The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has revolutionized banking in Africa with its innovative USSD code service, making financial transactions seamless for customers. This comprehensive guide explores all aspects of the UBA Bank Banking USSD codes, providing step-by-step instructions for utilizing this convenient service for various banking activities in 2025.
What is UBA Transfer Code (*919#)?
The UBA transfer code, commonly known as “The Magic Number” (*919#), is a short, easy-to-remember USSD code designed to enable UBA account holders to perform a variety of banking transactions directly from their mobile phones without needing internet connectivity. This service is tailored for all UBA customers who prioritize convenience, speed, and security in their banking operations.
Benefits of Using UBA USSD Banking
- Instant Money Transfers: Send money to friends, family, or business associates across any Nigerian bank with ease
- Real-time Account Balance Checks: Get immediate updates on your account status without visiting a branch
- Bill Payments: Effortlessly settle utility bills, subscriptions, and other payments
- Airtime Top-up: Recharge your phone or other numbers in seconds
- Works on All Phones: Functions on any device regardless of model or internet connectivity
- Higher Transaction Limits: Up to ₦1,000,000 per day with proper authorization
- Account Opening: Open new accounts directly from your phone
Activation Requirements
Before activating UBA’s USSD banking service, ensure you meet these requirements:
- An active UBA Bank account
- Your mobile number must be registered with the bank
- A compatible mobile device (any phone that can send USSD codes)
- Ready to create a secure 4-digit PIN
How to Activate UBA Transfer Code
Follow these simple steps to activate the UBA USSD banking service:
- Dial the Code: Enter *919# on your registered mobile phone
- Select “Sign-Up”: Choose the sign-up option from the menu
- Create a PIN: Follow prompts to create a secure 4-digit PIN
- Confirm Details: Verify your account information (may include entering the last 4 digits of your debit card)
- Activation Complete: You’ll receive a confirmation message once successfully activated
How to Open a UBA Account via USSD
To open a new UBA account directly from your phone:
- Dial 91920# from any mobile device
- Follow the prompts to enter your personal details
- Complete the registration process as instructed
- Visit a UBA branch with your identification documents to complete the KYC process
Essential UBA USSD Codes for Everyday Banking
Money Transfer Codes
| Transaction Type | USSD Code | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer to UBA Account | *919*3*account_number*amount# | 919*3*9076666586*10000# (to send ₦10,000) |
| Transfer to Other Banks | *919*4*account_number*amount# | 919*4*0011144444*10000# (to send ₦10,000) |
| Transfer to UBA Prepaid Card | *919*32# | Follow the on-screen prompts |
| Transfer to Microfinance Banks & Fintechs | *919*6# | Follow the on-screen prompts |
Airtime and Data Purchase Codes
| Transaction Type | USSD Code | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Airtime for Self | *919*amount# | *919*4000# (to buy ₦4,000 airtime) |
| Airtime for Others | *919*phone_number*amount# | *919*08153334444*4000# (to buy ₦4,000 airtime) |
| Data for Self | *919*14# | Follow the on-screen prompts |
| Data for Others | *919*14*phone_number# | Follow the on-screen prompts |
Account Management Codes
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Check Account Balance | *919*00# |
| View Mini Statement | *919*21# |
| Change/Reset PIN | *919*0# |
| Block Debit Card | *919*10# |
| Retrieve BVN | *919*18# |
| Freeze Online Transactions | *919*9# |
Bill Payment and Other Services
| Transaction Type | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Pay Bills (Utilities, Cable TV) | *919*5# |
| ATM Cardless Withdrawal | *919*30*Amount# |
| Flight Booking | *919*12# |
| Taxes and Levies | *919*13# |
| LCC e-Tag Balance Check | *919*16*1# |
| Top-Up LCC e-Tag | *919*16*2# |
Transaction Limits and Security
UBA has implemented tiered transaction limits to ensure security while maintaining convenience:
| Authentication Method | Per Transaction | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|
| PIN | ₦20,000 | ₦100,000 |
| Secure Pass (Token) | ₦20,000 | ₦100,000 |
| Secure Pass and Indemnity | ₦500,000 | ₦1,000,000 |
Note: Airtime purchases are limited to ₦20,000 per day with PIN authentication only.
Transaction Charges
| Transaction Type | Transaction Band (₦) | Charge (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer to UBA Account | All | 20 |
| Transfer to Other Banks | ₦0 – ₦5,000 | 10 + VAT |
| ₦5,001 – ₦50,000 | 20 + VAT | |
| Above ₦50,000 | 50 + VAT | |
| Transfer to Prepaid Card | All | 50 + VAT |
| Airtime/Data Purchase (Self & Others) | All | Free |
| Pay Bills | All | 100 + VAT |
| ATM Cardless Withdrawal | All | 100 + VAT |
| Flight Booking | All | 50 + VAT |
| Taxes and Levies | All | 50 + VAT |
Flight Booking via USSD
UBA’s Magic Banking offers a convenient flight booking service through USSD:
- Dial *919*12#
- Input your 4-digit PIN and select the bank account to pay from
- Select your desired airline and input flight PNR (Passenger Name Record)
- Enter the passenger’s phone number and payment amount
- Confirm payment
Available Airlines and Their Codes
| Airline | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Ethiopian Airlines | *919*12*071# |
| Africa World Airlines | *919*12*394# |
| Lufthansa Airlines | *919*12*220# |
| Egypt Airlines | *919*12*077# |
| Turkish Airlines | *919*12*235# |
| Qatar Airways | *919*12*157# |
| British Airways | *919*12*125# |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | *919*12*74# |
| South African Airways | *919*12*83# |
| Emirates | *919*12*176# |
| Virgin Atlantic Airlines | *919*12*932# |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset my forgotten PIN?
Dial *919# and select ‘PIN Setup’ to change or reset your PIN.
Can I transfer money to digital banks like Opay?
Yes, you can transfer money to digital banks like Opay, as well as traditional banks like Union Bank and Access Bank, using the *919*4*account_numberamount# code.
Can I buy MTN and Airtel night plans with UBA USSD?
Yes, use *919*14# to access data bundle options, including night plans for MTN and Airtel.
Is there a fee for checking my account balance?
Yes, there may be a small fee for checking your account balance using *919*00#.
Can I have both my account and prepaid card registered on the same profile?
No, you can only register with either your bank account or your prepaid card, not both on the same profile.
What happens if I use a different phone number than the one registered with UBA?
The UBA USSD codes will only work with the mobile number registered to your account. This serves as a security measure to protect your funds.
What should I do if I lose my registered phone number?
Visit any UBA branch immediately to update your phone number to ensure continued access to USSD banking services.
Security Tips for UBA USSD Banking
- Never Share Your PIN: Keep your 4-digit PIN confidential at all times
- Monitor Transaction Alerts: Regularly check transaction notifications
- Update Your PIN Regularly: Change your PIN periodically for enhanced security
- Report Suspicious Activities: Contact UBA customer service immediately if you notice any unauthorized transactions
- Protect Your Phone: Ensure your mobile device is secure with a password or biometric lock
UBA Bank Banking USSD codes offer a convenient, secure, and efficient way to manage your finances on the go. With *919#, you can perform virtually all banking transactions from your mobile phone without needing internet connectivity or visiting a branch. This innovative service exemplifies UBA’s commitment to providing accessible banking solutions that meet the diverse needs of its customers across Africa.
For inquiries about UBA USSD banking, contact the 24/7 Customer Fulfillment Center at +234-02012808822, +234-02012808800, or email [email protected].