Last Verified: March 2026
Quick Answer
The official FNB Cellphone Banking USSD code to access and manage your DebiCheck debit order mandates is *120*321#.
To view pending requests, dial *120*321#, enter your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN, and select Option 0 (DebiCheck). Alternatively, when you have an outstanding mandate waiting, dialing *120*321# may automatically prompt you to approve or reject the request before continuing to other banking services.
Note: USSD sessions require active network signal and positive airtime balance (session fees apply). If you do not have a Cellphone Banking PIN registered or encounter network time-outs, you can manage mandates for free using the FNB Banking App.
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
DebiCheck is an official South African banking system (backed by PASA and the Reserve Bank) designed to protect consumers from unauthorized debit orders. Under this system, companies cannot start new recurring debit orders against your account without your explicit prior electronically recorded approval.
Eligibility & Prerequisites
- Account Type: Active FNB transactional accounts (Cheque, Savings, or Smart accounts).
- Registered Mobile Number: You must dial the USSD code from the phone number registered with FNB for Cellphone Banking and inContact alerts.
- Registration: Must be registered for FNB Cellphone Banking with a valid 5-digit PIN.
How to Manage a DebiCheck Mandate
Before You Start
- Ensure you have at least R1.00 in airtime balance (USSD fees are billed by your mobile network operator, not deducted from your bank balance).
- Have the contract details ready (such as the company name, reference number, monthly debit amount, and payment date) to compare against the mandate screen.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
- Initiate the String: Dial
*120*321#from your registered mobile phone. - Authenticate: Enter your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN when prompted.
- Navigate to DebiCheck: Select Option 0 for DebiCheck (or respond to the auto-prompt if an urgent pending mandate appears).
- Select the Mandate: A list of pending debit order requests will appear. Choose the specific mandate you wish to review.
- Review Details: Scroll through and carefully verify the details:
- Company/Service Provider Name
- Maximum Debit Amount
- Frequency (e.g., Monthly)
- Payment Date / First Collection Date
- Action the Mandate:
- Enter
1to Approve/Accept. - Enter
2to Reject/Decline.
- Enter
- Confirm Selection: Review the final confirmation display and submit.
Confirmation or Expected Result
- On-Screen Confirmation: Once submitted, a confirmation screen will appear indicating that the mandate was successfully approved or rejected.
- SMS Notification: FNB will send an inContact SMS confirmation to your mobile number verifying the action taken, including a unique mandate reference number.
- Account Status: An approved DebiCheck mandate means FNB will only allow the service provider to debit your account if the collection matches the terms you accepted. Approving a mandate does not immediately deduct funds unless a payment date matches the same day.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
| Feature | Details |
| USSD Cost | Standard USSD rates apply (typically 20c per 20 seconds, billed by network operator). Free via Banking App. |
| Transaction Fees | Approving or rejecting a DebiCheck mandate is free from bank charges. |
| Request Expiry | Pending mandates usually expire within 24 to 72 hours depending on the mandate type requested by the merchant. |
| Mandate Processing Time | Instant upon approval/rejection. |
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- “Session Timed Out”: USSD sessions automatically disconnect after 20–30 seconds of inactivity. Redial
*120*321#and complete the steps without pausing. - “Invalid Number / Connection Problem”: Ensure you are using the primary SIM card linked to your FNB account. If using a dual-SIM phone, dial using SIM 1 or the SIM registered for FNB inContact alerts.
- “Service Unavailable”: This usually indicates temporary mobile network congestion or bank maintenance. Wait a few minutes and retry, or use the FNB App.
- “Forgotten Cellphone Banking PIN“: Reset your PIN using the FNB App or visit an FNB ATM/Branch.
Common Intent & Security Questions
- Can I reject a mandate? Yes. Selecting Option 2 cancels the pending request, preventing the merchant from collecting funds via DebiCheck.
- What if the request expires? If a request expires, the merchant cannot activate the debit order. You will need to request the company to resend the DebiCheck mandate to your phone.
- What if I don’t recognize a DebiCheck request? Reject the request immediately. Never approve a mandate if you do not acknowledge signing a contract with the company listed.
Official Alternatives
If the USSD code is not responding, or if you prefer an option that does not consume airtime:
- FNB Banking App (Recommended):
- Open the app and log in.
- Go to My Bank Accounts $\rightarrow$ Debit Orders or check notifications/approvals.
- Select DebiCheck Mandates to review, accept, or decline.
- FNB Online Banking:
- Log into FNB Online Banking.
- Go to Transact $\rightarrow$ Debit Orders $\rightarrow$ DebiCheck.
- FNB ATM:
- Insert your FNB card and enter your PIN.
- Select More Options $\rightarrow$ Debit Orders / DebiCheck to view and action pending mandates.
- FNB Branch: Visit any branch with your South African ID or valid Passport.
Safety and Privacy
🔒 Security Notice: FNB will NEVER ask you for your 4-digit ATM PIN, 5-digit Banking App password, card CVV, or one-time PIN (OTP) over USSD, phone calls, or third-party links.
- Never share your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN with anyone, including bank representatives.
- If you suspect fraudulent activity or receive suspicious mandate requests, reject the request and immediately call FNB Fraud Prevention at 087 575 9404 or block your account/card via the FNB App.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current FNB DebiCheck USSD Code?
The current verified USSD code is *120*321#. After entering your PIN, select Option 0 for DebiCheck.
What details should be checked before approval?
Always verify the service provider name, the maximum collection amount, the deduction frequency (monthly/weekly), and the deduction date before confirming.
Can a mandate be rejected via USSD?
Yes. When viewing the pending mandate screen on USSD, select the option to reject (typically Option 2).
Does approving a DebiCheck take money immediately?
No. Approving a mandate only gives official permission for the bank to allow debit orders matching those specific terms on the scheduled payment dates in the future.
What should I do if the FNB USSD route does not work?
If USSD fails due to network or SIM issues, open the FNB Banking App, log in, and navigate to Debit Orders to review pending DebiCheck approvals for free.
