How to Withdraw Money from Ecobank Without an ATM Card

If you live in one of the thirty-three African countries where Ecobank is active, you will no doubt have heard of them: Ecobank is one of the largest banking groups in Nigeria and in West and Central Africa more generally. They are also growing fast in East and Southern Africa. You can read more about Ecobank in our dedicated review.

If you have an account with Ecobank, you can rely on their large network of branches, agents, and ATMs throughout Africa to withdraw cash with your bank card whenever you need it. But did you know that you can also do so without one? Whether you only have a mobile money-only Xpress account or you’re travelling without your card, or even if you’ve simply forgotten it at home, you can make use of Ecobank’s Xpress Cash feature to withdraw money using only your phone! In this article, we’ll show you how to do just that by using either the Ecobank USSD code, or the Ecobank mobile banking app. 

1. How Do Ecobank Cardless Withdrawals Work?

Ecobank’s Xpress Cash withdrawals use e-tokens, single use 8-digit codes that you generate on your phone for an amount of your choosing. You can then take this code to an ATM where you can use it to actually make your withdrawal, but you can also send it to a friend or a family member for them to use it themselves, as a way to send them cash quickly.

2. How to Withdraw Money Using Ecobank’s USSD Code

1. Make sure that you have already activated USSD service. You can use our guide here if you haven’t!
2. Dial the USSD short code for your country on your phone. In Nigeria and most other countries, it is *326#.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to generate a one-time Xpress Cash e-token for the desired amount.
4. Find an Ecobank ATM and select the “Cardless Withdrawal” option.
5. Enter the e-token number you’ve generated on your phone.
6. Enter the desired amount.
7. Press the “enter” button and collect your cash!

3. How to Withdraw Money Using Ecobank’s App

1. If you haven’t already, download the Ecobank mobile app on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and log in with your bank details.
2. Once you’re logged in, select “Cardless Withdrawal” in the menu and click on “Xpress Cash”.
3. Select the ATM option, then choose the account you want to withdraw from.
4. Input the amount you want to withdraw.
5. Take note of the generated e-token.
6. Find an Ecobank ATM and select the “Cardless Withdrawal” option.
7. Enter the e-token number you’ve generated on your phone.
8. Enter the desired amount.
9. Press the “enter” button and collect your cash!