The UBA transfer code is *919#. United Bank for Africa customers in Nigeria can use it to send money, buy airtime and data, check their account balance, pay bills, withdraw cash without a card, and complete other transactions without mobile data. UBA calls the service “Magic Banking,” and it works through the mobile number registered to the customer’s account.
This guide explains how to activate the UBA transfer code, transfer money to UBA and other bank accounts, buy airtime, check your balance, understand the applicable limits and charges, and secure your account if your phone or card is compromised.
The codes and fees in this guide were checked against UBA’s published USSD banking information. Nevertheless, banks can revise their services, limits, and charges. Always read the confirmation screen before entering your PIN.
What Is the UBA Transfer Code?
The UBA transfer code is *919#. It gives eligible customers access to selected banking services from a mobile phone without requiring an internet connection or the UBA Mobile App.
You must dial the code from the mobile number registered with your UBA account. For example, transfers to another UBA account can be initiated with *919*3*AccountNumber*Amount#, while transfers to other banks use *919*4*AccountNumber*Amount#.
The service can be used on a smartphone or basic feature phone, provided the phone can initiate USSD sessions. This makes it useful when mobile data is unavailable, internet coverage is poor, or a customer does not want to log in to a banking app.
UBA USSD Code List
The following table covers the principal UBA USSD codes currently published by the bank.
| Transaction | UBA USSD code |
|---|---|
| Open the UBA Magic Banking menu | *919# |
| Check account balance | *919*00# |
| Transfer to a UBA account | *919*3*AccountNumber*Amount# |
| Transfer to another bank | *919*4*AccountNumber*Amount# |
| Transfer to a microfinance bank, fintech or another institution | *919*6# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | *919*Amount# |
| Buy airtime for another person | *919*PhoneNumber*Amount# |
| Buy data for yourself | *919*14# |
| Buy data for another person | *919*14*PhoneNumber# |
| Pay bills | *919*5# |
| Open a UBA account | *919*20# |
| Load a UBA prepaid card | *919*32# |
| Make an ATM cardless withdrawal | *919*30*Amount# |
| Freeze online transactions | *919*9# |
| Block a debit card | *919*10# |
| Retrieve a BVN | *919*18# |
| Generate an OTP | *919*8# |
| Pay for an airline ticket | *919*12# |
| Pay taxes and levies | *919*13# |
These codes, along with their published transaction charges, appear on UBA’s official *919# USSD Banking page. UBA also provides a self-service emergency option through *919*911# for freezing an account or blocking a card by following the displayed prompts.
How to Activate the UBA Transfer Code
You must enrol for UBA USSD banking before completing protected transactions through *919#. The registration should be initiated from the telephone number attached to your UBA account.
To activate the UBA transfer code:
- Dial
*919#from the mobile number registered with your UBA account. - Wait for the UBA Magic Banking menu to appear.
- Select the transaction or registration option displayed.
- Choose to register with your UBA account or UBA prepaid card.
- Enter the requested account or card information.
- Follow the prompts to create the PIN used to authorise your USSD transactions.
- Confirm the registration and wait for the success message.
UBA officially identifies two enrolment routes: registration with a UBA account and registration with a UBA prepaid card. The bank also states that first-time enrolment is free.
Do not disclose your USSD PIN to anyone. You should also avoid using an easily guessed sequence, such as 1234, repeated numbers, or a year closely connected to you.
How to Transfer Money with the UBA Transfer Code
The exact UBA transfer code depends on whether the beneficiary uses UBA or another financial institution.
Before approving any transfer, confirm the beneficiary’s name, bank, account number, amount, and displayed charges. Do not enter your PIN until you have reviewed those details.
How to transfer money from UBA to UBA
To send money to another UBA account:
- Dial
*919*3*AccountNumber*Amount#. - Confirm the beneficiary information displayed on the screen.
- Select the UBA account to debit if you have more than one eligible account.
- Enter your transaction PIN.
- Wait for the completion message.
For example, *919*3*0123456789*5000# would initiate a ₦5,000 transfer to the UBA account entered. This example is illustrative; verify the beneficiary’s actual details before authorising the transaction.
UBA publishes *919*3*AccountNumber*Amount# as its direct code for transfers to another UBA account.
How to transfer from UBA to another bank
To send money from UBA to an account with another bank:
- Dial
*919*4*AccountNumber*Amount#. - Select the beneficiary’s bank from the options displayed.
- Check the beneficiary’s name and transfer amount.
- Choose the account to debit where required.
- Enter your UBA USSD PIN to approve the transfer.
- Retain the confirmation message or transaction reference.
UBA identifies *919*4*AccountNumber*Amount# as the code for transfers to other banks. Transfers to microfinance banks, fintech companies, and other supported institutions can instead be initiated through *919*6#.
