If you’ve ever found yourself stuck without cash or trying to send money but can’t because of bank network issues, then you’ll agree with me that having a MoMo account is not just useful—it’s a life saver. In this article, I’m going to walk you through how to open a MoMo account in Nigeria, what you can do with it, how to fund it, secure it, and why millions of Nigerians are already using it every single day.
By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll know exactly how to get started, avoid common mistakes, and use your MoMo account like a pro.
Let’s dive in. But first…
✅ What Is a MoMo Account?
A MoMo account (short for Mobile Money) is a digital wallet provided by MTN that allows you to store money, send and receive funds, buy airtime, pay bills, and even receive payments for goods and services—all using your phone.
Think of it like your bank account, but way easier to access. No need for a bank app or ATM. Just your phone, even a small button phone.
It works through a USSD code (*671#), SMS, or the MoMo app.
🔐 How to Open a MoMo Account in Nigeria
Now, let’s go step-by-step. This is the easiest part.
🧾 Requirements
Here’s what you need before opening a MoMo account:
- A valid MTN SIM card (registered in your name)
- A mobile phone (smart or not)
- Your BVN or NIN (to complete full KYC)
- That’s it!
No bank account needed. No paperwork. No long queue.
📲 Steps to Open MoMo Account Using USSD
- Dial *671# on your MTN line
- Select “Open MoMo Wallet”
- Enter your preferred 4-digit PIN
- Confirm the PIN
- You’ll receive an SMS confirming your MoMo wallet has been created
Boom! Just like that, your MoMo account is active.
If you’re using a smartphone, you can also download the MoMo App from Google Play Store and sign up using.
How to Fund Your MoMo Account
You’ve opened it. Now, let’s put some cash in it.
💳 Fund Through Bank Transfer
Send money to your MoMo account directly from your bank app:
- Select MTN MoMo as the bank
- Enter your MoMo wallet phone number as account number
- Send
You’ll get instant credit.
👨💼 Fund via MoMo Agent
Walk into any MoMo agent shop and hand them cash. They’ll fund your wallet immediately. You’ll receive an SMS once it’s done.
💰 What Can You Use a MoMo Account For?
This is where it gets really exciting. Your MoMo account can do way more than just store money.
Here’s what you can do:
- ✅ Send and receive money (even if the other person doesn’t have MoMo)
- ✅ Buy airtime and data
- ✅ Pay for DSTV, GOTV, PHCN and other bills
- ✅ Pay for goods and services via QR code
- ✅ Transfer to any Nigerian bank account
- ✅ Save money safely (MoMo Savings)
- ✅ Receive money from abroad (coming soon)
📍 Where Can You Use MoMo in Nigeria?
Everywhere.
Over 230,000 MoMo agents are spread across Nigeria. Whether you live in Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Ibadan, or even a remote village—MoMo is there.
Also, you can use MoMo:
- In the market
- In your shop
- At home
- On the go
As long as your phone is on and you have your PIN, you’re good.
🔒 How to Keep Your MoMo Account Secure
This part is super important. Just like your bank account, your MoMo account needs protection.
Here’s how:
- Use a strong PIN that nobody can guess (not 1234 or your birth year)
- Don’t share your PIN with anyone
- Beware of fake SMS asking you to “confirm your wallet”
- **Dial *671# to reset your PIN** if you suspect someone has it
- Report suspicious activity immediately by calling MTN Customer Care
🧾 MoMo Account Charges and Limits
You’re probably wondering—how much does it cost?
🏷️ Charges:
- Sending money to another MoMo wallet: FREE
- Sending to a bank account: Small fee (e.g. ₦10–₦50)
- Withdrawals: Agent may charge commission (regulated)
💵 Limits:
- Daily transfer: up to ₦200,000 (with full KYC)
- Wallet balance: up to ₦500,000
For higher limits, you need to upgrade your wallet with BVN.
📈 Why Nigerians Love MoMo Account
Let’s agree that MoMo account is not just another mobile wallet. It’s tailored for Nigerians. No internet? No problem. No bank? No wahala.
