If you’ve ever stood in a banking hall for hours, you already know that patience isn’t a virtue. You go in to do one tiny thing, maybe to check your account balance, and you come out tired, hungry, and questioning all your life choices.

That’s why UBA’s USSD codes feel like a small miracle. With just a few taps on your phone, you can use transfer money from UBA to all banks, buy airtime, check your balance, pay bills, and skip the stress of queues or apps that refuse to load.

So whether you’re completely new to Magic Banking or you just want an updated list of UBA USSD codes that actually work, this article keeps it simple. I’ll walk you through the codes, the fees, the limits, and what to do when things suddenly stop working.

What is UBA’s USSD Banking Code?

UBA USSD codes

 

 

The main UBA USSD code is *919#. This UBA’s 919# service is popularly known as UBA Magic Banking, and allows you to access your UBA account directly from your phone without internet or an app. It’s fast, secure, and convenient for checking balances, transferring money, buying airtime, paying bills, and more. Just dial the code from your registered phone number, follow the menu prompts, and complete your transaction in a few taps.

What to Do If You Forget UBA USSD Codes

Forgetting a USSD code is common, especially if you don’t use it often. Here’s what you can do:

1. Check UBA’s official website

UBA maintains an updated list of USSD codes for all its services on its official website. You can quickly confirm the correct code there.

2. Contact UBA Customer Care

Call +234 700 2255 822 from your registered phone number. They can guide you on how to access the main USSD services and troubleshoot issues.

3. Use the USSD menu

If you remember the main code (*919#), you can navigate the menu to access different transactions. This helps even if you forget specific sub-codes.

4. Visit your nearest branch

If you live close to a branch and prefer in-person help, staff can remind you of the correct codes and even give tips for secure usage.

UBA USSD Codes for Everyday Transactions

Here are the most common and useful UBA USSD codes:

Transaction USSD Code
Access the main USSD menu *919#
Check your account balance *919*00#
Send money to another UBA account *919*3*AccountNumber*Amount#
Send money to other banks *919*4*AccountNumber*Amount#
Buy airtime for yourself *919*Amount#
Buy airtime for someone else *919*PhoneNumber*Amount#
Buy mobile data *919*14#
Load your UBA prepaid card *919*32#
Set up or reset your USSD PIN *919# → select PIN setup/reset
Retrieve your BVN *919*18#

Charges and Limits You Should Know

UBA USSD banking is fast and convenient, but it’s smart to know what it costs and how much you can send before you start tapping away.

1. Transaction Charges

Not every transaction is free. Here are the current charges:

  • USSD session fee: ₦6.98 per session (up to 120 seconds), deducted from your mobile airtime. Longer sessions may cost another ₦6.98.
  • Sending money to another UBA account: ₦20 per transaction.
  • Sending money to other banks: The fee depends on how much you send. Small transfers cost around ₦10 plus VAT, medium transfers cost about ₦25 plus VAT, and larger transfers are roughly ₦50 plus VAT.
  • Buying airtime or data: You pay only the amount you’re topping up, no hidden fees, but the USSD session fee still applies.
  • Other services like cardless withdrawals, prepaid card loading, bill payments, or BVN retrieval may have varying fees. Always check the on-screen prompt before confirming.

2. Daily and Single Transaction Limits

Banks set limits to protect your money. For UBA USSD banking:

  • Transfers within UBA accounts: Single-transaction limit is ₦20,000 with a standard PIN. Daily limit is ₦100,000. For users with token + indemnity authorization, the single-transaction limit increases to ₦500,000, and the daily limit rises to ₦1,000,000.
  • Transfers to other banks: Single and daily limits vary depending on your account type and authorization method. Large transactions may require token/indemnity or in-branch approval.
  • Airtime and data purchases: Limited by your account balance. Some accounts may have daily caps on how much you can buy, so always check the on-screen prompt before confirming.

How to Reactivate or Recover UBA USSD Access

If your USSD banking via *919# Magic Banking stops working, whether because you forgot your PIN, changed your SIM, or simply lost access, here are the steps that you can use to recover access.

1. Use the registered phone number

UBA USSD banking works only from the mobile number that’s registered with your account or prepaid card, so you have to make sure you’re dialing from the phone number registered to your UBA account. USSD banking works only on that number. If you’re dialing the code from the wrong number, access will fail.

