Standard Bank USSD Code

Quick Answer

The main Standard Bank USSD code for Cellphone Banking in South Africa is *120*2345#. Whether you search for it as standard bank ussd, ussd standard bank, or ussd for standard bank, that is the string you want.

Out of airtime? Standard Bank publishes *130*2345# as the zero-airtime string for buying airtime or prepaid top-ups. For Instant Money Wallet management there is a separate code, *120*212#.

• Main USSD Banking Code: *120*2345#
• Zero Airtime / Recharge Code: *130*2345#
• Instant Money Wallet Code: *120*212#
• Last Verified: July 2026
• Service Requirements: An active Standard Bank transactional account, your registered mobile number on file, and network signal. Airtime is needed for *120# strings.

What the Service Is and Who Can Use It

Standard Bank Cellphone Banking is a data-free channel reaching core banking features from any GSM handset, with no app to download and no internet connection involved.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Eligible account holders: Personal transactional accounts such as MyMo, Access Account, Achiever, or Select.
• Registered SIM card: Dial the USSD code from the cellphone number registered with Standard Bank and linked to your profile. No other number is recognised.
• Airtime: *120*2345# needs a little airtime, since carrier session rates apply. On a zero balance, dial *130*2345# to buy some first.
• Exclusions: Access is blocked on a dormant or frozen account, or from an unlinked number. USSD banking works inside South African network boundaries only, and not while roaming internationally.

How to Access the Service

Before You Start

• On a dual-SIM handset, put the SIM registered with Standard Bank in Slot 1.
• Have your card number, South African ID number, or Customer-Selected PIN ready before you dial.
• Never share your ATM card PIN or online banking password with anyone.

Verified Step-by-Step Process

1. Dial the code: Open the dialler, enter *120*2345#, press Call.
2. Register or sign in:
   • Already registered: Enter your Customer-Selected PIN (CSP) at the prompt.
   • New to Cellphone Banking: Follow the prompts to register with your bank card number and SA ID number.
3. Work the main menu: Pick the number matching your task:
   • 1. Account Balances and Statements
   • 2. Payments and Transfers (PayShap and beneficiary payments)
   • 3. Prepaid Services (airtime, data, electricity)
   • 4. Instant Money (send or redeem cash vouchers)
   • 5. Manage Debit Orders (DebiCheck approvals and reversals)
   • 6. Lotto and PowerBall
4. Confirm: Enter the details asked for, the amount, recipient number, or bill reference, then your USSD PIN to finalise.

Confirmation or Expected Result

A successful transaction returns a USSD confirmation screen showing the remaining balance, a reference number, or a voucher code. An official Standard Bank SMS follows shortly after.

Recovery note: If the account is debited or airtime charged but no SMS arrives, or the menu drops mid-session, wait 5 minutes and check your balance on *120*2345# before doing anything else. If funds left the account without the task completing, call Standard Bank customer support on 0860 123 000. Do not simply repeat the transaction.

Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors

• “Invalid MMI Code” or connection error: Usually weak signal or a dual-SIM slip. Toggle Airplane Mode off and on, confirm you are on the primary SIM slot, and redial *120*2345#.
• “User Not Registered” or “Number Unrecognised”: The SIM is not linked to your Standard Bank account. Call the bank or visit a branch to update the registered number.
• “Session Timed Out”: Sessions expire after 20–30 seconds of inactivity, by design. Redial and answer faster.
• Insufficient airtime: *120*2345# needs a positive balance. On zero, use *130*2345# to buy airtime first.

When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable

Carrier upgrades and system maintenance disrupt USSD banking from time to time. When that happens, use one of the official alternatives below rather than redialling repeatedly.

Official Alternatives

• Standard Bank Mobile Banking App: On Google Play, the Apple App Store, and Huawei AppGallery. Best for full account management, card limits, and data-free banking on supported South African networks.
• Standard Bank Internet Banking: At onlinebanking.standardbank.co.za, for tax certificates, statements, and online payments.
• Standard Bank ATM: For deposits, withdrawals, card PIN resets, and balance enquiries.
• Telephone support: 0860 123 000 locally, or +27 11 299 4701 from abroad, for urgent account blocking, fraud reporting, or help when USSD fails.

Safety and Privacy

• Keep credentials private: Standard Bank will never ask for your full ATM PIN, online banking password, or a one-time PIN, by phone or inside a USSD menu.
• Type the code yourself: Always dial *120*2345# by hand. Never tap a phone link arriving by unsolicited SMS or messaging app.
• Clear the screen afterwards: Close the dialler once you are done so nobody standing nearby reads your balance off it.
• Report a lost or stolen SIM: Tell Standard Bank customer care immediately so they can freeze the Cellphone Banking profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current Standard Bank USSD code?

The primary USSD code is *120*2345#. For zero-airtime recharges it is *130*2345#.

Which customers or account types can use Standard Bank USSD?

Any Standard Bank personal transactional account holder who has registered their South African mobile number with the bank.

What tasks are available in the menu?

Check balances, make PayShap payments, buy airtime, data and electricity, send Instant Money vouchers, play Lotto, and manage DebiCheck approvals and reversals.

What should I do if the Standard Bank USSD route does not work?

Use the Standard Bank app, log into Internet Banking, visit an ATM, or call customer care on 0860 123 000.

Related Guides and Hubs

• Banking USSD Codes: the master list for every major South African bank.
• Standard Bank USSD Code For DebiCheck: approving or disputing DebiCheck mandates.
• How To Buy Airtime Using Standard Bank USSD Code: topping up airtime and data for yourself or someone else.
• Standard Bank USSD Code To Check Balance: balances and mini-statements.
• Standard Bank USSD Code For Cellphone Banking: registration, PIN resets, and the full menu.
• Standard Bank USSD Code for Account Number: finding your account number.
• Send Money USSD Codes: comparing Instant Money, PayShap and voucher transfers across banks.