In recent years, the financial ecosystem has experienced a shift in digital innovation and inclusion, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences. One of such notable developments is the emergence of USSD technology as a tool for delivering financial services, particularly in the realm of nano loans.


By leveraging USSD, financial institutions can extend their reach to individuals who may not have access to smartphones or internet connectivity, thereby bridging the digital divide and expanding access to financial services.


Lendsqr recognizes the relevance of this technology and has upgraded its integrations to cater to this.


Understanding how USSD works in Lendsqr 

While USSD has a number of limitations especially when it comes to KYC, repayments and cost, Lendsqr has been able to update its system to accommodate for these gaps. Here is what our robust USSD service offers:


Onboarding / KYC 

New users can sign up by dialing the USSD code and undergo KYC verification where their phone numbers are used to retrieve NIN which is then verified against their BVN. gives assurance that the person dialing the code and the owner of BVN are same


Loan application

Users get to see a list of the USSD loan products offered by the lender. By inputting the correct prompts, they are able to successfully go through the loan application process and get a loan offer. It is important to note that these users still go through the system eligibility checks that have been put in place by the lender. These include: Karma, Credit Bureau, Loci and Scoring.


Payment using direct debits (mandates) 

Upon sign up, users are prompted to set up a direct debit mandate that is applied to their loans for repayment. Users can apply for loans and repay without using their debit cards.

It is important to note that users who signed up using the USSD channel can also access the web or mobile apps as it applies to the lender and vice-versa.


How to set up USSD as a channel 

  • Navigate to the "Loan Products" sub-tab under the “Product Management” tab in the customer’s section of the side navigation. 

  • To create a new product, click on the Create loan product button

  • Fill in the required details

  • Once the loan product is created (or for an existing product), navigate to the Product Attributes tab

  • Select Channels availability

  • Click edit and select USSD from the drop down

  • Proceed to save


Ensuring you are ready to start using USSD as a lender

While Lendsqr handles the integration into the system, you are required to get your own USSD code and integrations.

In conclusion, the adoption of USSD technology as a channel for nano loans represents a significant milestone in the evolution of financial services, particularly in addressing the needs of individuals with limited access to technology or internet. Lendsqr acknowledges the pivotal role of USSD in expanding financial inclusion and has strategically enhanced its integrations to harness the full potential of this technology.