2. Reset your USSD PIN via the menu

  • Dial *919#.
  • Select “PIN Setup / Reset” from the menu.
  • Follow the prompts to create a new 4‑digit USSD PIN.

This works even without ATM or internet banking, as long as you dial from the registered number.

3. Contact UBA Customer Care if you can’t reset PIN

If resetting PIN doesn’t work, for example, because your registered number has changed, you can call UBA’s customer‑care lines for assistance. UBA lists +234 700 2255 822 (0700‑CALL‑UBA) and +234 1 280 8822 as contact numbers for support.

  • Explain your issue: phone number change, SIM swap, lost PIN, or registration problem.
  • Ask them to help you re‑enroll in USSD banking on your new number.

4. Update phone number on record (if changed)

If you changed SIM or switched phone numbers, you may need to update your account’s registered phone number with UBA before USSD banking will work again. This might require a branch visit or customer‑care action; banks typically need to validate new numbers for security reasons.

5. Check UBA’s official website for updates and announcements

Sometimes, maintenance or system updates may affect USSD services temporarily. The official UBA USSD banking page remains the most reliable source of current status and guidance.

What Are the Security Tips for Using UBA USSD?

1. Use Only Your Registered Phone Number

UBA’s USSD service (*919#) only works on the phone number linked to your account, and it is for your safety. If your phone or SIM ever goes missing, treat it like an emergency. Call UBA customer care immediately so they can block your debit card and secure your account before anyone attempts funny business.

2. Keep Your USSD PIN Completely Private

Your 4-digit USSD PIN is the front door key to your money. Never share it with anyone, even people you trust. Most fraud cases happen because someone close had access. Also, avoid the temptation to write it down in obvious places, as it can be an easy jackpot for the wrong person.

3. Avoid Using Public or Borrowed Phones

USSD is quick, but convenience shouldn’t override safety. Don’t dial *919# on a friend’s phone, a relative’s phone, or any shared device. You can’t control what gets saved, cached, or overlooked. Using only your own device keeps you in full control of your banking trail.

4. Watch Out for Phishing Attempts

UBA will never ask you for your PIN, OTP, password, or any sensitive details over the phone or via SMS. If you ever receive a message or call asking you to confirm your PIN or dial a strange code you didn’t initiate, ignore it.

5. Always Exit Your USSD Session Properly

USSD sessions usually time out on their own, but it’s better to close the menu once you’re done. This ensures that no one else can pick up your phone and jump into your session. It’s a small habit that adds an extra layer of protection.

6. Monitor Your Account Frequently

Make it a routine to check your balance and transaction history. It takes less than 10 seconds with *919#, and it helps you catch suspicious activity early. If anything looks off, even a tiny amount, contact UBA support right away. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About UBA USSD Code

1. Can I use UBA USSD on any phone?

Yes, you can. USSD works on any phone, whether it’s a basic feature phone or a smartphone, as long as the phone number is registered with UBA.

2. Do I need the internet to use UBA USSD codes?

No, USSD does not require internet or data. USSD works via your mobile network without the need for internet or data.

3. What happens if I dial the code from a different phone number than the one registered with UBA?

If you dial from a different phone number, the request will fail. UBA USSD banking only works when you dial from the phone number linked to your account.

4. Can I change my registered phone number for USSD banking?

Yes, you can, but it will require updating your account with UBA either through customer care or at a branch.

5. What happens if I enter the wrong USSD PIN multiple times?

If you enter the wrong USSD PIN three consecutive times, your USSD access will be temporarily blocked. You’ll need to reset your PIN via the *919# menu or contact customer care.

6. What should I do if a USSD transaction fails, but my account was debited?

If this happens, wait a few minutes as the transaction may still process. If the amount isn’t reversed automatically, contact UBA customer care with the transaction details for resolution.

Conclusion

If you’re tired of long bank queues and slow apps, UBA’s USSD code: *919# puts banking in your pocket: quick, easy, and no internet needed. With the codes above, you can transfer money, recharge airtime, withdraw, or even open a new account, all from your phone, in seconds.

So the next time your network is slow, your app refuses to load, or you just want the quickest option available, remember, 919# is always within reach.