Palmpay unveils USSD code *861# service to drive seamless transactions

Leading emerging markets-focused fintech, PalmPay has introduced Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code, *861# to support operational efficiency for its customers in Nigerian market.

The company disclosed at a celebratory event to mark the 5th anniversary of its operations in Nigeria held in Lagos.

Palmpay highlighted key milestones in its journey and the country during the event.

As part of the celebrations, the company officially launched its highly anticipated (USSD) code, *861#.

Established in 2019, PalmPay has been instrumental in transforming how Nigerians make payments, supporting the country’s transition towards a cashless economy.

Over the last five years, PalmPay has addressed Nigeria’s unique financial needs with a broad range of products, including money transfers, bill payments, credit, savings, and insurance, accessible through its mobile app and an extensive network of mobile money agents.

The company also supports businesses with services such as the PalmPay Business app, POS devices, APIs, and merchant portals.

These efforts have contributed to Nigeria’s push towards greater financial inclusion, which has reached a rate of 74% as of this year. With over 35 million users and a network of 1.2 million agents and merchants that extends across

Nigeria, PalmPay has become a major player in the nation’s financial services sector.

“We’ve built a platform that 35 million users trust, and with our growing network of agents and merchants, PalmPay is playing a key role in digitising Nigeria’s economy”, said Chika Nwosu,
Managing Director of PalmPay, Nigeria. “Looking ahead, our strategy is clear—continue to lead with secure, reliable solutions while fostering partnerships that empower more people and businesses to reach their financial goals.”

At the core of PalmPay’s approach is making financial services more accessible in a market where traditional banking options have left many underserved. The new *861# USSD code allows customers to access PalmPay services without the internet, offering greater accessibility for users who run out of data or are in areas with low network coverage.

The company also emphasized its commitment to security at a time when financial fraud is increasing globally. PalmPay has implemented security measures such as facial recognition, biometric login, and AI-driven transaction monitoring to ensure secure payments. Every account is verified through NIN or BVN, and customers who lose their phones can now freeze their accounts via the newly launched USSD service.

Over the past 5 years, PalmPay’s payment platform has been recognised for its speed and reliability, allowing the company to capture market share as demand for digital payments surged during the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2023 cash shortages.

Today, the company processes up to 15 million transactions daily.

Another key growth driver has been its commitment to adding value to its customers’ payment experiences with unlimited free bank transfers, as well as exclusive discounts and cash back on everyday payments.