How to Use UBA USSD Codes and Services: Check Balance, BVN, Block ATM Card & More

UBA USSD code is *919# – dial this from your registered phone number to access all UBA banking services instantly without internet. Whether you need to transfer money, buy airtime, or check your balance, this single code handles everything.

But here’s what many people don’t know: your phone can literally become your bank branch. No queues, no network issues, no “sorry, our app is down.” Just you, your phone, and instant banking that works even in the most remote villages across Nigeria.

Think about it – how many times have you needed to send urgent money but your data was finished? Or wanted to buy airtime at midnight when everywhere is closed? That’s exactly why over 15 million Nigerians now use USSD banking daily.

What Makes UBA USSD Code Special?

The UBA USSD code (*919#) isn’t just another banking service – it’s your financial lifeline when everything else fails. Unlike mobile apps that demand strong internet connection or ATMs that might be out of service, USSD works on any phone, anywhere there’s basic network coverage.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• Works on Nokia 3310 or iPhone 15 – no discrimination
• Operates in all Nigerian languages through simple number prompts
• Processes transactions in under 30 seconds
• Available 24/7, even during holidays
• Secured with military-grade encryption (same level as internet banking)

The Real Power: No Internet Required

While your friends struggle with poor network during emergencies, you’ll be completing transactions smoothly. USSD uses the basic GSM network – the same one that handles calls and SMS. If you can make a call, you can bank.

UBA USSD Code (*919#)

Transaction Type	USSD Code	Example	Description
Transfer to UBA Account	9193AccountAmount#	919312345678905000#	Transfer money to another UBA account.
Transfer to Other Banks	9194AccountAmount#	9194012345678910000#	Transfer money to accounts in other banks.
Transfer to Microfinance	9196AccountAmount#	919612345678902000#	Transfer money to microfinance bank accounts.
Check Balance	91900#	91900#	View your current account balance.
Mini Statement	9196#	9196#	View the last 5 transactions on your account.
BVN Retrieval	91918#	91918#	Retrieve your Bank Verification Number (BVN).
Generate OTP	9198#	9198#	Generate a One-Time Password for transactions.
Buy Airtime (Self)	919Amount#	9191000#	Purchase airtime for your registered phone number.
Buy Airtime (Others)	919PhoneNumber*Amount#	91908012345678*500#	Purchase airtime for another phone number.
Buy Data	91914#	91914#	Purchase data by following menu prompts.
Pay DSTV/GOtv	9195#	9195#	Pay for DSTV or GOtv subscriptions via menu prompts.
Buy Flight Tickets	91912#	91912#	Book domestic flights and pay directly from your account.
Cardless Withdrawal	91930*Amount#	91930*5000#	Generate a code to withdraw cash from a UBA ATM without a card.
Open New Account	91920#	91920#	Initiate the process to open a new UBA account.
Block ATM Card	91910#	91910#	Block your UBA ATM card in case of loss or theft.
Block Account	919911#	919911#	Temporarily block your UBA account for security reasons.
Request New Card	91917#	91917#	Request a replacement or new UBA debit card.

How to Activate UBA USSD Banking

Getting started is easier than opening a savings account. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Method 1: Self-Activation (Most Common)

1. Dial *919# from the phone number linked to your UBA account
2. Enter your 10-digit account number when prompted
3. Create a 4-digit PIN (avoid obvious combinations like 1234 or your birth year)
4. Confirm using the last 4 digits of your UBA debit card
5. Wait for confirmation SMS – usually arrives within 2 minutes

Method 2: Without ATM Card

Don’t have your debit card handy? No wahala.

1. Visit any UBA branch with valid ID
2. Request USSD activation from customer service
3. Provide your phone number for linking
4. Create your PIN with the banker’s assistance
5. Test the service before leaving the branch

What If You Changed Your Phone Number?

Simple fix: visit your nearest UBA branch with valid ID to update your records. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you’ll be banking again immediately.

Complete List of UBA USSD Codes

Master these codes and you’ll never need to queue in a bank again:

Money Transfers

Transaction	Code	Example
Transfer to UBA account	9193AccountAmount#	919312345678905000#
Transfer to other banks	9194AccountAmount#	9194012345678910000#
Transfer to microfinance	9196AccountAmount#	919612345678902000#

Account Management

• Check balance: 91900#
• Mini statement: 9196# (last 5 transactions)
• BVN retrieval: 91918#
• Generate OTP: 9198#

Airtime & Data

• Buy airtime (self): 919Amount# → 9191000#
• Buy airtime (others): 919PhoneNumberAmount# → 91908012345678500#
• Buy data: 91914# (follow menu prompts)

Bill Payments & Services

• Pay DSTV/GOtv: 9195# → Select TV provider
• Buy flight tickets: 91912#
• Cardless withdrawal: 91930*Amount#
• Open new account: 91920#

