Union Bank of Nigeria is one of the oldest and most established banks in the country, founded in 1917, with a long history and a well recognised presence across Nigeria.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about banking internationally and locally with Union Bank, 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 Union Bank 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.
Union Bank SWIFT Code
The SWIFT/BIC code for Union Bank is UBNINGLA. This single code is used for the bank right across Nigeria, so whatever branch or city your account belongs to, the same code, UBNINGLA, is used to receive international transfers into it.
Most Nigerian banks, including Union Bank, 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 UBNINGLAXXX, where the final XXX refers to the bank’s primary (head) office.
Bank
Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
SWIFT/BIC code (8 characters)
UBNINGLA
SWIFT/BIC code (11 characters)
UBNINGLAXXX
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 UBNINGLA, 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 Union Bank, the eight character code is all you need to receive an international transfer.
Union Bank SWIFT Code Explained
Each part of UBNINGLA has a specific meaning, as shown in the table below.
Part
Code
Meaning
Bank code
UBNI
Identifies Union Bank of Nigeria 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 Union Bank
To receive money from abroad into your Union Bank 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 Union Bank account number)
Bank name: Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
SWIFT/BIC code: UBNINGLA
Bank address: Stallion Plaza, 36 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 Union Bank. 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 Union Bank
Union Bank 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 Union Bank applies its own exchange rate and charges, so it is worth confirming the current details, limits and fees before sending a large amount.
Union Bank 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. Union Bank’s sort codes all begin with 032, the bank’s institution code, followed by digits identifying the branch.
Unlike the single SWIFT code, Union Bank 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.
Union Bank USSD Code and Mobile Banking
The USSD code for Union Bank is *826#. 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 Union Bank USSD code you can carry out a wide range of everyday banking tasks, including:
Check your account balance
Transfer money to Union Bank and other bank accounts
Buy airtime and data for yourself or others
Pay bills such as electricity, water and subscriptions
Open a new Union Bank account
Check your BVN and manage your account
Block your account quickly in an emergency
How to Open a Union Bank Account with the USSD Code
You can open a Union Bank account in minutes using the USSD code, without visiting a branch. Dial *826# 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 Union Bank USSD Banking
Always dial *826# from the phone number registered with your Union Bank 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 Union Bank
Overview and History
Union Bank of Nigeria was founded in 1917, making it one of the oldest banks in the country, with more than a century of history serving Nigerian individuals, businesses and institutions.
In recent years the bank has undergone significant transformation and changes in ownership, including its acquisition by Titan Trust Bank, as it modernised its operations and refreshed its long standing brand.
Leadership
Union Bank is based in Lagos, Nigeria, with its head office at Stallion Plaza, 36 Marina, Lagos. It is led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Yetunde Oni.
Services
Union Bank offers a full range of retail, commercial and corporate banking services, drawing on its deep roots in the Nigerian economy and its extensive experience across generations of customers.
Digital Banking
Union Bank is a strongly digital focused institution. Customers can bank through the UnionMobile app and the USSD code *826#, 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
Union Bank serves millions of customers through a wide branch network spread across all states of Nigeria, supported by ATMs, agent banking and digital channels, backed by more than a century of banking heritage.
Union Bank Branches
Union Bank 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, UBNINGLA, you can receive an international transfer regardless of which branch holds your account.
Union Bank Contact and Customer Care
Head office
Stallion Plaza, 36 Marina, Lagos, Nigeria
Customer care
+234 1 271 6816, or 07007864665
Email
customerservice@unionbankng.com
Website
unionbankng.com
USSD
*826#
SWIFT/BIC
UBNINGLA
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 Union Bank
SWIFT/BIC code: UBNINGLA (UBNINGLAXXX in full)
Sort code prefix: 032
Full name: Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
Head office: Stallion Plaza, 36 Marina, Lagos
Founded: 1917
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer: Yetunde Oni
USSD code: *826#
Website: unionbankng.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Union Bank’s SWIFT code?
Union Bank’s SWIFT/BIC code is UBNINGLA, written in full as UBNINGLAXXX.
Does Union Bank have different SWIFT codes for different branches?
No. Union Bank uses a single SWIFT code, UBNINGLA, for all of its branches nationwide.
Is Union Bank’s SWIFT code the same as its sort code?
No. The SWIFT code (UBNINGLA) is for international transfers, while sort codes are nine digit numbers that identify individual branches for domestic transfers.
What is Union Bank’s USSD code?
Union Bank’s USSD code is *826#, usable for transfers, airtime, bills, opening an account and more from any phone.
How do I receive money from abroad into my Union Bank account?
Give the sender your account name and number, the bank name, the SWIFT code UBNINGLA, 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 Union Bank is UBNINGLA (UBNINGLAXXX 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.
