UnionBank Online Banking: Your Guide to Smartphone Banking

When the pandemic forced everyone to stay indoors, digital banking became the new normal. In fact, it has become so normal that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is projecting that the Philippines will become a coinless society by 2025.^[1] Good thing that apps like UnionBank Online Banking already exists.

As one of the leading digital banks in the Philippines, UnionBank has an app that aims to be an all-around solution for everyone's online banking needs. So to help you get started, here's an extensive guide on how to do your banking using only your smartphone.

UnionBank Online Banking Features

unionbank online banking - unionbank app

Because UnionBank invested heavily in digitalization, they have one of the most intuitive banking apps out there. You can do almost all banking transactions using their mobile app, from opening an account to managing your credit card transactions.

Here are some of the most notable features:

Open a bank account. You don’t have to go to the bank with your folder of requirements just to open an account. You can do it with just a few taps on your smartphone.
Send and receive money. Just like any other online banking apps and digital wallets, the UnionBank app lets you send and receive money online. It even uses QR code technology for faster transactions.
Deposit checks. No need to head to a UnionBank branch to deposit your check. Just take a picture of it via the app and deposit it from there.
Manage your credit card features. Track your monthly spending, lock your credit card, set a spending limit, and access other credit card features via the UnionBank app.
Pay your bills and buy load. Choose from over 500 billers and buy load from leading network providers in the Philippines.
Secure your account. You can choose between One-Time Password (OTP), biometric login, and UnionBank's own OTP generator to secure your app.
Withdraw without your card. You can withdraw your funds at any UnionBank ATM even without your card.
Track your spending. Live a healthier financial life by monitoring your expenses using the app’s spend tracker.
Buy insurance. Through UnionBank Online Banking’s Insurance Marketplace feature, you can buy an insurance policy. You can even compare different policies to get the one with the best value for money.
Customize your profile. Unlike other banking apps, the UnionBank app allows you to upload a profile picture, update your information, and manage notifications.

UnionBank Online Registration Guide

You can either enroll through the browser version^[2] or the mobile application. For the sake of convenience, let's focus on the UnionBank Online app.

What Account Types Can I Enroll Online?

unionbank online banking - unionbank online registration

All UnionBank accounts can be enrolled and activated in just 24 hours in the app, making the UnionBank Online Banking app an all-around online facility for all your banking needs.

Savings accounts
Checking account
Debit card
Credit card
UnionBank loan
Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs)
Business line account
Term deposits
Savings accounts
Checking account
Debit card
Credit card
UnionBank loan
Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs)
Business line account
Term deposits

For Existing UnionBank Clients: How to Sign Up for a UB Online Banking Account

Download the UnionBank Online Banking app from your app store.
Open the app and tap Sign Up With My Existing Account.
Skim through the Terms and Conditions and Privacy. Then, tap Accept.
On the next screen, choose how you want to register. You can sign up using your ATM card, credit card, prepaid card, account number, loan account, or unit investment trust fund (UITF) account.
On the next screen, enter the account details then tap Next.
Enter the one-time password (OTP) sent to your mobile number.
Enter your preferred username and password and tap Next.

Complete the registration by entering your active email address and mobile number. Then tap Update My Profile.

For New UnionBank Clients: How to Open a New UB Online Banking Account

If you don’t have a UnionBank account, you can easily apply for one using the UnionBank Online Banking app. The process is completely online, which means there’s no need to visit a branch and there’s no initial deposit needed.

Open the UnionBank app and tap Open an Account.
Tap Savings Account with Debit Card.
Tap the savings account type you prefer.
Read the reminders and accept the Customer Declaration, Terms & Conditions, and Privacy.
On the next screen, enter your basic information then tap Next.
Enter the OTP sent to your number.
Create your username and password.
Enable your Touch ID. If you want to do it later, tap Not Now.
On the next screen, enter your personal information, address, and financial information. Then, tap Next.
Tap the valid ID you want to submit and follow the in-app guide on how to properly take a picture of your ID.
On the next screen, follow the guide on how to take a proper selfie.
Next, put your signature on the space provided. Use a stylus if you have one.
Review your application and choose where you want it delivered then tap Submit.
If your application has been approved, you’ll receive an email with the activation link. Click the link to activate your account.

