How To Buy Airtime With ABSA USSD Code

Quick Answer

To buy airtime with the Absa USSD code in South Africa, dial *120*2272# (120ABSA#) from the mobile phone number registered with your Absa account.

1. Dial *120*2272# and enter your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN.
2. Select Prepaid or Airtime from the main menu.
3. Choose to buy for Own Number or Other Number / Beneficiary.
4. Select the network provider (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom, etc.) if prompted.
5. Enter the amount and select the bank account to debit.
6. Review the details and press 1 to confirm.

Last verified: March 2026

Note: USSD session fees apply (standard network operator USSD charges). You must be registered for Absa Cellphone Banking / NotifyMe to use this service.

What the Service Is and Who Can Use It

Absa Cellphone Banking via USSD allows registered Absa personal transactional account holders to purchase prepaid airtime, data, and SMS bundles without an internet connection or smartphone data.

Who Is Eligible?

• Registered Absa Customers: You must hold an active Absa cheque or savings account linked to Cellphone Banking or NotifyMe alerts.
• Registered SIM Card: You must dial the USSD code from the primary cellphone number linked to your Absa profile.

Exclusions & Requirements

• You cannot purchase airtime using an unregistered SIM or a third-party phone that is not linked to your Absa profile.
• Credit cards or loan accounts may not be eligible direct funding sources depending on your profile restrictions.

How to Buy Airtime

Before You Start

• Ensure your phone has basic network signal (no data required).
• Have your 5-digit Absa Cellphone Banking PIN ready.
• Ensure your linked Absa account has sufficient funds to cover the purchase.

Verified Step-by-Step Process

1. Initiate the Session: Dial *120*2272# on your keypad and press the call button.
2. Log In: Enter your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN when prompted.
3. Select Service: Navigate to Prepaid (or Airtime/Top-up).
4. Choose Recipient: Select Own Number to recharge your phone, or Other Number to recharge someone else.
5. Select Network: Choose the target mobile operator (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom Mobile).
6. Enter Amount & Account: Input the Rand value of the airtime, then select which Absa account to debit.
7. Confirm Purchase: Review the summary (phone number, network, amount) and enter 1 to complete the transaction.

Confirmation or Expected Result

Once confirmed, the screen will display a transaction success prompt. Within 1 to 5 minutes, you will receive two SMS notifications:

• An Absa debit notification confirming the money deducted from your bank account.
• A Network operator SMS confirming that the airtime has been credited to the specified phone number.

Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors

• “Session Timed Out”: USSD sessions close after a short period of inactivity. Redial *120*2272# and complete the steps faster.
• “User Not Registered”: If you receive an error stating your number is not registered, dial *120*2272# and select the self-registration option using your SA ID number/Passport and ATM card PIN.
• “Insufficient Funds”: Ensure your funding account has enough balance to complete the top-up.

Airtime Debited but Not Received

1. Wait 15 Minutes: Network operators occasionally delay delivery during peak traffic times.
2. Check Recipient Number: Confirm whether the correct cellphone number and mobile network were selected. Purchases made to incorrect numbers or networks cannot be reversed.
3. Check Bank Statement: Verify via USSD balance check or App whether the transaction was actually debited.
4. Contact Support: If debited without airtime delivery after 30 minutes, contact Absa customer care at 08600 08600.

Official Alternatives

If the USSD service is experiencing network delays or is unavailable, use these official Absa channels:

• Absa Banking App: Open the app, log in, navigate to Pay or Prepaid, and select Airtime. (Requires mobile data/Wi-Fi).
• WhatsApp ChatWallet: Message “Hi” to Absa’s official WhatsApp banking number at 086000 2428, enter your ChatWallet PIN, and select Buy Airtime.
• Absa Online Banking: Log in to Absa Online, select Payments & Transfers, and choose Prepaid Services.
• Absa ATM: Insert your bank card, enter your ATM PIN, select Prepaid / Other Transactions, and follow the screen prompts.
• Telephone Banking: Call 0860 008 600 and use the automated voice response or speak to an agent.

Safety and Privacy

Important Security Reminder:

Absa will never ask you for your 5-digit USSD PIN, Banking App passcode, ATM PIN, or CVV code over the phone, via SMS, or in an email.

• Keep Credentials Private: Never share your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN with anyone claiming to be a bank agent.
• Fraud Reporting: If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account, block your card or account immediately via the Absa App or call the Absa Fraud Hotline at 0800 11 11 55 / 08600 08600.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current How To Buy Airtime With ABSA USSD Code?

The official Absa Cellphone Banking USSD code is *120*2272#. Dialing this code opens an interactive menu where you can select airtime and prepaid options.

Can airtime be bought for another number?

Yes. From the USSD menu, choose Prepaid > Airtime, select Other Number, specify the recipient’s network operator, enter their mobile number, and confirm the transaction.

What payment source is used?

The funds are debited directly from your selected Absa transactional account (such as your cheque or savings account).

Are there fees or limits?

Absa does not charge a purchase fee for buying airtime, though standard operator USSD session charges apply. Daily purchase limits are governed by your account’s digital transaction limits.

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

If USSD fails, you can buy airtime through the Absa Banking App, WhatsApp ChatWallet (086000 2428), Absa Online Banking, or at any Absa ATM.