Use this banking USSD codes South Africa directory to find the right bank, task or troubleshooting page before you dial. Banking USSD is useful when you do not have mobile data, do not want to use an app, or need a quick menu for balances, payments, cash-send services, airtime, data or prepaid electricity.
Last checked: 25 June 2026. Always confirm the latest code, fee, menu option and limit on your bank’s official website, app or verified support channel before you transact. Banks can update USSD menus, change limits, remove options or add new security steps.
Quick Banking USSD Code Directory
| Bank or task | USSD code or starting point | Use it for | Next page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Bank cellphone banking | *120*2345# | Banking from any cellphone, payments, bills, balances, data, airtime, electricity and Instant Money. Standard Bank also lists *130*2345# for airtime top-ups when you do not have airtime. (Standard Bank) | Standard Bank USSD not working |
| Capitec cellphone banking | *120*3279# | Mobile banking, bill payments, vouchers, Send Cash and recent transactions. Capitec lists *130*3279# as a free prepaid top-up route when out of airtime. (Capitec Bank) | Capitec USSD not working |
| Absa cellphone banking | *120*2272# | Registration, login, PayShap, third-party payments, CashSend, prepaid electricity, balances and proof of payment. Absa states that airtime is not needed for its Cellphone Banking. (Absa) | payment USSD codes |
| FNB cellphone banking | *120*321# | Registration, balances, payments, transfers, send money, airtime, data, prepaid electricity and account payments. (FNB) | send money USSD codes |
| Nedbank cellphone banking | *120*001# | Balances, latest transactions, payments, send money, airtime, data, electricity, vouchers and card management. (Nedbank) | payment USSD codes |
| African Bank cellphone banking | *120*225# | Start African Bank cellphone banking from a registered phone after accepting the terms. (African Bank) | bank USSD code not working |
| GoTyme Bank USSD | *120*543# | Balance checks, GoalSave balance, SendMoney, airtime, data, SMS bundles, electricity and vouchers. GoTyme lists *130*543# for buying airtime when you do not have airtime. (GoTyme Bank) | send money USSD codes |
| Buy airtime with bank USSD | Use your bank’s main USSD code | Buy prepaid airtime from a linked bank account. | buy airtime with bank USSD |
| Buy data with bank USSD | Use your bank’s main USSD code | Buy mobile data bundles from a linked bank account. | buy data with bank USSD |
| Buy prepaid electricity with bank USSD | Use your bank’s main USSD code | Buy prepaid electricity tokens from a bank account. | buy prepaid electricity USSD code |
| Bank USSD not working | Depends on your bank | Fix failed sessions, wrong codes, network errors, airtime problems or registration issues. | bank USSD code not working |
| Full USSD directory | Not a bank code | Find broader South African network, payment, self-service and public-service USSD guides. | USSD codes South Africa |
Codes by Bank
Bank USSD codes South Africa are not controlled by one central menu. Each bank has its own cellphone banking code, registration process, PIN rules, transaction options and support route. That is why the safest first step is to choose your bank, confirm the code on the official bank channel, and then follow the menu shown on your own phone.
| Bank | Main USSD code | What the bank says you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Bank | *120*2345# | Pay bills, buy data, make payments, check balances, send Instant Money, buy airtime, buy electricity and make inter-account transfers. Standard Bank says cellphone banking works on any cellphone with no smartphone or data needed. (Standard Bank) |
| Capitec | *120*3279# | Access mobile banking, view recent transactions, do bill payments, buy vouchers and send cash. (Capitec Bank) |
| Absa | *120*2272# | Register, log in, make payments, use CashSend, buy prepaid electricity, check balances, resend proof of payment and access PayShap options. (Absa) |
| FNB | *120*321# | View balances, buy prepaid airtime, buy data, buy electricity, send money, pay accounts, make payments, transfer money and access selected value-added services. (FNB) |
| Nedbank | *120*001# | Check balances, view up to 20 latest transactions, make payments, send money to a cellphone number, buy prepaid data, airtime, electricity or vouchers, and manage selected card services. (Nedbank) |
| African Bank | *120*225# | Register or accept the terms and start banking from your phone. (African Bank) |
| GoTyme Bank | *120*543# | Check current account balance, check GoalSave balance, send money to a South African cellphone number, buy airtime, buy data, buy SMS bundles, buy electricity and buy vouchers. (GoTyme Bank) |
If you already know your bank but the code fails, go to bank USSD code not working. If you are looking for a wider list beyond banking, use USSD codes South Africa.
Send Money and Cardless Cash Codes
Many users searching for bank USSD codes South Africa want to send money without using a banking app. The exact name of the service depends on the bank. FNB has eWallet, Absa has CashSend, Standard Bank has Instant Money, Capitec has Send Cash, Nedbank has send money and cardless withdrawal options, and GoTyme Bank has SendMoney vouchers.