Here are some real-life scenarios:
- Ngozi, a hairdresser in Aba, gets customer payments directly into her MoMo wallet.
- Uche, a student in UNN, receives allowance from home via MoMo.
- Baba Musa, a farmer in Niger, buys fertilizer and gets paid—all through MoMo.
This is the kind of financial freedom Nigerians want—and MoMo is making it happen.
🛍️ MoMo for Business and Merchants
If you run a business, MoMo isn’t just for sending money. It can help you grow.
With a MoMo Business Account, you can:
- Accept QR payments from customers
- Track your sales
- Get instant payment alerts
- Pay staff and suppliers
Even better, you can become a MoMo Agent and earn commission on every transaction.
📊 How MoMo Compares with Opay, PalmPay, and Others
Let’s assume you’re trying to pick a mobile wallet.
Compared to Opay, PalmPay, and Paga: Feature MoMo Wallet Opay PalmPay USSD Availability Yes Limited No Works on button phone Yes No No Wide Agent Network Very wide Good Moderate Data & Airtime Bonus Yes Yes Yes Transfer Speed Fast Fast Fast Bank Account Needed? No Yes Yes
So if you’re in a rural area or want simplicity, MoMo wins.
🧠 Expert Tips for Using MoMo Account Smartly
Here’s how to become a MoMo master:
- Link your bank and MoMo account for easy transfers
- Use MoMo for airtime—you get instant bonuses
- Track your spending with SMS alerts
- Save a portion of your income inside MoMo wallet
- Never share your PIN, even if someone claims to be from MTN
🔚 Final Thoughts
Let’s wrap it up.
Having a MoMo account in Nigeria isn’t just a trend. It’s now part of daily life. Whether you’re a student, trader, freelancer, or just someone who hates bank queues, MoMo gives you power in your pocket.
It’s fast. It’s secure. And it works even without internet.
So, if my suggestions are correct, I think now is the best time to open a MoMo account and take charge of your financial freedom.
🌍 MoMo Account Across Africa — What You Should Know
While this guide focuses on Nigeria, it’s no longer news that MoMo accounts are now making waves across many African countries. The same wallet system used by millions in Nigeria is also available in:
- Ghana
- Uganda
- Cameroon
- Rwanda
- Zambia
- Ivory Coast
And guess what? The MoMo experience is slightly different in each country.
Let’s break it down with simple comparisons.
🔁 MoMo Nigeria vs MoMo Ghana
In Ghana, MoMo has been active for much longer. It’s deeply integrated with banks and even used to receive international remittances. You can:
- Withdraw from ATMs without a card
- Link it directly to your bank
- Receive money from abroad via Western Union or Ria
In Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has only recently licensed MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB). While you can’t yet receive international payments directly, it’s growing fast.
So, if my guess is right, MoMo in Nigeria may soon catch up and even do more.
📢 How to Become a MoMo Agent in Nigeria (And Make Money)
Here’s something most people don’t know—you can actually earn money with MoMo by becoming an agent.
Let’s say you live in a busy neighborhood or near a market. People are always trying to send money or buy airtime. With a MoMo agent account, you can offer them these services and earn commission on every transaction.
📋 MoMo Agent Requirements:
To register:
- You must have a registered MTN SIM
- Own a valid ID card
- Provide proof of address
- Have a physical business location (like a shop or kiosk)
- Provide passport photographs
Once approved, you’ll be given a MoMo POS device or phone, and you can start transactions.
💸 How Much Can You Earn as a MoMo Agent?
The more people you serve, the more you earn. Commission varies based on:
- Amount of money sent or withdrawn
- Airtime and data sold
- Bill payments made
Example:
- Send ₦5,000 – you may earn ₦20
- Sell ₦1,000 airtime – you get about ₦30
It adds up quickly if you’re in a busy area. Some agents make up to ₦100,000 monthly.
⚠️ Common MoMo Account Problems and Quick Fixes
Let’s be honest, no system is perfect. MoMo is no exception. But many issues can be fixed easily if you know what to do.
