Union Bank Transfer Code: How to Activate and Use *826# for Easy Banking
Banking in Nigeria has changed dramatically over the years. Gone are the days when customers had to stand in long queues at a banking hall just to send money or buy airtime. With mobile banking and USSD codes, financial transactions are now at your fingertips.
But here’s the problem: many customers still don’t know the right USSD codes to use for their bank. This often leads to errors, failed transactions, or wasted time. If you’re a Union Bank customer, you might have struggled in the past with transferring funds or recharging airtime without an ATM card or internet access.
The solution is simple: Union Bank’s transfer code, *826#. With this shortcode, you can transfer money, pay bills, buy airtime, request loans, and even block your account in emergencies—all without stepping into a bank branch. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to activate the code, use it for different transactions, and fix common issues so you can enjoy seamless banking.
What Is the Union Bank Transfer Code?
The Union Bank transfer code is *826#, a USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) shortcode that allows customers to perform banking transactions directly on their mobile phones.
- Available 24/7: No internet required, works even on basic phones.
- Networks supported: MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile.
- Transactions supported: Airtime, data, transfers, bills, loans, account management, and more.
To use this code, your phone number must be linked to your Union Bank account.
How to Register and Activate Union Bank Transfer Code
Activating *826# is quick and free. Follow these steps:
- Dial *826# on the mobile number linked to your Union Bank account.
- Enter your Union Bank account number when prompted.
- Input the last 6 digits of your Union Bank debit card.
- Create a secure 4-digit PIN.
- Confirm the PIN.
- You’ll receive a confirmation SMS once activation is successful.
That’s it — your Union Bank USSD code is now active!
Union Bank Transfer Code for Transactions
With *826#, you can perform almost every type of banking transaction. Below is a summary of the main services:
| Transaction | USSD Code Format | Example |
| Buy airtime (self) | *826*Amount# | *826*500# |
| Buy airtime (others) | *826*Amount*Recipient’s Number# | *826*1000*08031234567# |
| Buy data | *826*9# | Follow on-screen instructions |
| Transfer to Union Bank account | *826*1*Amount*Account Number# | *826*1*2000*1234567890# |
| Transfer to other banks | *826*2*Amount*Account Number# | *826*2*5000*9876543210# |
| Pay merchants (mCash) | *826*22*Merchant Code*Amount# | *826*22*12345*1000# |
| Cardless withdrawal | *826*7*Amount# | *826*7*5000# |
| Check balance | *826*4# | |
| Request debit card | *826*21# | |
| Request loan | *826*41# | |
| Block account (own number) | *826*6# | |
| Block account (other number) | *826*6*Mobile Number# | *826*6*08030000000# |
Union Bank Transfer Code for Fintechs and Online Banks
Union Bank customers can also send money to fintech accounts such as Opay, PalmPay, and Kuda directly using *826#.
| Fintech / Bank | USSD Code Format | Example |
| OPay | *826*2*Amount*Opay Account Number# | *826*2*2000*1234567890# |
| PalmPay | *826*2*Amount*PalmPay Account# | *826*2*3000*1234567890# |
| Kuda Bank | *826*2*Amount*Kuda Account# | *826*2*1500*1234567890# |
| Other Online Banks | *826*2*Amount*Account Number# | *826*2*5000*9876543210# |
Note: Always confirm the receiver’s name before entering your PIN to complete the transfer.
Other Union Bank USSD Functions (Security & Convenience)
Apart from transfers and airtime, *826# gives you full control of your account.
| Function | Code |
| Locate a Union Bank branch/agent | *826*19# |
| Increase transaction limit | *826*8# |
| Block/Unblock card | *826*21# |
| Data capture after enrollment | *826*3*Account Number# |
This makes *826# not just a transfer code, but a complete mobile banking solution.
Common Issues and Fixes
Sometimes, the Union Bank transfer code may not work. Common reasons include:
- Service delays: Network issues or high traffic may cause temporary downtime.
- Unaccepted terms: You may need to dial *826# again to accept Union Bank’s USSD terms and conditions.
- Telco restrictions: Occasionally, telecom operators suspend services for banks owing service fees.
If USSD fails, you can still use the UnionMobile app or UnionOnline internet banking.
Conclusion: Union Bank Transfer Code
Union Bank has made everyday banking easier with its *826# USSD transfer code. Whether you’re buying airtime, sending money to friends, paying merchants, or making a cardless withdrawal, this service ensures fast, secure, and reliable banking without stepping into a branch.
If you haven’t activated it yet, dial *826# today to enjoy convenient, stress-free financial transactions anytime, anywhere.
Read also: Naira9ja Loan App: Easy Steps to Apply and Get Approved
FAQS About Union Bank Transfer Code
- Why Is My Union Bank Transfer Code Not Working? Delays: Union Bank may be experiencing delays with *826# access. In this case, you can use the UnionMobile app or UnionOnline for transactions.
- Agreement message: You might need to dial *826# again to get the agreement message and continue with other transactions.
- Banks cut off: Some banks have been cut off due to what they owe Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
- Telcos disconnecting banks: The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has been approved to disconnect banks from USSD services.
What Is Union Bank’s USSD Code?
The USSD code for Union Bank of Nigeria is *826#. This code can be used for a variety of transactions, including:
Airtime top-up: Dial *826*amount# to buy airtime
Data purchase: Dial *826# to buy data
Money transfer: Dial *826# to send money
Account balance check: Dial 8264# to check your account balance
Account blocking: Dial 8266# to block your account in case of loss or theft
How do I transfer money from Union Bank to another bank?
Use the 826# USSD code:
You can use this code to:
- Send money to other UBN and other bank accounts
- Pay bills
- Buy airtime for yourself and others
- Check your account number, balances, and BVN
What Is The Union Bank Transfer Code for Account Opening?
To open a Union Bank account, you can dial *826# on the mobile number linked to your account:
- Dial *826#
- Select 1 to activate UnionMobile
- Follow the options
What Is Union Bank Transfer Code for Airtime?
The Union Bank of Nigeria’s code to buy airtime is *826*amount#:
To buy airtime for yourself: Dial *826*amount# on the mobile number linked to your Union Bank account
Buy airtime for someone: Dial *826*amount*mobile no# on the mobile number linked to your Union Bank account