Emergency Services

• Block ATM card: 91910#
• Block account: 919911#
• Request new card: 91917#

Understanding Transaction Fees

Nothing spoil party pass hidden charges. Here’s what UBA charges for USSD transactions:

Transfer Fees

• UBA to UBA: Free for amounts below ₦5,000, ₦10 above that
• UBA to other banks: ₦30 for amounts up to ₦5,000, ₦50 for higher amounts
• International transfers: Not available via USSD

Service Charges

• Balance inquiry: ₦10 per check (free for the first 4 monthly checks)
• Airtime purchase: Free for personal use
• Bill payments: Standard biller charges apply
• Account opening: Free

Pro Tips to Save Money

• Group your balance checks – don’t check every hour
• Use 9196# for mini statements instead of multiple balance checks
• Transfer larger amounts at once to minimize per-transaction fees

Daily Transaction Limits

Your USSD transfer limits depend on your account type and verification level:

Standard Limits

• Daily transfer limit: ₦100,000
• Single transaction limit: ₦20,000
• Maximum daily transactions: 10

How to Increase Your Limits

Want higher limits? Upgrade through these methods:

1. Complete BVN verification (increases limit to ₦200,000 daily)
2. Activate UBA Secure Pass (Token) – up to ₦1,000,000 daily
3. Link additional verification through internet banking
4. Maintain good account standing for 6+ months

Business Account Benefits

Business accounts enjoy higher default limits:

• Daily transfer: ₦500,000
• Single transaction: ₦100,000
• Monthly cumulative: ₦5,000,000

Security Best Practices

Protecting Your USSD PIN

Your 4-digit PIN is the only thing standing between unauthorized users and your account. Make it strong:

Good PIN choices:

• Combination of numbers meaningful only to you
• Middle digits of your phone number + birth month
• Sum of your children’s ages + house number

Avoid these PINs:

• 1234, 0000, 1111 (most common hacks)
• Your birth year or full birth date
• Simple sequences (1357, 2468)

Recognizing USSD Scams

Red flags to watch for:

• Calls asking for your USSD PIN “for verification”
• SMS claiming your PIN has expired and needs updating
• Requests to dial codes to “upgrade your account”

Remember: UBA will never ask for your PIN over phone or SMS. If in doubt, visit a branch or call the official customer care line.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best systems occasionally hiccup. Here’s how to fix common problems:

“Invalid MMI Code” Error

Cause: Using unregistered phone number or network issues Solution:

• Confirm you’re using the phone number linked to your account
• Try again with stronger network signal
• Contact UBA if problem persists

Transaction Failed But Account Debited

What to do:

1. Don’t panic – temporary holds reverse automatically within 24 hours
2. Keep the error message screenshot
3. Call UBA customer care: 01-2808822
4. Provide transaction details: time, amount, reference number

Forgotten USSD PIN

Reset process:

1. Dial *919#
2. Select “Change PIN” from menu
3. Provide account details for verification
4. Create new 4-digit PIN
5. Confirm with debit card digits

Code Not Working on New Phone

Common fix:

• Ensure SIM card is properly inserted
• Check network operator – some have temporary USSD issues
• Clear phone memory and restart
• Try alternative code format if prompts seem different

Security: Protecting Your Money

USSD banking is generally safe, but vigilance remains your best defense:

What UBA Does to Protect You

• End-to-end encryption for all transactions
• Real-time SMS alerts for every transaction
• Automatic session timeout after 2 minutes of inactivity
• BVN-linked verification for additional security layer

What You Should Do

• Never share your USSD PIN with anyone, including “UBA staff”
• Always verify recipient details before confirming transfers
• Use USSD on your personal phone only
• Report suspicious transactions immediately
• Keep your registered phone number secure from SIM swap fraud

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Calls requesting your PIN (UBA never calls for PINs)
• SMS asking you to dial codes for “account verification”
• Unusual transaction alerts you didn’t initiate
• Requests to send money for “account upgrades”

USSD vs UBA Mobile App: Which is Better?