Download the UnionBank Online App from Here!

The UnionBank Online Banking app is available on the App Store, Google Play, and Huawei App Gallery. You can download it via the links below:

UnionBank Online Account Application Guide

If you don't have a UnionBank account, you can easily apply for one using the UnionBank Online Banking app. The process is completely online, which means there's no need to visit a branch and there's no initial deposit needed.

How to Open a UnionBank Savings Account

unionbank online banking - in-app account opening

Open the UnionBank app and tap Open an Account.
Tap Savings Account with Debit Card.
Tap the savings account type you prefer.
On the next screen, enter your basic information then tap Next.
Enter the OTP sent to your number.
Now enter your personal information on the next screen then tap Next.
On the next screen, enter your financial information then tap Next.
Tap the valid ID you want to submit and follow the in-app guide on how to properly take a picture of your ID.
On the next screen, follow the guide on how to take a proper selfie.
Next, put your signature on the space provided. Use a stylus if you have one.
Review the card details and choose where you want it delivered then tap Next.
Review all the details you provided and tap Submit.
Open the email from UnionBank and activate your account from there. It will take at least 24 hours to fully activate your UnionBank account.

How to Use the UnionBank Online Banking App

Once your UnionBank savings account is activated, you can now unlock all the useful features of the UnionBank app. From sending money to paying your bills, you can do all your banking transactions at home using your smartphone.

How to Activate UnionBank OTP Generator

Make using your UnionBank mobile app a lot easier to use by activating the in-app OTP generator. This way, it will be more convenient for you to access the app and its services.

Launch your UnionBank app and tap More.
Tap Login and Security > Manage One-Time Password (OTP).
Tap OTP Preference. This will activate your UnionBank OTP generator.

How to Check Your Account, Debit, and Credit Card Balance

If you enroll your savings, debit card, and credit card accounts in the app, you can easily do a UnionBank online balance inquiry through the following steps.

From the UnionBank app dashboard, you can already see the outstanding balance of your savings, debit card, or credit card account.
Tap the desired account to get more details.

How to Send Money Using UnionBank Online App

You can send money to both UnionBank and non-UnionBank accounts online. There are three ways to do it: through filling out a form, using the app’s QR code feature, or using the recipient’s mobile number or email address. The third method doesn’t require any account number.

Steps to Sending Money by Filling Out a Form

From the UnionBank app dashboard, tap Send Money.
If you’re sending money to a UnionBank account, tap Another UnionBank Account. If you’re sending money to a non-UnionBank account, tap Other Banks & E-Wallets. For the latter, choose PESONet if you’re sending more than ₱50,000. Otherwise, choose Instapay for a quicker transaction.
If you’re sending money to a UnionBank account, simply provide the recipient’s details. But if you’re sending funds to a non-UnionBank account, select the bank first then provide the recipient’s details.
Tap Next.
Enter the amount you want to send, select a purpose, then tap Next.
Review the transfer details before tapping Transfer.

Pro tip: You can transfer funds to another bank or e-wallet for free via Pesonet. Watch the video below to see how to do it using the UnionBanking Online app.

Send Money Using Email Address or Mobile Number

From the UnionBank app dashboard, tap Send Money.
If you’re sending money to a UnionBank account, tap Another UnionBank Account. If you’re sending money to a non-UnionBank account, tap Other Banks & E-Wallets. For the latter, choose InstaPay.
On the next page, choose between Mobile Number or Email.
Provide the recipient’s mobile number/email address and the pertinent details. Then tap Next.
Enter the amount you want to send, select a purpose, and then tap Next.
Review the transfer details before tapping Transfer.

