GTBank Shifts N6.98 USSD Fee to Airtime Deduction Starting June 18

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has announced a major shift in how it charges customers for USSD banking transactions. Beginning today, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the ₦6.98 USSD transaction fee will be deducted directly from customers’ airtime balance, rather than their bank accounts.

This move aligns with a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) aimed at resolving long-standing disputes between telecom operators and banks over unpaid USSD service debts.

In a text message sent to customers, GTBank stated:

“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.”
Previously, banks billed USSD charges through customers’ accounts while telecom companies bore the cost of providing the infrastructure, often without prompt reimbursement. This led to accumulated debts of over ₦250 billion by 2024, prompting telcos to threaten service withdrawal multiple times.

The End‑User Billing Model introduced by the NCC mandates that banks clear existing debts and begin charging USSD fees through airtime deduction, thereby ensuring telcos receive direct payment.

Under the new system, users will receive a prompt at the beginning of each USSD session. Charges will only apply if users confirm the transaction and have sufficient airtime.

This billing update is being implemented across Nigerian banks, with GTBank now joining other institutions in enforcing the change.

The NCC believes the policy will bring transparency and accountability to the USSD service ecosystem, as well as reduce the friction between telecom operators and financial institutions.

Customers are advised to ensure they have enough airtime before initiating USSD transactions to avoid service disruptions.