Nigeria’s biggest banks are earning more from digital services than ever before. New figures show a steady rise in income tied to everyday transactions.
Zenith Bank Plc and Guaranty Trust Holding Company generated a combined N283.7 billion from account maintenance and electronic banking fees in 2025.
The data comes from their audited financial statements filed with the Nigerian Exchange. It reflects how banks are expanding earnings through digital channels.
As more Nigerians adopt mobile banking and online transfers, transaction volumes continue to rise. This shift is now shaping how banks generate revenue.
Digital banking fees drive bank earnings
The surge in digital banking fees shows how customer behaviour is changing. More users now rely on apps, USSD, and card payments for daily transactions.
At Zenith Bank, account maintenance income rose to N91.95 billion in 2025. This marks a 26.1% increase from N72.93 billion in 2024.
Its electronic banking revenue also climbed to N89.13 billion. This reflects an 11.3% rise, driven by higher transaction activity.
Similarly, GTCO recorded strong growth. Its account maintenance income reached N37.92 billion, up 16.1% from the previous year.
Its e-business revenue increased to N64.72 billion, representing a 14.4% jump.
Combined, both banks earned N129.87 billion from account maintenance. They also generated N153.85 billion from digital transactions.
These figures highlight how digital banking fees have become a key revenue source.
A shift in how banks make money
The rise in digital income points to a broader trend. Banks are moving beyond traditional interest-based earnings.
As digital adoption grows, financial institutions are investing more in technology. This includes better apps, faster payments, and improved service delivery.
For Zenith Bank, the growth aligns with its wider earnings strategy. The bank continues to benefit from loans, advances, and treasury investments.
At GTCO, digital services play a central role. The group has built an ecosystem that combines banking with payments and fintech solutions.
This shift is also tied to financial inclusion. More Nigerians now have access to digital tools, which makes banking easier and faster.
While customers enjoy convenience, banks are unlocking new revenue streams. As a result, digital banking fees are becoming a quiet but powerful driver of growth.
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