The answer depends on what you need:

Choose USSD When:

• Your data is finished or expensive
• You need quick transfers without app downloads
• You’re in areas with poor internet but good call coverage
• Your phone storage is limited
• You prefer simple, menu-driven interfaces

Choose Mobile App When:

• You need detailed transaction history
• You want to apply for loans or other products
• You prefer visual interfaces with graphics
• You need customer support chat
• You want to manage multiple accounts simultaneously

The Smart Approach

Use both strategically:

• USSD for urgent transactions and basic banking
• Mobile app for account management and detailed operations
• Internet banking for complex transactions requiring documentation

Advanced USSD Features You Probably Don’t Know

Beyond basic banking, UBA USSD offers surprising capabilities:

Flight Booking

Yes, you can book domestic flights via 91912#:

1. Select departure and destination cities
2. Choose travel dates from available options
3. Pick flight times that suit your schedule
4. Pay directly from your UBA account
5. Receive booking confirmation via SMS

Cardless Withdrawal

Withdraw money without your ATM card:

1. Dial 91930*Amount#
2. Enter your USSD PIN
3. Receive withdrawal code via SMS
4. Visit any UBA ATM within 24 hours
5. Enter the code to collect your cash

Account Opening for Others

Help friends open UBA accounts remotely:

1. Dial 91920#
2. Select “Open Account for Someone Else”
3. Provide their details as requested
4. They’ll receive SMS with next steps
5. Account opens once they visit any branch

Comparing UBA USSD with Other Banks

How UBA Stacks Up

Strengths:

• Most comprehensive bill payment options
• Fastest transaction processing (usually under 30 seconds)
• Robust cardless withdrawal system
• Strong integration with Leo chatbot for support

Areas for improvement:

• Higher fees compared to some fintech alternatives
• Limited cryptocurrency-related services
• Fewer investment options through USSD

When to Use USSD vs. Mobile Apps

Choose USSD when:

• Internet connection is unreliable
• You need maximum speed (no app loading time)
• Using a basic phone without smartphone capabilities
• In areas with poor data connectivity but good call coverage

Choose mobile apps when:

• You need detailed transaction history
• Planning complex financial operations
• Want to set up recurring payments
• Need customer service chat support

UBA’s Digital Ecosystem Integration

Leo Chatbot Support

UBA’s AI assistant Leo can help with USSD-related queries through:

• WhatsApp: Send “Hi” to +234 7002255536
• Telegram: Search @UBALeoBot
• Facebook Messenger: Message UBA’s official page

Leo can provide USSD codes, explain transaction processes, and escalate complex issues to human agents.

Cross-Platform Synchronization

All USSD transactions sync with:

• UBA Mobile App transaction history
• Internet banking records
• SMS alerts for real-time notifications
• Email statements for monthly summaries

Regional Considerations

UBA Across Africa

Since UBA operates in 20+ African countries, USSD codes may vary slightly:

Nigeria: 919# (most comprehensive features) Ghana: 919# (limited to basic services) Kenya: Different code structure due to regulatory requirements Cameroon: 919# with French language support

Always confirm local codes when traveling or if you have accounts in multiple countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use UBA USSD code abroad?

Answer: USSD works internationally on roaming, but charges may apply from your network operator. Data roaming might be cheaper for banking apps when traveling.

What happens if I dial the wrong code?

No problem. Wrong codes either return error messages or do nothing. Your money remains safe since all transactions require PIN confirmation.

Can someone else use my phone for USSD banking?

Not without your PIN. However, they could see your account balance if they know the right codes. Always log out and avoid saving PINs on shared devices.

Is there a limit to failed PIN attempts?

Yes. After 3 wrong PIN attempts, your USSD access gets temporarily blocked for security. Visit any UBA branch to reactivate.

Why do I get charged for balance checks?

UBA offers 4 free balance inquiries monthly, then charges ₦10 per additional check. Use mini statements (9196#) as a free alternative to see recent transactions and approximate balance.

Can I reverse a wrong transfer?

Difficult but possible. Contact UBA customer care immediately with transaction details. Reversals depend on the receiving bank’s cooperation and can take 3-5 business days.

What if my phone is stolen?

Act fast:

1. Call your network operator to block the SIM
2. Contact UBA (01-2808822) to disable USSD access
3. Visit UBA branch with valid ID to reactivate on new number
4. Monitor account statements for unauthorized transactions

Getting Help When You Need It

UBA Customer Support Channels

• Phone: 01-2808822 (available 24/7)
• WhatsApp: +234 703 323 0323
• Email: [email protected]
• Social Media: @UBAGroup on Twitter, Facebook
• Physical branches: Over 400 locations nationwide

Best Times to Call

• Avoid Mondays 8-11 AM (busiest period)
• Best response times: Tuesday-Thursday, 2-5 PM
• Emergency hotline: Always available for fraud reports

What Information to Have Ready

• Account number
• BVN (if account-related)
• Transaction reference (for failed transfers)
• Phone number registered with account
• Last transaction details

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The UBA USSD code (*919#) transforms your phone into a complete banking solution. Whether you’re sending emergency money to family, buying airtime at midnight, or paying bills from anywhere in Nigeria, this single code handles everything without internet drama.

Start with basic transfers and balance checks, then gradually explore advanced features like flight booking and cardless withdrawal. Remember: your PIN is your password – guard it like your ATM card.

Banking shouldn’t be complicated. With UBA USSD, it isn’t.