Nigerian mobile number. You will receive an OTP via SMS. Enter the OTP to verify your phone number.

Step 4 — Enter Your BVN

Type your 11-digit BVN. The app will verify it against the NIBSS database in real time. Your name, date of birth, and linked phone number will be pre-populated from your BVN record.

Step 5 — Add Your NIN

Enter your National Identification Number. This completes the Tier 2 KYC requirement set by the CBN, which increases your transaction limits.

Step 6 — Upload Your ID Document

Select your ID type from the list. Take a photo of the front and back of the document using your phone's camera. Ensure good lighting and that all text is clearly visible.

Step 7 — Take a Selfie (Liveness Check)

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete a liveness check — you may be asked to blink or turn your head slightly. This confirms you are the live person matching your ID and BVN.

Step 8 — Set Your PIN and Security Details

Create a 4–6 digit transaction PIN. You may also be asked to set a security question and answer.

Step 9 — Receive Your Account Number

Upon successful verification, your Sterling Bank account number is generated instantly and displayed on screen. You will also receive it via SMS and email.

After Opening Your Account

• Fund your account by transferring from any Nigerian bank using your new account number and Sterling Bank as the destination bank
• Request a debit card from within the app (delivery may take 5–10 working days)
• Enable internet banking at onebank.sterling.ng
• Set up bill payments, savings goals, and investment features through the app