Use the bank’s official USSD starting code first, then follow the live menu on your phone. Do not rely on old screenshots, copied menu paths or social media instructions, because option numbers can change.
| Send-money task | Start here | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Send Instant Money with Standard Bank | Dial *120*2345# and use the Instant Money option inside Standard Bank Cellphone Banking. Standard Bank lists “Send Instant Money” as a cellphone banking feature. (Standard Bank) | Check the recipient cellphone number before confirming. |
| Send Cash with Capitec | Dial *120*3279# and use Capitec Send Cash. Capitec lists Send Cash as part of mobile banking and also publishes separate Send Cash rules and limits. (Capitec Bank) | Confirm the amount, recipient details and secret code carefully. |
| Send Cash with Absa CashSend | Dial *120*2272#, enter your PIN, and follow the CashSend menu. Absa’s help guide lists CashSend under Cellphone Banking. (Absa) | Absa’s page includes specific Cellphone Banking CashSend limits, so verify the latest limit before sending. |
| Send money with FNB | Dial *120*321# and use the send-money or eWallet route. FNB lists send money as a Cellphone Banking feature. (FNB) | Keep the eWallet or cash-send details private. |
| Send money with Nedbank | Dial *120*001#, log in and choose the send-money option. Nedbank says Cellphone Banking can be used to send money for cardless withdrawal. (Nedbank) | The recipient may need the voucher or withdrawal details sent by SMS. |
| SendMoney with GoTyme Bank | Dial *120*543# from the cellphone number linked to the account and follow the on-screen prompts. GoTyme says vouchers can be sent using USSD. (GoTyme Bank) | GoTyme states that once a voucher is sent, it cannot be cancelled or reversed, so double-check the cellphone number. |
For a dedicated guide, use send money USSD codes.
Balance, Payment and Account Service Codes
Most banks do not publish a separate USSD code for every single banking task. Instead, the main cellphone banking code opens a secure menu. From there, you choose the option for balances, payments, transfers, prepaid services, send money, card services or account management.
Use these task pages when you already know what you want to do:
| Task | Best next page | What to check before confirming |
|---|---|---|
| Pay a beneficiary or account | payment USSD codes | Beneficiary name, reference, amount, account selected and proof-of-payment option. |
| Buy airtime | buy airtime with bank USSD | Cellphone number, network, amount and whether the transaction can be reversed. |
| Buy mobile data | buy data with bank USSD | Network, bundle size, validity period, number and final price. |
| Buy prepaid electricity | buy prepaid electricity USSD code | Meter number, municipality or provider, amount, token delivery method and token receipt. |
| Fix a failed bank USSD session | bank USSD code not working | Correct code, linked cellphone number, registration status, airtime requirement and network signal. |
If you only need to check a balance, start with your bank’s main code and look for the balance or account information option. Absa, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank and GoTyme all list balance-related services through their cellphone banking or USSD pages. (Absa)
If you need to buy prepaid electricity, confirm the meter number before you approve the transaction. A wrong meter number can send the token to the wrong meter. If your bank says a prepaid or voucher purchase cannot be reversed, treat that warning as final and check the details again before pressing confirm.
Safety, Fees and Last-Verified Notes
Banking USSD is convenient, but it is still banking. Treat every USSD session like you are standing at an ATM or logged into your banking app.
Only dial USSD codes from trusted official sources. SABRIC warns users not to share OTPs or PINs over USSD or during a phone call, and also advises reporting suspicious codes or messages to the bank or mobile provider. (The Banking Association South Africa)
Never share your bank PIN, card PIN, remote PIN, password or OTP with someone who calls, messages or emails you. Standard Bank’s fraud guidance warns users not to share OTPs, PINs or passwords, approve transactions they did not initiate, move money based on instructions from a call or message, or click suspicious links. (Standard Bank)
What to verify before using a bank USSD code
| Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Official code | Fake or outdated codes can lead users to the wrong service or expose them to fraud. |
| Linked cellphone number | Many bank USSD services work only from the cellphone number linked to the banking profile. |
| Registration status | Some users must register for cellphone banking before the menu works. |
| Airtime requirement | USSD does not use mobile data, but some banks or networks may still require airtime or charge standard USSD rates. |
| Transaction fee | Send-money, voucher, cash-out and prepaid services can carry fees. |
| Transaction limit | Daily, monthly and per-transaction limits can differ by bank, account type and channel. |
| Menu path | USSD menu numbers can change, so follow the menu on your phone instead of relying on an old guide. |
| Reversal rules | Some prepaid, voucher or send-money transactions may not be reversible after confirmation. |
Does banking USSD need airtime or data?