❌ Problem: My MoMo account isn’t opening
Fix: Make sure your MTN SIM is registered and active. Dial *671# again or restart your phone.
❌ Problem: I forgot my MoMo PIN
Fix: Dial *671#, select “Reset PIN”, and follow the instructions. You may need your NIN or security question.
❌ Problem: I sent money but the receiver didn’t get it
Fix: Check the wallet balance and transaction history. If deducted but not delivered, call MTN customer care immediately: 180
❌ Problem: I was scammed through MoMo
Fix: Report the number involved. Dial 180 or visit the nearest MTN office. Always double-check the number you’re sending money to.
🧠 7 Smart Ways to Get the Most from Your MoMo Account
- Automate your airtime recharge using MoMo for every phone number in your family.
- Transfer money to anyone, even if they don’t have a MoMo wallet—they’ll receive a voucher code to cash out at an agent.
- Use MoMo QR to accept cashless payments in your shop.
- Pay bills on time with MoMo (PHCN, DSTV, etc.).
- Link your MoMo with your bank for easy withdrawals and deposits.
- Set daily or weekly savings goal with MoMo (coming feature).
- Become a MoMo agent and start earning from other people’s transactions.
🎯 Why MoMo Is Ideal for Freelancers, Students, and Small Business Owners
Let’s assume you fall into one of these three groups:
- You work online or do jobs that pay you via mobile
- You’re a student who relies on pocket money or side gigs
- You run a small shop or sell on Instagram/WhatsApp
For people like you, the MoMo account is a perfect match.
You don’t have to rely on POS terminals or go to the bank just to get paid or make payments.
Plus, you’re in full control of your money 24/7. No long queues, no bank network excuses.
🔚 Final Conclusion: Why You Should Open a MoMo Account Today
From general point of view, mobile money is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. And MTN’s MoMo account gives you that convenience, flexibility, and freedom—without the headache of banking apps, ATM charges, or branch visits.
You can open one in seconds.
You can send, receive, and manage your money anytime—even on a small phone.
And if you’re thinking long-term, MoMo might just become your second bank account, or even your first.
If you haven’t opened yours yet, I assume this is the sign you’ve been waiting for. Pick up your phone now and dial *671#.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the USSD code to open a MoMo account?
Just dial *671# from your MTN line and follow the instructions to set your PIN and activate your wallet.
2. Can I open a MoMo account without BVN or NIN?
Yes, you can open a basic wallet without BVN, but your transfer and balance limits will be lower. For full access, linking your BVN or NIN is necessary.
3. Is MoMo better than using a bank account?
For daily transactions like airtime, small payments, and quick transfers, MoMo is often faster and cheaper. However, you can use both side by side.
4. Can I use MoMo on a small phone without internet?
Yes! That’s the beauty of it. As long as you have a registered MTN SIM, you can use MoMo account on any phone by dialling *671#.
5. Can I send money from MoMo to someone who doesn’t have a wallet?
Absolutely. They’ll get an SMS with a voucher code and can withdraw the money from a MoMo agent even if they don’t have a wallet.
6. Is the MoMo account free to open?
Yes, opening a MoMo account is 100% free. You don’t need to deposit any money to get started. Just your MTN SIM and phone.
7. Can I use MoMo without a smartphone?
Definitely. That’s the beauty of it. You can access your wallet using *671# on any phone—even the old Nokia torchlight.
8. Can MoMo replace my bank account?
Not entirely. But for most daily transactions—sending money, buying airtime, and paying bills—it works faster and cheaper than a bank.
9. What if I lose my phone?
Your MoMo account is protected by a PIN. Even if someone gets your phone, theLearn everything about opening, funding, and using your MoMo account in Nigeria and Africa. Step-by-step guide to MTN Mobile Money, features, USSD codes, app, and how to secure your wallet in 2025.y can’t access your money without the PIN. Just get a new SIM, dial *671# and continue.
10. How do I become a MoMo agent?
Visit any MTN office or agent registration center with:
- Valid ID
- Business location proof
- Passport photos
You’ll be trained and given tools to start.
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