GTBank customers will now have their USSD fees deducted from their airtime, not their bank accounts. This update takes effect from June 18, 2025. A message from the bank confirmed this change, informing users of the new billing method.

The message read: “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.”

This shift is part of a broader change across the banking industry. It was directed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), with support from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Their goal is to resolve long-standing issues between banks and telecom operators.

Previously, banks charged customers through their accounts. However, telecom companies claimed they were left unpaid for the infrastructure used in USSD transactions. Over time, this led to growing debt, which reached over ₦250 billion by 2024.

To solve this, the NCC introduced a new billing model known as End-User Billing. Under this system, banks can only deduct USSD fees from airtime after clearing their debts to the telecom operators.

Now, whenever you use USSD banking, you will first get a prompt. The ₦6.98 fee will only be deducted if you confirm and have enough airtime. If your airtime balance is low, the transaction will not go through.

This change aims to make payments more transparent and ensure telecom providers are fairly compensated for their services.

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