Your safety
Why we ask for your NIN or BVN
The short version: the law requires it, it can't be used to take your money, and we don't keep the number — it opens your account and then it's gone.
Why does TrustAm need my NIN or BVN?
Because Nigerian banking rules require it. Before an account can hold or move money, the licensed bank or payment partner behind it must confirm who owns it (this is called KYC, "Know Your Customer"). Your NIN or BVN is how they confirm it is really you and not someone using your name. Either one works, so use whichever you have to hand.
Can TrustAm see my bank balance or take money with my NIN or BVN?
No. A NIN and a BVN are identity numbers, not passwords. Neither can be used to see your balances or move money from any of your bank accounts. On TrustAm, money only moves when you approve it with your own PIN.
What do you see when you check my NIN or BVN?
Only basic identity details linked to it, such as your name, date of birth and phone number, so we can confirm they match you. We do not see your accounts, balances or transactions at other banks.
Do you keep my NIN or BVN?
No. The number is used once, to confirm your identity and open your account, and then it is gone. We do not store it in your profile, and if you typed it into WhatsApp we remove it from that message too, so it does not sit in the chat history. What we keep is a one-way code (a hash): it can confirm a match later, but it cannot be turned back into your number by us or by anyone else.
How do you keep it safe while you are using it?
It is sent straight to the licensed verification partner that checks it and, where an account is being opened, to the licensed partner bank. It is encrypted in transit, it is not written to our logs, and it is not kept afterwards. We handle your data under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and never sell or share it for marketing.
Who else sees my NIN or BVN?
Only two parties, both licensed and regulated. Dojah, a Nigerian identity verification provider, checks the number against NIMC (for a NIN) or NIBSS (for a BVN). Rubies Microfinance Bank, which is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, receives it when your account is opened, because the law requires the bank holding your money to know whose it is. Nobody else sees it, and we do not sell or share it.
Why not just use my phone number?
You can start with just your phone number, but phone-only accounts have very low limits (up to ₦50,000 a day). Verifying your NIN or BVN raises your limit to ₦200,000 a day and unlocks sending money and getting paid.
Is being asked for my NIN or BVN a scam warning sign?
Asking for your NIN or BVN during sign-up is normal and required. What is NOT normal: anyone asking for your PIN or a one-time code. TrustAm will never call, text or WhatsApp you to ask for your PIN or code. If someone does, it is a scam: do not share it.
Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp and ask, or read our Privacy Policy and Terms.