Digital banking has changed the way Ugandans handle money. Today, millions of people no longer need to visit a bank branch or queue at an ATM for hours. With just a phone, anyone can check their balance, send money, pay school fees, or buy airtime in minutes.
Equity Bank Uganda has made this possible by offering two powerful digital tools: the Equity Mobile App for smartphones and the *247# USSD service that works on any phone. Both tools do similar jobs, but they suit different people and different moments in life.
This article explains everything in a simple way so that everyone can understand which channel might work best for them.
What is the Equity Mobile App?
The Equity Mobile App is a modern banking tool made for people who own smartphones. Once you download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and register, the app becomes your personal bank that lives inside your phone. The moment you open it, you see a clean and colourful screen that shows your account balance clearly. Everything is arranged with pictures and large buttons, so it is easy to find what you need.
With the app, you can transfer money to another bank or mobile wallet, pay electricity or water bills, buy airtime or data bundles, apply for a loan, and even block your card if it gets lost. You can also look at your spending history and see exactly where your money went last month. Many users love the graphs that show how much they spent on transport, food, or school fees.
Another big advantage is security – you can log in using your fingerprint or face recognition instead of typing a password every time. For young people, working professionals, and anyone who enjoys technology, the mobile app feels fast, beautiful, and powerful.
What is *247# USSD Banking?
While the mobile app needs a smartphone and internet, *247# works on even the simplest phone you can buy in the village. You simply open the dial pad, type *247#, press call, and a menu appears on your screen. No internet bundles, no app download, no worry about battery percentage dropping fast because of data. This service was created for speed and reliability.
When you dial *247#, you choose options by typing numbers. For example, type 1 to check your balance, type 4 to send money, type 6 to pay a bill. Within seconds, the job is done and you receive a confirmation message. This is why many boda boda riders, market vendors, and farmers love it. They may not have smartphones or steady internet, but they always have a small amount of airtime to make that quick call. In areas where network is weak or data is expensive, *247# remains the hero that never fails.
Who Uses the Mobile App and Why?
Young people in towns and cities are the biggest fans of the Equity Mobile App. University students, office workers, online sellers, and anyone who shops on Jumia or uses Uber choose the app because it matches their daily life. They already carry smartphones everywhere, so opening an app feels natural. These users enjoy seeing colourful charts of their spending and setting savings goals inside the app. Parents paying school fees monthly say the app helps them stay organised because they can schedule payments and receive instant receipts.
Travelers and people who shop online also prefer the app because they can link their Visa card and pay safely on international websites. The biometric login makes them feel their money is protected even if the phone falls into wrong hands. In short, if you love detailed information, modern design, and extra features, the mobile app will feel like the perfect banking partner.
Who Still Loves *247# and Why?
In rural areas and among daily income earners, *247# is still king. A boda rider in Mukono or a tomato seller in Lira might earn and spend money several times a day. They need something that works instantly without eating data bundles they cannot afford. When they finish a trip or sell produce, they quickly dial *247# to check how much they have or send money home to the village. Older customers and first-time digital users also trust USSD because the steps are simple and familiar – just like sending a normal text message.
Many people keep both options. They use the app when they are at home with Wi-Fi, but the moment they travel upcountry or the internet disappears, they switch to *247# without thinking twice. It is comforting to know that no matter where you are or what phone you hold, Equity Bank is always reachable.