Steps to Sending Money via the App’s QR Code Feature

unionbank online banking - unionbank qr code

From the UnionBank app dashboard, tap the QR code icon at the top of the screen.
If you’re planning to send money to another UnionBank account, tap the Scan tab and scan the QR code of the recipient.
Enter the amount you want to send, choose the account you want to send from, then tap Next.
Review the transaction details then tap Transfer.

How to Receive Money Using UB Online Banking

One of the quickest ways to receive money from a sender is using the UnionBank app’s QR code feature. Here are the steps to keep in mind:

From the UnionBank app dashboard, tap the QR code icon at the top of the screen.
On the next screen, tap the Generate QR tab.
Type in the amount that you want to receive.
Tap the Generate QR Code button.
A QR code will appear, which you can screenshot and send to your family or friends. Likewise, you can share it by using the Share button found just below the QR code.

How to Pay Bills Using the UnionBank App

unionbank online banking - how to pay bills

Your UnionBank Philippines app also allows you to pay your water bills, internet bills, mortgage, and more. Another good thing about this feature is that you don’t have to enroll a biller. According to UnionBank, there are more than 500 billers on its roster.

From the UnionBank app dashboard, tap Pay Bills at the bottom middle.
Tap Select Biller and find your biller from the list of billers.
Enter the biller information then tap Next.
Choose the account you want to pay from.
Enter the amount you want to pay and select the date of payment and tick the Repeat toggle if the bill is recurring. After that, tap Next.
Review the transaction details and tap Pay.

Pro tip: Use the app’s bills payment feature to settle your UnionBank credit card dues.

How to Deposit Checks Using the UB Online App

You can deposit UnionBank and non-UnionBank checks using the app. Here’s how to do it:

From the UnionBank app dashboard, tap Check Deposit.
Read the reminders on what your check should contain then tap Next.
Place your check against a dark background and follow the in-app guide on how to take a picture of your check from front to back.
On the next screen, enter the check details and choose the account you want to deposit to. After that, tap Next.
Review the check and the check details one last time then tap Deposit.
Wait for at least 2 hours before checking your updated balance.

Note: If you deposit a non-UnionBank check before 3:00 p.m., it will be cleared the following day. On the other hand, transactions after 3:00 p.m., during weekends, or holidays will be cleared within two banking days.

How to Withdraw Money Without a Card

As long as your account is registered on the UnionBank Online Banking platform, you can withdraw your funds even without your card.

Initiate the withdrawal request through the chatbot named Rafa, which is found on the official Facebook page of UnionBank Philippines. Here are the instructions:

Steps to Requesting for Cardless Withdrawal

On UnionBank’s Facebook message box, type In Cardless Withdrawal.
From the menu of options, choose Cardless Withdrawal.
Log in to your UnionBank Online account.
Select the UnionBank account you want to withdraw funds from.
Supply the following details: your preferred UnionBank ATM, withdrawal amount, and a six-digit PIN1 that you’ll use for ATM withdrawal. Remember your PIN1 since this is not stored.
Enter your OTP.
Your PIN2 or second PIN will be sent to your mobile number or email address registered in UnionBank Online.

Cardless Withdrawal Steps at the UnionBank ATM

From the list of services in the ATM, choose Cardless Withdrawal.
Type in your PIN1 and PIN2.
Enter the withdrawal amount.4. Get the cash and receipt.

How to Buy a Load Using UnionBank Online

unionbank online banking - how to buy load

Buy yourself, your family, or your friend load using the UnionBank Online Banking app. You only need to follow five steps to do it:

From the UnionBank app dashboard, tap Buy Load.
On the next page, key in the mobile number of the recipient or select from your contact list.
Choose the account to pay the load from
Tap the load denomination.
Review the details then tap Purchase.

How to Buy Insurance Using UB Online Banking

unionbank online banking - how to buy insurance

Protect yourself and your loved ones from life’s uncertainties by getting an insurance policy. Buying this product is made easy by the UnionBank app’s Insurance Marketplace feature.

