5 mins read

Union Bank USSD Codes in Nigeria (2026)

Union Bank USSD Codes

The primary Union Bank USSD code is *826#, which allows customers to perform banking transactions directly from their phones without internet access. By dialing *826#, you can access Union Bank’s USSD menu to transfer money, buy airtime, check account balance, pay bills, and manage your account quickly and securely.

For example, dial *826*0# to check your account balance, *826*Amount# to buy airtime for yourself, or use the on-screen menu after dialing *826# to send money to any bank in Nigeria.

Union Bank USSD works on all mobile phones and Nigerian networks, making it ideal for offline banking.

Popular Union Bank USSD Codes and Their Functions

ServiceUSSD Code
Access Main Menu*826#
Check Account Balance8260#
Transfer to Union Bank826Amount*AccountNumber#
Transfer to Other Banks826Amount*AccountNumber#
Buy Airtime for Self826Amount#
Buy Airtime for Others826Amount*PhoneNumber#
Pay Bills*826# → Pay Bills
Open Union Bank Account*826# → Open Account
Block Account / ATM Card*826# → Security Options

These USSD codes allow quick banking without internet. Always use your registered phone number and protect your USSD PIN.

About Union Bank

Union Bank of Nigeria is a leading commercial bank with a rich history, offering a wide range of retail, corporate, and digital banking services. Products include savings and current accounts, transfers, loans, bill payments, and mobile banking solutions.

While the Union Mobile App provides advanced features, *Union Bank USSD (826#) remains a reliable option when internet access is unavailable.

This guide explains all Union Bank USSD codes, activation steps, transaction charges, common errors, security tips, and offline banking functions.


What Is Union Bank USSD?

Union Bank USSD is a mobile banking service that allows users to perform financial transactions via short codes on their phones, without using mobile data.

USSD banking is ideal when you:

  • Have poor or no internet
  • Need urgent money transfer
  • Want quick airtime recharge
  • Cannot access the Union Bank app
  • Use a basic feature phone

USSD is fast, secure, and works on all Nigerian SIM cards.

Main Union Bank USSD Code in Nigeria (2026)

The official Union Bank USSD code is:

*826#

After dialing *826#, you can access Union Bank’s USSD menu for transfers, balance checks, airtime purchases, bill payments, and account support.

Most used Union Bank USSD codes:

  • *826# — Main menu
  • 8260# — Check account balance
  • 826Amount# — Buy airtime for self
  • 826Amount*PhoneNumber# — Buy airtime for others
  • 826Amount*AccountNumber# — Transfer money
  • *826# → Pay Bills — Utility payments
  • *826# → Open Account — New Union account
  • *826# → Security Options — Block account

How to Activate Union Bank USSD Banking

To use Union Bank USSD:

  • Have an active Union Bank account
  • Use the phone number linked to your account
  • Ensure good network signal
  • Dial *826#
  • Create a 4-digit USSD PIN when prompted

Once set up, USSD banking is available 24/7 without internet.

Full Breakdown of Union Bank USSD Codes and Their Uses

1. Union Bank Code for Transfers

To send money:

  • Dial 826Amount*AccountNumber#
  • Select Union Bank or another bank
  • Confirm recipient details
  • Enter your PIN

Transfers work with all Nigerian banks including Zenith, GTBank, First Bank, UBA, FCMB, Fidelity, and Polaris.

2. Union Bank Code for Airtime

For Self:
Dial 826Amount#
Example: 826200# to recharge ₦200

For Others:
Dial 826AmountPhoneNumber#
Example: 826500
08012345678#

Recharge is instant.

3. Union Bank Code for Account Balance

To check balance:

Dial *826*0#
Enter your PIN if prompted.

4. Union Bank Code for Utility or Bill Payments

Dial *826# and select Pay Bills to pay for:

  • Electricity (DISCOs)
  • DSTV, GOTV, Startimes
  • Mobile data subscriptions
  • Internet services
  • Other supported billers

Follow prompts to complete the payment.

5. Code to Block Union Bank Account

If your phone is lost or stolen:

  • Dial *826#
  • Select Security / Block Account

This immediately secures your account and prevents unauthorized transactions.

Why Union Bank USSD Is Popular

Union Bank USSD is widely used because it:

  • Works offline without internet
  • Fast and reliable
  • Supports MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile
  • Works on all phones
  • Has secure PIN protection
  • Available 24/7

How to Set or Reset Your Union Bank USSD PIN

First-time setup:

  • Dial *826#
  • Select Create PIN
  • Enter 4-digit PIN
  • Confirm

Reset PIN:

  • Dial *826#
  • Select Forgot PIN
  • Verify via OTP
  • Set a new PIN

Never share your PIN with anyone.

Union Bank USSD and Transaction Charges

  • Dialing *826# is free
  • Network providers may charge ₦6–₦7 per session
  • Transfer fees apply depending on bank/CBN guidelines
  • Airtime and bill payments usually have no extra fees

Common Union Bank USSD Errors and How to Fix Them

  • USSD not working: Check network, use registered SIM
  • Incorrect PIN: Reset via *826#
  • Insufficient balance: Fund your account
  • Session timeout: Retry in strong network area
  • Transaction failed: Confirm details and retry

How to Use Union Bank USSD Without the App

If the Union Bank app is unavailable:

  • Dial *826# from your registered number
  • You can still:
    • Check balance
    • Send money
    • Buy airtime
    • Pay bills
    • Block account

USSD serves as a reliable backup.

Is Union Bank USSD Safe?

Yes — protected with:

  • 4-digit PIN
  • SIM-based verification
  • Instant block options

Safety tips:

  • Never share your PIN
  • Block your account immediately if phone is lost
  • Use only your registered SIM

Benefits of Using Union Bank USSD

  • Works offline
  • Fast transactions
  • No app required
  • Works on any phone
  • Useful in emergencies
  • Ideal for rural and low-data areas

Limitations of Union Bank USSD

  • Advanced services require app
  • Network charges may apply
  • Sessions may timeout during peak hours
  • Cannot access investment or loan products

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main Union Bank USSD code?
*826#

Why is my Union Bank USSD not working?
Likely network issues, wrong SIM, or maintenance

How do I check my Union Bank balance?
Dial 8260#

Can I transfer money without the app?
Yes — dial 826Amount*AccountNumber#

How do I block my account if my phone is stolen?
Dial *826# → Security Options

Does Union Bank USSD work on all networks?
Yes — MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile

Is Union Bank USSD free?
Dialing is free; network charges may apply

Conclusion

Union Bank USSD codes make offline banking easy, fast, and secure in Nigeria. With *826#, you can transfer money, buy airtime, check balances, pay bills, and secure your account without internet access.

Whether you’re using a basic phone, facing poor connectivity, or the app isn’t available, Union Bank USSD remains a reliable solution in Nigeria (2026).

Adeola

Adeola

Author

Adeola is a fintech expert with years of experience helping Nigerians navigate gift card trading. He focuses on simplifying the process of selling, redeeming, and converting gift cards, ensuring people trade with confidence and security.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like these related posts:

Ricki Giftcards

Sell & Trade Gift Cards Smarter with Ricki

Get the best value for your gift cards, enjoy instant payouts, and trade with confidence on a platform trusted by thousands of Nigerians. Download the Ricki app today and start trading the easy way.

Scroll to Top
Ricki App Icon

Download Ricki

Trade your gift cards instantly, fast, secure and trusted.