The Union Bank transfer code is *826#. It’s Union Bank’s USSD banking service that lets you send money, buy airtime/data, pay merchants, and do other banking tasks directly from your phone—without internet.
If you’ve ever needed to transfer money urgently and your app wasn’t loading, *826# is designed for exactly that situation. This guide covers the correct codes, how to activate them, what each option does, and how to fix common errors.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary: Union Bank *826# USSD Codes
- Main Union Bank USSD code:
*826# - Transfer to Union Bank accounts:
*826*1*Amount*AccountNo# - Transfer to other banks:
*826*2*Amount*AccountNo# - Buy airtime (self):
*826*Amount# - Buy airtime (others):
*826*Amount*PhoneNo# - Buy data:
*826*9# - Check balance:
*826*4# - Cardless withdrawal:
*826*7*Amount# - Pay merchants (mCash):
*826*22*MerchantCode*Amount# - Locate a branch/agent:
*826*19# - Request a debit card:
*826*21# - Request a loan:
*826*41#
What Is the Union Bank Transfer Code?
The Union Bank transfer code (*826#) is a USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) service that works on all phones and all major Nigerian networks. Union Bank lists it as a 24/7 banking channel for transfers, airtime/data purchase, payments, and more. Source
Best part: it works even when you have:
- No data
- Poor internet
- A basic phone (not a smartphone)
Related: Wema Bank USSD Code – *945# for Transfers, Airtime, Bills
How to Register and Activate Union Bank Transfer Code (*826#)
To activate Union Bank USSD banking, you must use the phone number linked to your Union Bank account.
Activation steps (self activation)
- Dial
*826#on your registered phone number. - Follow the on-screen prompts to register/activate the service.
- Set your 4-digit transaction PIN (this PIN authorizes transfers and payments).
- You should receive a confirmation message once activation is completed.
Note: Your draft reference also describes activation using account details and debit card digits; keep in mind the exact prompts can differ depending on your account setup. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
How to Transfer Money Using Union Bank Transfer Code
There are two main transfer formats—one for Union Bank accounts and one for other banks.
1) Transfer to Union Bank accounts
Dial:
*826*1*Amount*AccountNumber#
Example: Send ₦5,000 to 1234567890:
*826*1*5000*1234567890#
Related: USSD Codes for GTBank, FCMB, UBA and Fidelity (2026)
2) Transfer to other banks (GTB, UBA, Opay, PalmPay, etc.)
Dial:
*826*2*Amount*AccountNumber#
Example: Send ₦10,000 to another bank account:
*826*2*10000*0123456789#
Important safety rule: Always confirm the recipient name displayed before entering your PIN (your draft also highlights this).
Union Bank USSD Codes and What They Do (Full Table)
| Transaction | Union Bank USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Main menu | *826# |
| Check balance | *826*4# |
| Buy airtime (self) | *826*Amount# |
| Buy airtime (others) | *826*Amount*PhoneNo# |
| Buy data | *826*9# |
| Transfer to Union Bank | *826*1*Amount*AccountNo# |
| Transfer to other banks | *826*2*Amount*AccountNo# |
| Pay merchants (mCash) | *826*22*MerchantCode*Amount# |
| Cardless withdrawal | *826*7*Amount# |
| Locate branch/Union Direct agent | *826*19# |
| Request a debit card | *826*21# |
| Request a loan | *826*41# |
How to Buy Airtime and Data with Union Bank *826#
Buy airtime for yourself
*826*Amount#
Example: *826*1000#
Buy airtime for someone else
*826*Amount*PhoneNumber#
Buy data
Dial *826*9# and follow the prompts. Source
How to Do Cardless Withdrawal with Union Bank *826#
If you need cash but don’t have your card, Union Bank supports cardless withdrawal via:
*826*7*Amount#
This typically generates a code you can use at an ATM that supports the service.
How to Block Your Union Bank Account If Your Phone Is Lost
If you lose your phone or suspect suspicious activity, Union Bank has publicly shared a USSD blocking format:
*826*6*YourRegisteredPhoneNumber#
After blocking: Contact Union Bank support to restore access safely and update security on your account.
Common Issues: Why *826# May Not Work (And Fixes)
1) You’re using the wrong phone number
*826# works best from the phone number linked to your Union Bank account. If you’re dialing from another line, activation or transfers may fail.
2) No airtime (USSD session charge)
USSD banking often requires a small telco session charge deducted from airtime. Load a little airtime and try again.
3) Poor network / USSD downtime
Move to a stronger signal area and retry. If it persists, use UnionMobile/UnionOnline temporarily.
4) Wrong code format
For other banks, use *826*2*Amount*AccountNo# (not the Union-to-Union format).
5) PIN problems
If your PIN is forgotten or locked, re-run the activation/menu flow via *826# to manage your USSD settings.
FAQs: Union Bank Transfer Code (*826#)
What is the Union Bank transfer code?
The Union Bank transfer code is *826#. Transfers use *826*1*Amount*AccountNo# for Union Bank and *826*2*Amount*AccountNo# for other banks.
How do I activate Union Bank USSD code?
Dial *826# on your registered phone number and follow the prompts to register and set your transaction PIN.
How do I check my balance on Union Bank *826#?
Dial *826*4#.
How do I block my Union Bank account if my phone is stolen?
Union Bank has shared *826*6*RegisteredPhoneNumber# as a quick blocking option.
Final Thoughts
The Union Bank transfer code (*826#) is one of the most useful “no-internet” banking tools in Nigeria. Save the key shortcuts, always confirm recipient names before entering your PIN, and know the emergency block code in case your phone goes missing.