Also read: How to Borrow Money in Nigeria
UBA USSD Transfer Limits
UBA’s published limits depend on the authentication method attached to the transaction.
| Authorisation method | Per-transaction limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| PIN | ₦20,000 | ₦20,000 |
| Token (without indemnity) | ₦1,000,000 | ₦1,000,000 |
These are UBA’s published USSD funds-transfer limits. Customers who require a higher limit may need to complete an indemnity process at a UBA business office. The UBA Mobile App also includes a self-service transaction-limit option, subject to the customer’s eligibility and applicable banking requirements.
Airtime purchases through the UBA transfer code have a separate published daily limit of ₦5,000 and require PIN authentication.
UBA Transfer Code Charges
UBA’s official schedule lists different charges for different USSD transactions. First-time enrolment is free, while subsequent USSD sessions attract a ₦6.98 session charge. Balance enquiries cost ₦10.
Published transfer charges include:
| Transfer type | Amount transferred | UBA charge |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer to another UBA account | Any amount within the applicable limit | ₦20 |
| Transfer to another bank | ₦0–₦5,000 | ₦10 plus VAT (7.5%) |
| Transfer to another bank | ₦5,001–₦50,000 | ₦25 plus VAT (7.5%) |
| Transfer to another bank | Above ₦50,000 | ₦50 plus VAT (7.5%) |
| Transfer to a UBA prepaid card | Any supported amount | ₦50 plus VAT (7.5%) |
Airtime and data purchases for yourself or another person are listed as free, although the normal USSD session charge may still apply. Bill payments and ATM cardless withdrawals are each listed at ₦100 plus VAT.
Because charges can change, review the amount displayed during the USSD session before entering your PIN.
How to Buy Airtime with the UBA USSD Code
The UBA USSD code can recharge the telephone number connected to your account or another person’s number.
Airtime for your registered number
Dial:
*919*Amount#
For example, *919*1000# initiates a ₦1,000 recharge for the mobile number registered with the account.
Airtime for another telephone number
Dial:
*919*PhoneNumber*Amount#
For example, *919*08123456789*1000# initiates a ₦1,000 recharge for the telephone number entered.
UBA publishes both airtime codes and states that airtime purchases for yourself and third parties are free, with a daily airtime limit of ₦5,000.
Check the telephone number carefully before approving a third-party recharge. Airtime sent to an incorrect number may never be recovered.
Also read: How to Borrow Airtime and Data on Airtel, MTN, Glo
How to Buy Data, Check Your Balance and Pay Bills
To buy data for your registered line, dial *919*14#. To purchase data for another person, dial *919*14*PhoneNumber#, then complete the prompts. UBA lists data purchases for both the account holder and third parties as free.
To check your UBA account balance, dial *919*00# from your registered telephone number. You must already be enrolled for UBA USSD banking, and UBA’s published charge for a balance enquiry is ₦10.
Bill payments can be initiated with *919*5#. Follow the displayed menu to select an available biller, enter the requested customer or reference information, check the payment details, and authorise the transaction. UBA currently lists a charge of ₦100 plus VAT for bill payments through the USSD service.
How to Block or Freeze Your UBA Account or Card
If your registered phone is stolen or you suspect that your account information has been compromised, act immediately.
UBA’s self-service page instructs customers to dial *919*911# and follow the prompts to freeze an account or block a card. Customers can also block a debit card through UBA’s Leo virtual assistant or the self-service section of the UBA Mobile App.
UBA’s transaction-code table separately lists:
*919*9#to freeze online transactions*919*10#to block a debit card
Both codes are published on UBA’s USSD banking page. Because UBA’s pages display more than one emergency route, *919*911# is the broadest option when you need the guided account-or-card blocking menu.
You can also contact UBA through 07002255822 (0700-CALL-UBA), 02-012807000, or 02-012808822. UBA lists its Fraud Help Desk number as 02-012808800 and its support email as cfc@ubagroup.com.
What to Do If You Transfer Money to the Wrong Account
Contact UBA immediately if you approve a transfer to an incorrect beneficiary. Do not depend solely on social-media messages or an unofficial telephone number.
Have the following information ready:
- Your name and UBA account number
- The transaction amount
- The date and approximate time
- The beneficiary’s bank and account number
- The transaction reference in the debit notification
- Any relevant screenshot or receipt
Report the transaction through UBA’s official contact channels or at a UBA branch. UBA publishes 07002255822, 02-012807000, and 02-012808822 as its inbound contact numbers.
Do not confront the recipient or publish sensitive transaction details online. A transfer complaint must be investigated through the banks involved, and submitting the report promptly gives the bank the information it needs to trace the transaction.
