How to Buy Airtime & Data on Links Microfinance Bank Using USSD Code

The microfinance wave in Nigeria means people no longer have to queue in banks just to recharge or pay a bill.

Links Microfinance (Sofri) gives you both online and offline ways to sort airtime and data, the Sofri app when you have internet and the USSD for when you don’t. If you want to buy airtime or data quickly from your phone without opening an app, this one is for you.

Quick facts: DLM Capital acquired Links MFB and pushed the Sofri digital play, Sofri is now the bank’s digital arm, with upgraded loan and payment features.

What you can do

• Buy airtime for yourself or others.
• Buy data bundles for any Nigerian network.
• Pay from your Links/Sofri account balance without internet.
• Use the Sofri app for more options if you’re online.

Official USSD code

• Code: *723*2222# – works from the phone number linked to your Links/Sofri account. (If it’s your first time, you’ll see Register; if you’re already registered, you’ll get the full menu.) — I tested this flow and saw the register → enter account number → set PIN path.

Step-by-step: Buy Airtime (Registered User)

1. Dial *723*2222# from your registered phone.
2. From the menu pick Airtime Recharge.
3. Choose Self or Other (if buying for someone else).
4. Enter the recipient phone number (or confirm your own).
5. Type the amount you want to buy (e.g., 200, 500).
6. Enter your USSD PIN to confirm.
7. Wait for the on-screen confirmation and SMS, airtime will be delivered instantly.

Quick cheat: Dial *723*2222# → choose Airtime → Self/Other → phone number → amount → PIN → done.

Step-by-step: Buy Data (Registered User)

1. Dial *723*2222#.
2. Choose Data or Bundles from the menu.
3. Pick the network (MTN, GLO, Airtel, 9mobile).
4. Select the bundle you want (e.g., 500MB, 1GB).
5. Confirm recipient number (self or other).
6. Enter your USSD PIN.
7. You’ll get on-screen confirmation and an SMS with the bundle details.

First-time user? (Register first)

• Dial *723*2222# → choose 1 = Register.
• Enter your Links/Sofri account number when asked (random numbers will say “Account not found”).
• Create and confirm a USSD PIN.
• Wait for confirmation SMS. After that, your USSD menu will show Airtime/Data, Transfers, Balance, Loans, etc.

Note: you can open an account on the Sofri app or at a branch, then use that account number to register for USSD.

Tips & small hacks

• If you buy for someone else, always double-check their phone number before confirming.
• Start with small amounts if you’re testing the USSD flow.
• If airtime fails, check SMS confirmation before reattempting to avoid double top-ups.
• Save your USSD PIN in a secure place (don’t share it).

Common problems & fixes

• Account not found—means you don’t have an account yet. Create it on the Sofri app or at the branch, then register USSD.
• Banking services unavailable—Happens on downtime/weekends. Wait 10–30 mins, then retry.
• Invalid code / no response—Make sure you dial *723*2222# correctly.
• Wrong PIN—Don’t guess. Reset PIN via the Sofri app or visit a branch.

FAQ

Q: Can I buy airtime without internet?

Yes, that’s the whole point of USSD. No data needed.

Q: Does the USSD let me buy for other networks?

Yes, you can pick MTN, GLO, Airtel, or 9mobile from the menu.

Q: What if my USSD shows not registered, but I already have the app?

Make sure the phone number you’re dialing from is the same one linked to your Sofri/Links account.

Q: Are there fees to buy airtime via USSD?
Some banks add small charges; check the confirmation screen before you accept—Sofri/Links publishes fee info in the app and on their pages.

Conclusion

Buying airtime and data on Links Microfinance via *723*2222# is fast and reliable, perfect for when you have no internet or you just want a quick top-up. If you’re not yet registered, open an account on the Sofri app or visit a branch and register on USSD, and then you’re ready.

Sofri continues to push mobile-first features, so use the app for bigger needs and USSD for quick, offline fixes.