Banking USSD generally does not need mobile data or a smartphone. Standard Bank says its cellphone banking works on any cellphone with no smartphone or data needed, while FNB describes cellphone banking as useful when network speed is low. (Standard Bank)
Airtime rules are bank-specific. Absa states that airtime is not needed for Absa Cellphone Banking, while Nedbank’s FAQ says the service uses USSD, notes mobile-network airtime charges, and says users can dial *130*001# to buy airtime if they do not have airtime. (Absa)
Capitec, Standard Bank and GoTyme Bank also publish *130# routes for airtime-related use cases when users are out of airtime. (Capitec Bank)
What to do if the code does not work
If a banking USSD code does not open, fails halfway, times out, or says the service is unavailable, do not keep retrying a transaction that involves money. First check the simple causes:
| Problem | Safe check |
|---|---|
| Code typed incorrectly | Re-enter the exact code, including *, numbers and #. |
| Wrong phone number | Use the cellphone number linked to your bank profile. |
| Not registered | Register for your bank’s cellphone banking service if required. |
| No airtime | Check whether your bank requires airtime or offers a *130# top-up route. |
| Weak signal | Move to a place with better network reception and try again. |
| Session timed out | Start again and complete the menu more carefully. |
| Menu option changed | Follow the current on-screen menu instead of an old step-by-step guide. |
| Possible fraud | Stop immediately and contact the bank through an official support channel. |
For a full troubleshooting path, use bank USSD code not working. For provider-specific issues, use Standard Bank USSD not working or Capitec USSD not working.
All 54 banking USSD code pages
Every page in this section, listed A to Z.
- ABSA DebiCheck USSD Code
- ABSA USSD Code
- ABSA USSD Code For Account Number
- ABSA USSD Code For Cellphone Banking
- ABSA USSD Code To Check Balance
- African Bank Cash Send USSD Code
- African Bank Cellphone Banking USSD Code
- African Bank DebiCheck USSD Code
- African Bank USSD Code
- African Bank USSD Code To Check Balance
- Bidvest USSD Code
- Capitec Cellphone Banking USSD Code
- Capitec Top Up Voucher USSD Code
- Capitec USSD Code
- Capitec USSD Code For Account Number
- Capitec USSD Code For DebiCheck
- Capitec USSD Code To Buy Airtime
- Capitec USSD Code To Check Balance
- Discovery Bank Cellphone Banking USSD Code
- Discovery Bank USSD Code
- Discovery Bank USSD Code To Check Balance
- FNB Cellphone Banking USSD Code
- FNB DebiCheck USSD Code
- FNB USSD Code
- FNB USSD Code For Account Number
- FNB USSD Code To Check Balance
- How To Buy Airtime Using Standard Bank USSD Code
- How To Buy Airtime With ABSA USSD Code
- How To Buy Airtime With TymeBank USSD Code
- How To Buy Electricity Using TymeBank USSD Code
- How To Buy Voucher Using FNB USSD Code
- How To Check Bank Balance Using USSD Code
- How To Register USSD Code For Capitec
- Nedbank DebiCheck USSD Code
- Nedbank USSD Code
- Nedbank USSD Code For Account Number
- Nedbank USSD Code To Buy Airtime
- Nedbank USSD Code To Check Balance
- Old Mutual USSD Code
- Old Mutual USSD Code For Cellphone Banking
- Old Mutual USSD Code To Check Balance
- Standard Bank USSD Code
- Standard Bank USSD Code For Account Number
- Standard Bank USSD Code For Cellphone Banking
- Standard Bank USSD Code For DebiCheck
- Standard Bank USSD Code To Check Balance
- TymeBank Cellphone Banking USSD Code
- TymeBank DebiCheck USSD Code
- TymeBank USSD Code
- TymeBank USSD Code To Buy Voucher
- TymeBank USSD Code To Check Account Number
- TymeBank USSD Code To Check Balance
- TymeBank USSD Code To Deposit Money
- TymeBank USSD Code To Send Money
FAQ
How should I find the right page for banking USSD codes South Africa?
Start with the quick directory at the top of this page. Choose your bank if you already know which account you want to use. Choose a task page if you know what you want to do, such as sending money, buying airtime, buying data, buying prepaid electricity or fixing a failed USSD session.
Are the listed banking USSD codes official or verified?
The codes on this page were checked against official bank pages where available and last checked on 25 June 2026. Because banking codes, menu paths, transaction limits and fees can change, verify the code again with your bank before making a payment or sending money.
Do USSD codes work without mobile data?
Yes, USSD generally works without mobile data and does not require a smartphone. However, airtime rules can differ by bank and network. Some banks say no airtime is needed for their service, while others mention network airtime charges or provide a separate *130# airtime route.
What should I do if a listed code does not work?
Check that you are using the correct code, dialing from the cellphone number linked to your bank account, and registered for cellphone banking. If the code still fails, stop retrying money-related transactions and use bank USSD code not working for safer troubleshooting.
Where should I go for provider-specific help?
Use the bank-specific page where available. For Standard Bank issues, go to Standard Bank USSD not working. For Capitec issues, go to Capitec USSD not working. For other bank failures, start with bank USSD code not working.
Where can I find related South African USSD codes?
For the broader directory, use USSD codes South Africa. For banking tasks, use send money USSD codes, payment USSD codes, buy airtime with bank USSD, buy data with bank USSD or buy prepaid electricity USSD code.
