Forms

Ask less#

Every field costs completion. Before adding one, name the decision it powers. KYC requirements are real, but "we've always asked" is not a regulation.

Labels and hints#

• Labels above fields, always visible — never placeholder-only labels, which vanish on focus and fail screen readers.
• Use hint text for format examples: "For example, 0803 123 4567".
• Explain sensitive requests inline: "We need your BVN to verify your identity, as required by the CBN. We can't see your bank balance."

Label: Bank Verification Number (BVN)

Hint: 11 digits. Dial 5650# to check yours.

Reassurance: Your BVN doesn't give us access to your bank accounts.

Validation#

• Validate on submit or on leaving the field — not on every keystroke.
• Error text says how to fix, not just what's wrong. See Error messages.
• On submit failure, show an error summary at the top, move focus to it, and link each item to its field.

Nigerian-specific notes#

• Phone numbers: accept 0803…, +234 803… and 234803… and normalise silently. Don't make users learn your format.
• Names: see Inclusive writing — no "letters only" validation.
• Addresses: see Address formats — don't require postcodes.

Related guidance#

• Error messages
• Government IDs