Using the UBA Mobile App Instead of the Transfer Code
The UBA Mobile App is an alternative for customers with a smartphone and internet access. It supports transfers to UBA and other banks, account-balance and transaction-history viewing, bill payments, airtime recharge, subscriptions, and other account-management functions.
New users can download the official app, register with a UBA account number or card details, complete verification, and create the required passcode and transaction PIN. UBA’s current setup process includes an OTP sent to the registered telephone number and provides the option of biometric access on compatible devices.
The app is more suitable when you need transaction history or broader account-management features. The UBA transfer code remains useful when you have no mobile data, use a basic phone, or need to perform a supported transaction through a short dialling sequence.
Why the UBA Transfer Code May Not Be Working
Several factors can interrupt a USSD transaction:
You are using an unregistered telephone number
UBA requires customers to initiate its USSD banking services from the telephone number registered with their account. Confirm that the SIM in the phone is the line attached to your UBA account.
The USSD session expired
USSD sessions remain open for a limited period. If you take too long to select an option or enter the requested information, the session may close. Dial the code again and complete each step promptly.
You entered the wrong PIN
Check that you are using your UBA USSD transaction PIN. Do not keep guessing if you cannot remember it; repeated incorrect attempts may restrict your access. Contact UBA through an official channel or visit a branch for assistance.
You have reached your limit
A PIN-authorised USSD transfer is subject to UBA’s published limit of ₦20,000 per transaction. A transaction above the applicable limit will not be processed through that authorisation method.
Your mobile network is unavailable
A weak mobile signal or a temporary network problem can prevent the USSD menu from loading. Wait briefly or move to a location with a stronger mobile-network signal before trying again. Before repeating a transfer after an error, check your balance or alerts to ensure the first attempt did not debit your account.
Security Tips for Using the UBA Transfer Code
Your UBA USSD PIN authorises transactions, so treat it like the PIN for your debit card.
- Never give your USSD PIN, OTP, debit-card PIN, passcode, or full card details to another person.
- Review the beneficiary’s name, bank, account number, amount, and charge before approving a transfer.
- Do not store your banking PIN in an unprotected note on your phone.
- Avoid dialling banking codes while another person can watch you enter your PIN.
- Do not follow instructions from an unsolicited caller asking you to dial an unfamiliar code.
- Use UBA’s official contact details if you receive a suspicious message or transaction alert.
- If your phone is stolen, dial
*919*911#from another phone and follow the prompts to freeze the affected account or block the card.
Frequently Asked Questions About the UBA Transfer Code
What is the UBA transfer code?
The UBA transfer code is *919#. It is the master code for UBA’s Magic Banking service in Nigeria. It provides access to money transfers, airtime and data purchases, balance enquiries, bill payments, account opening, and other supported services without mobile data.
How do I activate the UBA transfer code?
Dial *919# from the telephone number registered with your UBA account. Select the relevant option and follow the registration prompts. UBA permits enrolment with a UBA account or UBA prepaid card, and the bank lists first-time enrolment as free.
What is the UBA transfer code to another bank?
Dial *919*4*AccountNumber*Amount# from your registered mobile number. Select the beneficiary’s bank, check the name and transaction amount displayed, and enter your PIN to authorise the transfer.
What is the UBA-to-UBA transfer code?
The code is *919*3*AccountNumber*Amount#. Replace “AccountNumber” with the recipient’s ten-digit UBA account number and “Amount” with the sum you intend to transfer. Confirm the beneficiary’s name before entering your PIN.
What is the daily UBA USSD transfer limit?
UBA publishes a limit of ₦20,000 per transaction and per day for transfers authorised with a PIN. Token has a published limit of ₦1 million per transaction and per day.
How do I check my UBA account balance?
Dial *919*00# from the telephone number registered with your UBA account. You must have enrolled for UBA USSD banking. UBA currently lists a ₦10 charge for checking an account balance through this channel.
How can I block my UBA account if my phone is stolen?
Dial *919*911# and follow the prompts to freeze the account or block the card. You may also contact UBA’s Fraud Help Desk on 02-012808800 or the bank’s general contact centre on 07002255822.
Can I use the UBA transfer code without internet access?
Yes. *919# is a USSD service, so it does not require mobile data. However, you need access to a functioning mobile network and must use the telephone number registered with your UBA account for account-based transactions.
Conclusion
The UBA transfer code is *919#. Once enrolled, you can use it to transfer money, recharge telephone numbers, buy data, check your balance, pay bills, make cardless withdrawals, and access other supported banking services.
Use the correct transaction code, review every beneficiary and amount, and protect your PIN. If your phone or card is compromised, use UBA’s emergency self-service options or contact the bank immediately through its official channels.
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