Following the Nigerian Communications Commission’s directive, Union Bank and First City Monument Bank(FCMB) have notified their customers via email sent to their customers that USSD banking charges will be deducted from their airtime instead of bank accounts from July 1st and July 2 .
Apart from the email notification , FCMB sent text messages to its customers indicating that the charges start on Wednesday.
The new model allows the telecommunication companies to deduct USSD service charges directly from subscribers’ airtime balances. Union Bank wrote, “Under this new billing structure, each USSD session will attract a charge of N6.98 per 120 seconds, which your mobile network operator will bill. You will receive a consent prompt at the start of each session, and airtime will only be deducted upon your confirmation and the bank’s availability to fulfil this service.
“If you do not wish to continue using USSD banking under this new model, you may opt for alternative digital banking options, such as our mobile app and internet banking platform.”
The message that FCMB sent to its customers read, “Dear Customer, effective July 2, the N6.98 USSD fee will be deducted from your airtime balance and no longer from your bank account. Consent will be requested.”
