Sterling Bank: USSD Code, Transfer Charges, SWIFT Code & Rates
Commercial bank · Sterling · 35 Lagos branches · ₦5M NDIC coverage
Zero fees from ₦50K salary. Niche banking (HEART, SHINE, GROW).
Sector-specific banking — HEART (Health), SHINE (Education), GROW (Agriculture). Competitive rates for salary earners above ₦50K.
Sterling Bank is a Commercial bank (CBN-licensed, NDIC-insured) founded in 1960 (66 years ago), operated by Sterling Bank Plc. As of 2026 it serves approximately 4M+ customers through 170 branches nationwide.
- Founded
- 1960 · 66 years serving Nigerians
- Parent company
- Sterling Bank Plc
- Customer base
- 4M+
- Branches nationwide
- 170
- Bank type
- Commercial bank (CBN-licensed, NDIC-insured)
- Website
- sterling.ng
- Address
- Sterling Towers, 20 Marina, Lagos Island, Lagos, Lagos
If you make 20 transfers, 4 other-bank ATM visits, and 30 SMS alerts per month:
₦1,440 more than Kuda (₦2,400/yr). That's 0 bags of rice.
Compare with all 23 banks →Time to open: 15 minutes · Online via app
- Bank Verification Number (BVN)Mandatory for all Nigerian bank accounts. Get one at any bank branch for free.
- Valid IDNational ID (NIN), International Passport, Voter's Card, or Driver's Licence.
- Passport photographRecent passport-sized photo. The mobile app may accept a live selfie instead.
- Utility billAddress verification. Electricity bill, water bill, or tenancy agreement (last 3 months).
- Minimum opening balance₦0 for savings accounts. ₦5,000-₦10,000 for current accounts.
Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewables, Transport — Sterling explicitly focuses its lending on these five sectors.
Consolidated Sterling banking app rolled out from 2021. Handles retail + business + wealth banking in one interface.
Dedicated SME/business current account with reduced maintenance fees and priority relationship management.
Sterling's ethical/values-focused banking option for customers who want non-interest-based products.