United Bank for Africa, universally known as UBA, is one of Africa’s most truly pan-African banks, operating in 20 African countries as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States and France.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about banking internationally and locally with UBA, including its SWIFT code position, how to receive money from abroad, its USSD code and mobile banking, how to open an account, its contact details, and a full profile of UBA itself.
A SWIFT code, also called a BIC (Bank Identifier Code), is an internationally recognised code that identifies a bank during a cross border transfer. It is managed by SWIFT, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, the global network banks use to send secure payment instructions to one another.
UBA SWIFT Code
The SWIFT/BIC code for UBA is UNAFNGLA. This single code is used for the bank right across Nigeria, so whatever branch or city your account belongs to, the same code, UNAFNGLA, is used to receive international transfers into it.
Most Nigerian banks, including UBA, use a single SWIFT code for the whole bank rather than a different one for each branch. When an eleven character version is requested, the code is written as UNAFNGLAXXX, where the final XXX refers to the bank’s primary (head) office.
Bank
United Bank for Africa Plc
SWIFT/BIC code (8 characters)
UNAFNGLA
SWIFT/BIC code (11 characters)
UNAFNGLAXXX
Head office city
Lagos
What is a SWIFT/BIC Code?
A SWIFT code, or BIC, is a standard Bank Identifier Code used to identify banks around the world. It tells anyone sending money internationally exactly which bank, in which country and at which location should receive the funds, working much like the international postal address of a bank.
Every SWIFT code is either eight or eleven characters long. An eight character code, such as UNAFNGLA, refers to a bank’s head office, while an eleven character code adds a three character branch identifier at the end; when this is XXX, it still points to the head office. For UBA, the eight character code is all you need to receive an international transfer.
UBA SWIFT Code Explained
Each part of UNAFNGLA has a specific meaning, as shown in the table below.
Part
Code
Meaning
Bank code
UNAF
Identifies United Bank for Africa Plc
Country code
NG
Nigeria
Location code
LA
Lagos, where the head office is based
Branch code
XXX
Primary / head office (optional, only in the 11 character form)
How to Receive International Money into UBA
To receive money from abroad into your UBA account, give the sender the details below, and their bank will route the transfer through the SWIFT network.
Account holder’s name (exactly as on your account)
Account number (your ten digit UBA account number)
Bank name: United Bank for Africa Plc
SWIFT/BIC code: UNAFNGLA
Bank address: UBA House, 57 Marina, Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria does not use the IBAN system, so if a sender’s form asks for an IBAN, leave it blank and provide the SWIFT code and account number instead. For foreign currencies such as dollars, pounds or euros, you will usually need a domiciliary account with UBA. International transfers typically arrive within one to five working days, depending on the sending bank and any intermediary banks involved.
How to Send Money Abroad from UBA
UBA customers can also send money abroad, usually from a domiciliary account. To make an international transfer you provide the recipient’s bank details, including their bank’s SWIFT code, their account number or IBAN, their name and their bank’s address. Transfers can be arranged at a branch or, for eligible customers, through the bank’s digital channels.
International transfers from Nigeria are subject to the limits and documentation set by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and UBA applies its own exchange rate and charges, so it is worth confirming the current details, limits and fees before sending a large amount.
UBA Sort Codes and Branch Codes
A sort code is different from a SWIFT code. It is a nine digit number that identifies a specific branch for domestic transfers within Nigeria, such as NEFT and RTGS. UBA’s sort codes all begin with 033, the bank’s institution code, followed by digits identifying the branch.
Unlike the single SWIFT code, UBA has many sort codes, one per branch. For everyday transfers through the app or internet banking you will not need to type one, but it may be requested for certain direct payments. You can obtain your branch’s sort code from the branch or from customer care.
UBA USSD Code and Mobile Banking
The USSD code for UBA is *919#. This short code lets you bank directly from any mobile phone, even a basic one with no internet or app, by dialling it from the phone number linked to your account. It is one of the quickest ways to carry out everyday banking on the go.
With the UBA USSD code you can carry out a wide range of everyday banking tasks, including:
Check your account balance
Transfer money to UBA and other bank accounts
Buy airtime and data for yourself or others
Pay bills such as electricity, water and subscriptions
Open a new UBA account
Check your BVN and manage your account
Block your account quickly in an emergency
How to Open a UBA Account with the USSD Code
You can open a UBA account in minutes using the USSD code, without visiting a branch. Dial *919# on the phone number you want to register, choose the option to open an account, and follow the prompts to enter your details. Once the account is created you can begin transacting straight away and complete any further verification, such as linking your BVN, afterwards.