Below are the steps for buying insurance using the app:

From the UnionBank app dashboard, tap Get Protected under Insurance Marketplace.
On the next screen, choose a category.
Choose a product. Read the product description and the Reminders section before buying.
Select the account that you’ll use to buy the product.
Review the details then tap Purchase.6. Tap Activate This Insurance to enjoy the product’s full benefits.

How to Manage Your UnionBank Credit Card Through the App

You can also enroll your credit card to your UnionBank Online Banking app and manage your credit card transactions from there.

How to Track Your Credit Card Expenses on UnionBank App

UnionBank makes it extremely easy for its customers to monitor their credit card spending through the UB mobile app. To track your total and monthly expenses per category, use the Spend Tracker tool. You may also check your biggest expenses on the app. The UnionBank app also enables you to check your monthly transaction history with your credit card.

Looking for your second or third UnionBank credit card? Check out these options—one of them might just be the perfect card for you! Click on the images below to see more details on the card features and benefits.

UnionBank Gold Mastercard

UnionBank Gold Visa

UnionBank Lazada Credit Card

UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa

UnionBank Platinum Mastercard

UnionBank PlayEveryday

How to Lock Your UnionBank Credit Card via Online Banking

Protect your UnionBank Philippines credit card by using the app. Setting up the security measure is just easy. Here’s how to do it:

From the UnionBank app dashboard, tap the credit card account that you want to lock.
On the next page, tap Manage Card.
Tap the Lock/Unlock toggle.
A confirmation pop-up will appear. Select Lock My Card.
Wait for the notification to confirm the changes.

UnionBank Online Banking FAQs

Still got questions on how to use the UnionBank Online Banking app? Read through the following queries to find more tips and additional knowledge.

1. Are there fees for transactions using UnionBank Online Banking?

As of this writing, the following services are free of charge:

Balance inquiry
Fund transfer to UnionBank accounts
Fund transfer to EON accounts
Fund transfer to other local banks
Bills payment
Scheduled transfers to UnionBank accounts
Scheduled transfers to other banks
Scheduled bills payment

Remember, though, that each savings account has an annual fee worth ₱350. The said fee is waived for the first year. But if you maintain ₱10,000 in your average daily balances (ADB), UnionBank will waive the fee for the succeeding year.

2. Can I pay the bills of my family or friends?

Yes. The UnionBank Online Banking app allows you to do just that.

3. Are my funds transferred in real-time?

Fund transfers to other UnionBank accounts, including your own, happen in real-time. Fund transfers to other local banks or e-wallets via InstaPay are also credited in real-time.

But if you transfer funds to other banks using PESONet, you must be aware of the cut-offs. Transactions before 3:00 p.m. will be credited on or before 11:00 p.m. of the same banking day. If you send funds after this cut-off, on weekends, and holidays, the money will be credited on or before 11:00 p.m. on the next banking day.

4. Will my Citibank account be converted to a UnionBank account?

This is a valid question since Citi Philippines already sold its consumer banking business to UnionBank. UnionBank has already assumed legal ownership over Citi’s business on August 1, 2022.

To answer this question, yes, Citibank accounts will be converted to Unionbank accounts. Full integration is estimated to happen in the middle of 2023. UnionBank will advise Citibank clients on what to expect during this transition. Nevertheless, Citibank clients can still use the Citibank Mobile App, Citibank Online, and CitiPhone banking until the transition is over.^[3]

5. I forgot my username and password. What should I do?

You can recover your login credentials by tapping the Forgot Password option found on the homepage of your UnionBank Online Banking app.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for an all-around banking solution, the UnionBank Online Banking app is a great contender. With all the options you have for digital banking, there's no excuse not to familiarize yourself with it. It only requires a few taps on your smartphone anyway. What's the harm in that?

Read other Online Banking articles:

Sources:

^[1] BSP: Shift to coinless society likely by 2025 (Philippine Star, 2021)
^[2] UnionBank Online Banking web version
^[3]General Inquiries on Citi’s Transfer of Consumer Banking Business to UnionBank

UnionBank Online Banking: How to Bank Using Your Smartphone