Getting a loan today in Nigeria is now easier than ever before. The time when people had to queue at banks or wait weeks for loan approval is long gone. Right now, everything can be done directly from your smartphone, and one of the top apps making this possible is Branch.
The Branch app has been one of the most reliable digital loan and finance apps in Nigeria. It is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a microfinance bank, and it gives users instant loans, investment options, bill payments, and even free transfers, all within one app.
Unlike some apps that ask for collateral or guarantors, Branch only uses your credit score, repayment history, and phone data to calculate your loan eligibility. That’s one of the main reasons why most users prefer it.
About Branch App (Microfinance Bank)
Branch is one of Nigeria’s most popular mobile lending platforms, officially registered as Branch International Financial Services Limited and licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a microfinance bank.
The app was first launched in Kenya (2015) before expanding to Nigeria, India, and Tanzania. In Nigeria, Branch operates fully as a digital bank, offering instant personal loans, bill payments, savings, investments, and money transfers all inside one app.
Since its launch, the Branch app has grown to over 50 million downloads on the Google Play Store, with a user rating of 4.6 stars, showing that Nigerians trust the platform for quick and secure financial services.
Branch’s mission is to make banking simple, fast, and accessible for everyone, especially for users who may not have access to traditional banks.
Branch Loan App Requirements
Applying for a loan on Branch? Here are a few things you must have ready:
- A smartphone (Android 7.0 or higher).
- Strong internet connection for app usage.
- A valid Nigerian phone number (linked to your BVN).
- Bank Verification Number (BVN)—used for verification and credit score check.
- A valid bank account in your name.
- Access permission (SMS, contacts, phone data)—Branch uses this to confirm identity and calculate trust score.
No document upload or collateral is required. Once you meet these few requirements, you can proceed to borrow instantly.
How to Register and Verify on the Branch App
Follow these steps carefully to create and verify your Branch account:
- Download the Branch app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and tap “Get Started.”
- Enter your phone number (must be active and linked to BVN).
- Choose “Verify Mobile Number”—an OTP code will be sent to your phone.
- Enter the OTP to verify your number.
- Once verified, fill in your full name, email, and BVN.
- Set up your Branch account PIN for security.
After completing these steps, your account will be activated and ready for loan access.
How to Borrow Money on the Branch App
Once your account is verified, borrowing is very straightforward.
- Open the Branch app and log in.
- Tap the “Loans” option on the home screen.
- You’ll see your loan offer—Branch automatically calculates how much you can borrow based on your phone data and past performance.
- Select the loan amount you want (from ₦6,000 up to ₦1,000,000).
- Choose your repayment plan—between 62 days and 12 months.
- Review the interest and total repayment amount.
- Tap “Apply” to submit your loan request.
If approved, the loan is sent instantly to your Branch wallet or directly to your bank account. You’ll also get a credit alert SMS within minutes.
Loan Example and Interest Breakdown
Example:
If you borrow ₦60,000 for 62 days at an APR of 181% per annum,
Interest = (₦60,000 × (181% ÷ 365)) × 62 = ₦18,400
Total Repayment = ₦78,400 (two monthly payments of ₦39,200).
Interest rate depends on your credit score, loan size, and tenure—usually between 3% and 23% monthly (APR 34%–271% yearly).
How to Repay Your Branch Loan
You can repay your loan directly inside the app through any of these methods:
- Using the Branch Wallet: Add money to your wallet and tap “Repay Loan.”
- Debit Card Payment: Link your ATM card and approve payment.
- Bank Transfer: Use the account number shown in the repayment page.
After payment, your status updates instantly, and you can request another loan once cleared.
Branch Loan Features (2025)
Here’s everything the Branch app offers:
- Instant cash loans from ₦6,000 to ₦1,000,000.
- Repayment period from 62 days to 12 months.
- No collateral or paperwork.
- 2% cashback when paying bills inside the app.
- Free transfers (the first two monthly transfers are free; ₦10 from the 3rd).
- Investment options with up to 23% interest yearly.
- In-app wallet for savings and transactions.
- 100% CBN-licensed and data-secured operations.
Common Loan Problems and Solutions
• Loan not showing or zero offer:
New users may need to wait 24 hours for credit scoring. Keep the app installed and active.
• App not verifying number:
Use the “Dial Code” option 34779# to confirm.
• Payment not reflecting:
Wait a few minutes or contact support with proof of payment.
• Account locked or login issue:
Use the “Forgot PIN” option or contact support via email.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What is the minimum loan I can borrow from Branch?
₦6,000 for new users. It increases as you repay on time.
Q2. Does Branch require collateral?
No. Loans are approved based on your phone data and credit score.
Q3. How long before loan approval?
Usually within minutes, but for new users, it can take up to 24 hours.
Q4. What is the highest loan amount I can get?
Up to ₦1,000,000 depending on your repayment history and income.
Q5. Can I apply for another loan while still repaying one?
Yes, if you qualify for a top-up loan and have a good score.
Q6. How can I improve my branch loan limit?
Repay early, keep your app active, and avoid overdue balances.
Conclusion
Branch has maintained a strong reputation as one of the most trusted digital finance apps in Nigeria.
The app gives users full control of their money, from instant loans to savings, transfers, and investments.
For anyone looking for a fast, trusted, and flexible way to borrow, Branch Microfinance Bank remains a solid option.
Just remember to repay on time and keep your record clean, and you’ll keep getting higher offers automatically.
