A Flipper's guide to the one verification that changes everything
You've signed up on FlipEx. You've sold a gift card or two, maybe topped up airtime, and the app is working nicely. Then you notice the prompt nudging you to verify your account. You dismiss it because things seem to be running fine.
But here's the thing: the more you use FlipEx, the more you'll notice that some of its best features such as selling crypto for big naira payouts and withdrawing directly to your bank stay locked until you take that one extra step.
That step is BVN verification. And once you understand what it actually does for you as a Flipper, it's a no-brainer.
What Is a BVN?
A Bank Verification Number (BVN) is an 11-digit unique identity number issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to every Nigerian bank account holder. Introduced in 2014, it links all your bank accounts across different banks to a single verified identity, using biometric data like fingerprints and facial recognition.
In practical terms, your BVN is proof that you are who you say you are. It's the financial system's way of tying transactions to a real, verified person — not a ghost account.
As of 2024, the CBN reports over 60 million Nigerians have enrolled for BVN — making it the most robust identity layer in Nigeria's financial system.
How FlipEx Uses BVN for Account Verification
FlipEx uses a tiered verification system. Each tier you complete adds more capabilities to your account:
Tier 1 (Sign-up) Email address + Phone number — gets you started on the platform
Tier 2 (BVN) Bank Verification Number — unlocks crypto selling and bank withdrawals
Tier 3 (NIN) National Identity Number — full account access and highest limits
BVN sits at Tier 2 — the pivotal step that bridges your basic account with the platform's most valuable features. You can sell gift cards and deposit crypto without it. But to sell crypto for naira and withdraw funds to your bank, Tier 2 BVN verification is required.
What BVN Verification Actually Unlocks for You
Here's what changes the moment you complete your BVN verification on FlipEx:
1. Sell Crypto — Unlock Your Biggest Earning Potential
Gift cards are great. But for Flippers who hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, or Litecoin, selling crypto on FlipEx can mean significantly larger naira payouts — often within minutes. BVN verification is what unlocks the 'Sell Crypto' feature entirely.
Without it, your crypto sits in your wallet, visible but untouchable for conversion. With it, you're one tap away from converting BTC, ETH, USDT, LTC, and more into naira at competitive real-time rates.
Already have crypto sitting in Binance or Trust Wallet? Once your BVN is verified, transferring and selling it on FlipEx takes just a few minutes.
2. Withdraw to Your Bank Account — Your Money Straight to Your Bank, Instantly
Once you've sold a gift card or crypto and your FlipEx wallet has a balance, you want that naira in your bank. BVN verification is what makes that bank withdrawal possible.
After verification, you can transfer your naira to any Nigerian bank account, in real time, with no intermediaries and no delays.
3. Withdraw Your Sign-Up Bonus
New to FlipEx? You may already have a ₦2,000 sign-up bonus sitting in your wallet. Here's the part many new Flippers miss: withdrawing that bonus — and any earnings from your first transactions — also requires account verification. BVN is the step that turns your wallet.
4. Device-Level Authentication — Your Account Stays Yours
Here's a benefit many Flippers don't think about until it matters. Once your BVN is verified, FlipEx can authenticate your specific device. This means that even if someone else gets your login credentials, they can't access your account from an unrecognised device without a secondary authentication step.
This is a layer of protection that only activates after BVN verification — making your wallet, your transaction history, and your funds significantly harder to compromise.
5. Higher Trust, Faster Resolution
Verified accounts get more from FlipEx support too. In the rare event of a dispute, a pending transaction, or an account query, as outlined in FlipEx's guide to spotting legitimate crypto platforms — a verified identity means faster resolution and clearer accountability.
How to Complete Your BVN Verification on FlipEx
The process takes about two minutes. Here's exactly how it works:
- Open the FlipEx app. Tap the verification prompt on your dashboard, or go to Account > Verification > Tier 2.
- Enter your 11-digit BVN. Not sure where to find it? Dial *565*0# on your registered phone number — your BVN will be displayed instantly. You can also check via your bank's mobile app.
- Confirm with a selfie. FlipEx matches your selfie with the image on your BVN to confirm your identity. The selfie is important because of people who have lost their BVN linked phone numbers and can’t receive an OTP.
- Done. Your account is now Tier 2 verified. Crypto selling and bank withdrawals are immediately available.
Tips for a Smooth Verification
- Check your BVN first: Dial *565*0# before opening the app so your 11-digit BVN is ready without any back-and-forth.
- Have network coverage: The selfie step requires a working mobile connection. Verify from a location with a stable network.
- Do it once, benefit forever: BVN verification is a one-time process unless you change your registered phone number or banking details.
- Keep your BVN private: Your BVN is sensitive financial information. FlipEx handles it with end-to-end encryption — never share it on unverified platforms.
Common Verification Issues and How to Fix Them
'Invalid BVN' error
Double-check all 11 digits. Dial *565*0# again to confirm the exact number, then re-enter it carefully.
Selfie mismatch
Your selfie must show the same person as the image available on the BVN.
Network Errors
Check your signal first, then confirm your BVN phone number. If the problem persists, after trying out a more stable network, FlipEx support is available via in-app chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BVN and where do I get one?
A BVN is an 11-digit identity number issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria to all Nigerian bank account holders. If you have a bank account, you almost certainly already have one — dial *565*0# to retrieve it. If not, visit any bank to enrol free of charge.
Why do I need BVN verification to sell crypto on FlipEx?
Selling crypto involves larger naira payouts that go directly to your bank — which means the platform needs to confirm you are who you say you are before processing those funds. Once done, selling Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT or Litecoin on FlipEx is immediately available.
Why do I need BVN verification to withdraw to my bank?
Withdrawing naira to a bank account requires FlipEx to verify the account belongs to you. Your BVN is the link between your FlipEx identity and your Nigerian banking identity.
Is my BVN safe with FlipEx?
Yes. FlipEx uses end-to-end encryption and secure servers to store and process your BVN. It is never exposed to unauthorized parties. The platform's KYC process is designed specifically to protect both your identity and your funds.
Do I need to verify my BVN more than once?
No — it's a one-time process. Once your BVN verification is complete, it remains active unless you change your registered phone number or banking details.
What comes after BVN verification? Is there a Tier 3?
Yes — Tier 3 adds NIN (National Identity Number) verification, which provides the highest account limits and full platform access. But for most Flippers, completing Tier 2 is the most impactful step. In the meantime, your verified account is ready to sell gift cards, sell crypto, pay electricity bills, and top up airtime — all at full speed.
Complete Your Verification — Your Wallet Will Thank You
BVN verification is one of those things that takes two minutes to do and saves you from a much bigger inconvenience later. Imagine how you would feel if you’re staring in front of a withdrawal screen, funds ready, and realising you can't move them.
Once verified, you get full crypto selling capability, seamless bank withdrawals, your sign-up bonus unlocked, device-level account protection, and the confidence of a fully secured FlipEx account.