Getting Started with UBA USSD Banking
Always dial *919# from the phone number registered with your UBA account, as the service is tied to your registered SIM for security. The first time you use it you will usually create a short secret PIN, which is then required to authorise transactions. Never share this PIN or any one time code with anyone, as no genuine bank staff member will ever ask for it.
About UBA
Overview and History
UBA traces its origins to 1949 and was incorporated as United Bank for Africa in 1961. Over the decades it grew into one of Nigeria’s largest banks and, through determined expansion, into one of the most international banks on the African continent.
Today UBA is a pan-African financial services group with a presence in 20 African countries and offices in London, New York and Paris, giving it a global footprint that few African banks can match.
Leadership
UBA is based in Lagos, Nigeria, with its head office at UBA House, 57 Marina, Lagos. It is led by its Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba.
Services
UBA offers a full range of retail, corporate, commercial and pan-African banking services, and is well known for its cross-border capabilities, its cards business and its Leo chatbot for social banking.
Digital Banking
UBA is a strongly digital focused institution. Customers can bank through the UBA Mobile Banking app, the Leo digital assistant and the USSD code *919#, along with internet banking where available, which together allow transfers, airtime and data purchases, bill payments and account management, in many cases even without an internet connection.
Size and Reach
UBA serves more than 25 million customers across its African network and international offices, with thousands of ATMs and a large branch network in Nigeria, making it a gateway for banking across the continent and between Africa and the wider world.
UBA Branches
UBA has a branch network across Nigeria, with a presence in major commercial centres such as Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, complemented by ATMs, agent banking and electronic channels. Because all branches share the same SWIFT code, UNAFNGLA, you can receive an international transfer regardless of which branch holds your account.
UBA Contact and Customer Care
Head office
UBA House, 57 Marina, Lagos, Nigeria
Customer care
+234 1 280 8822, or 0700 CALLUBA
Email
cfc@ubagroup.com
Website
ubagroup.com
USSD
*919#
SWIFT/BIC
UNAFNGLA
Fees, Exchange Rates and Cheaper Alternatives
Whenever money is sent internationally, the cost is more than the visible fee. Banks and providers also apply an exchange rate when converting currencies, which can include a margin above the mid market rate, and on larger amounts this margin can cost more than the fee itself.
It is always worth comparing the total cost, not just the advertised fee. Specialist services such as Wise often use the mid market rate with a clear separate fee, while a domiciliary account with a commercial bank lets you receive and hold foreign currency directly. Comparing your options before you send or receive can save you money.
Quick Facts About UBA
SWIFT/BIC code: UNAFNGLA (UNAFNGLAXXX in full)
Sort code prefix: 033
Full name: United Bank for Africa Plc
Head office: UBA House, 57 Marina, Lagos
Founded: 1949 (incorporated as UBA in 1961)
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer: Oliver Alawuba
USSD code: *919#
Website: ubagroup.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UBA’s SWIFT code?
UBA’s SWIFT/BIC code is UNAFNGLA, written in full as UNAFNGLAXXX.
Does UBA have different SWIFT codes for different branches?
No. UBA uses a single SWIFT code, UNAFNGLA, for all of its branches nationwide.
Is UBA’s SWIFT code the same as its sort code?
No. The SWIFT code (UNAFNGLA) is for international transfers, while sort codes are nine digit numbers that identify individual branches for domestic transfers.
What is UBA’s USSD code?
UBA’s USSD code is *919#, usable for transfers, airtime, bills, opening an account and more from any phone.
How do I receive money from abroad into my UBA account?
Give the sender your account name and number, the bank name, the SWIFT code UNAFNGLA, and the bank’s address. Foreign currencies usually require a domiciliary account.
Does Nigeria use IBAN?
No. Nigeria does not use IBAN. Provide the SWIFT code and account number instead.
Summary
In summary, the SWIFT/BIC code for UBA is UNAFNGLA (UNAFNGLAXXX in full), used for the whole bank across every branch. To receive money from abroad, provide this code with your account name and number, remembering that Nigeria does not use IBAN and foreign currencies usually need a domiciliary account.
SWIFT/BIC codes change when a bank restructures, merges, or opens new international operations, and some Nigerian institutions route international transfers through a correspondent bank rather than a code of their own. Before you send money, confirm the code directly with the bank, through its official app or customer care line, or by looking the institution up in the official SWIFT/BIC directory at swift.com. Sending to an incorrect or outdated SWIFT code can delay a transfer by days or route it to the wrong institution, and recovering misrouted funds is slow and sometimes costly. The details on this page are compiled from the bank’s own published information and the SWIFT registry.
