Last verified: July 2026
Quick Answer
To purchase top-up vouchers (such as prepaid airtime, data, or electricity) using First National Bank (FNB) Cellphone Banking, dial *120*321# or *130*321# (zero-rated for airtime top-ups) on your registered mobile number. Enter your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN, select Prepaid, and choose your voucher type (Airtime, Data, Electricity, or PayTV like StarSat).
Important Availability Note: General retail/gift vouchers (e.g., Makro, Mr Price, Takealot, App Store, or Google Play) are not supported via general USSD menus and must be purchased via the FNB Banking App, FNB WhatsApp Banking (
087 392 5538), or FNB Online Banking.
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
FNB USSD Cellphone Banking is an offline, non-data banking service designed for basic and smartphone handsets alike. It allows registered account holders to purchase essential utility and telecommunication top-up vouchers directly from their linked account balances or eBucks.
Who Can Use It
- Eligible Account Holders: Customers with an active FNB Easy, Gold, Premier, Private, or Business transactional account, or eWallet.
- Registered SIM Card: The dialling string must be initiated from the cell phone number registered for Cellphone Banking or inContact with FNB.
- Registration Prerequisite: You must have activated Cellphone Banking previously via an FNB ATM, FNB Branch, or Online Banking.
How to Buy a Voucher
Before You Start
- Ensure your phone has active cellular network signal.
- Have your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN ready.
- Ensure you have the recipient’s cell phone number or meter/smartcard number if buying for someone else or topping up a service.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
Option A: Buying Airtime, Data, or Electricity (*120*321#)
- Dial the string: Dial
*120*321#on your phone. - Authenticate: Enter your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN when prompted.
- Select Category: Reply with the option for Prepaid (or Buy).
- Choose Voucher Type: Select Airtime, Data, or Electricity.
- Select Beneficiary: Choose For Me or For Someone Else (enter target mobile or meter number).
- Select Account & Amount: Pick your funding source (Transactional Account or eBucks) and enter/select the Rand value.
- Confirm: Review the details and press Confirm.
Option B: Buying Airtime Without Data/Airtime (*130*321#)
If you have zero airtime or data, dial *130*321#. This zero-rated string connects you directly to the FNB airtime top-up menu charged to your FNB account.
Confirmation or Expected Result
- Airtime & Data: Automatically credited directly to the target mobile number instantly.
- Electricity & PayTV: An SMS with the prepaid electricity token (20 digits) or confirmation reference is sent to your registered mobile number.
- Bank Notification: An inContact SMS/notification confirms the account debit.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
| Feature | Details |
| USSD Session Fee | Standard USSD rate (approx. 20c per 20 seconds) on *120*321#. Free/zero-rated on *130*321#. |
| Transaction Fee | R0.00 (FNB generally charges no purchase fee for prepaid airtime, data, or electricity). |
| Purchase Limits | Subject to your daily USSD/Cellphone Banking channel limit set in your profile. |
| Processing Time | Immediate (under 1–2 minutes). |
| Funding Sources | FNB Checking/Savings accounts, eWallet, or eBucks balance. |
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- “Session Timed Out”: USSD sessions automatically expire after 20–30 seconds of inactivity. Redial and complete prompts faster.
- “User Not Registered”: You are dialling from an unregistered SIM or need to register for Cellphone Banking at an ATM or branch.
- “Insufficient Funds”: Ensure your primary account has enough available balance to cover both the voucher and potential minimal session costs.
- Dual-SIM Devices: Ensure you are dialling from the exact SIM card slot registered on your FNB account profile.
When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable
- If USSD service menus are down or undergoing system maintenance, use the FNB Banking App or FNB WhatsApp Banking (
087 392 5538).
Official Alternatives
When USSD is unavailable or when purchasing digital gift vouchers (like retail or app store vouchers):
- FNB Banking App: Open App > Tap Buy > Select Vouchers or Prepaid (Access to full voucher store including retail, gaming, and streaming).
- FNB WhatsApp Banking: Save
087 392 5538> Send “Hi” > Select Buy > Choose eVouchers or Airtime. - FNB Online Banking: Log in at
www.fnb.co.za> Go to Buy > Select your voucher type. - FNB ATM: Insert card > Enter PIN > Select More Options / Prepaid.
Safety and Privacy
Security Warning: FNB will never ask for your 4-digit ATM PIN, full card number, CVV, or Online Banking password via USSD prompts, SMS, or phone calls.
- Only enter your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN when you initiated the
*120*321#call. - Never share OTPs or voucher PINs with unknown callers or third parties.
- To report suspicious activity or block your account immediately, contact FNB Fraud on 087 575 9404.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current How To Buy Voucher Using FNB USSD Code?
The primary USSD code is *120*321#. If you have no airtime to dial a USSD menu, use *130*321# to buy network top-up airtime. (Verified July 2026).
Which vouchers are supported via USSD?
FNB USSD supports prepaid airtime, data bundles, prepaid electricity, and select PayTV services (e.g., StarSat, DStv). Retail gift vouchers (Takealot, Makro, Uber, etc.) require the FNB Banking App or WhatsApp Banking.
Where is the voucher PIN delivered?
For airtime and data, recharge is applied directly to the line. For electricity or PayTV vouchers, the token/PIN is sent via SMS to your registered mobile phone number immediately after purchase.
Can a voucher be bought for someone else?
Yes. During the USSD prompt sequence, select “For Someone Else” and enter the recipient’s mobile number or meter number.
What should I do if the FNB USSD route does not work?
Verify your mobile network signal and check account balances. If USSD fails, switch to the FNB Banking App, WhatsApp Banking (087 392 5538), or contact FNB Customer Care at 087 575 9405.
