Quick Answer
Last verified: July 2026
The official Nedbank USSD code for Cellphone Banking in South Africa is *120*001#. Dialling this code opens the main interactive menu for checking account balances, viewing recent transactions, making payments, transferring funds, and purchasing prepaid airtime, data, or electricity without needing mobile data or a smartphone app.
If you hold a Nedbank MobiMoney account, the official USSD service code is *120*002#. If you have run out of airtime completely, dial *130*001# to buy airtime directly. These services are available 24/7 on any basic or feature mobile phone in South Africa, provided you dial from the primary mobile number registered on your bank profile.
For links to other banking networks or broader self-service options, view our general Banking USSD Codes directory.
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
Nedbank USSD Cellphone Banking is a session-based mobile menu that enables Nedbank clients to handle essential self-service banking transactions from any basic handset or smartphone without an active internet connection.
Who Can Use the Service
- Nedbank Account Holders: Any existing client with an active Nedbank transactional account, savings profile, or credit card.
- MobiMoney Account Holders: Users registered for a Nedbank MobiMoney wallet.
- South African Mobile Subscribers: Anyone using a active South African SIM card registered with Nedbank as their primary cellphone number.
Prerequisites & Exclusions
- Registered Primary Mobile Number: For security reasons, you can only access Cellphone Banking using the primary number linked to your Nedbank profile. Accessing your account from a third-party SIM or secondary number is not permitted.
- Active Airtime Balance: Although the bank does not charge a service fee, your network provider requires a small airtime balance to establish the session. Free minute or SMS bundles cannot cover USSD session costs.
- Geographic Restriction: The service operates strictly on local South African cellular networks (Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C) and cannot be used while roaming internationally.
How to Access the Service
Before You Start
- Ensure your phone has cellular signal and a small amount of airtime available.
- Confirm you are dialling from the primary mobile phone number registered on your account.
- Have your 13-digit South African ID (or passport number), active Nedbank card, and ATM PIN ready if registering for the first time.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
- Dial the Official USSD Code: Open your phone keypad and dial
*120*001#. - Log In or Register:
- Existing Users: Select 1 (Log in) and enter your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN.
- First-Time Users: Select 2 (Register). Enter your 13-digit SA ID or passport number, the last 4 digits on the front of your Nedbank card, and your ATM PIN. Follow the prompt to create a new 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN.
- Select Your Task: Choose from the on-screen options by entering the corresponding number:
- Balances & Mini-Statements: Check your available balance or view your last 20 transactions (see Nedbank USSD Code To Check Balance).
- Transfers: Move money between your linked accounts.
- Payments: Pay saved beneficiaries or bank-approved billers like DStv.
- Send Money: Issue a cardless cash voucher to any SA mobile number for ATM or store withdrawal (see Send Money USSD Codes).
- Buy Prepaid Services: Purchase prepaid airtime, data, electricity, gift vouchers, or play Lotto/PowerBall (see Nedbank USSD Code To Buy Airtime).
- Card Management: Change your PIN, manage debit orders, or block lost cards.
- DebiCheck Mandates: Approve or decline new debit order mandates (see Nedbank DebiCheck USSD Code).
- Confirm the Action: Double-check the transaction details (amount, recipient number, or reference) on the prompt screen before submitting.
Confirmation or Expected Result
- On-Screen Pop-up: Once submitted, a final USSD screen will display a transaction status and reference number.
- SMS Notification: An SMS confirmation with transaction details or voucher PINs will be sent to your primary cellphone number shortly after.
- Handling Errors or Unclear Statuses: If funds are debited but you do not receive a confirmation message or token, wait 5 minutes before retrying. Dial
*120*001#to view your mini-statement or contact customer support on 0800 555 111.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
| Feature / Detail | Official Specification |
| Nedbank Service Fee | Free (no subscription or service fee charged by the bank). |
| Network Session Cost | Charged by your mobile provider at 20c per 20 seconds. |
| Session Time Limit | Network operators automatically disconnect sessions after 120 to 180 seconds of inactivity. |
| Zero-Airtime Route | Dial *130*001# to purchase airtime when your balance is 0. |
| Processing Time | Balance inquiries, airtime top-ups, and cash voucher generation process instantly. |
| Daily Cash Send Limit | Maximum R5 000 per day for cardless cash vouchers. |
| Eligibility | Existing Nedbank clients with an active card, profile, and registered SA SIM card. |
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- “Connection Problem or Invalid MMI Code”: This is usually caused by temporary network congestion or weak cellular coverage. Move to an area with better signal, wait 30 seconds, and dial
*120*001#again. - “Session Expired / Time Out”: Mobile networks strictly limit USSD sessions to 2–3 minutes. Re-dial the code and enter your responses faster to complete the action.
- “User Not Registered / Invalid SIM”: You must dial from the exact cellphone number registered as primary on your Nedbank profile. On dual-SIM devices, make sure your phone selects the correct registered SIM slot when placing the USSD call.
- “Incorrect PIN / Profile Locked”: Entering an incorrect 5-digit PIN multiple times locks your profile for protection.
When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable
If you are unable to access the service due to network issues or profile locks:
- If you run out of airtime, dial
*130*001#to top up. - If you forgot or locked your PIN, reset it online via the official Nedbank ID portal at
secured-id.nedbank.co.za, through the Money app, or by calling 0800 555 111.
Official Alternatives
When USSD is temporarily unavailable or you need to perform complex tasks, use one of Nedbank’s official alternative channels:
- Nedbank Money App: Smartphone app providing comprehensive banking features, card management, instant live chat, and free data usage on selected local networks.
- Nedbank Online Banking: Access your full profile from any web browser at
secured.nedbank.co.zafor tax statements, official account proofs, and high-value transfers (see Nedbank USSD Code For Account Number). - Nedbank ATMs: Use any physical Nedbank ATM for cash deposits, cardless withdrawals, printed statements, and ATM PIN updates.
- Nedbank Contact Centre: Call 0800 555 111 (toll-free in South Africa) for urgent account blocking, fraud reporting, or agent assistance.
- Physical Branch: Visit any Nedbank branch with your South African ID or passport for identity updates or complex inquiries.
Safety and Privacy
SECURITY WARNING: Nedbank employees, automated systems, or legitimate support agents will neverask you to disclose your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN, ATM PIN, Online Banking password, or One-Time PIN (OTP) over the phone or in an unsolicited message.
- Keep Your PIN Private: Never share your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN or write it down near your phone.
- Clear Screen After Use: Always ensure the USSD session is fully ended before handing your handset to anyone else.
- Immediate Block Route: If your phone is lost or stolen, or if you suspect unauthorized activity, dial
*120*001#from another line or call the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 0800 555 111 to block your cards and profile immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Nedbank USSD Code?
The current official Nedbank USSD code for Cellphone Banking is *120*001#. For MobiMoney accounts, the code is *120*002#.
What is the current official code or menu?
Dialling *120*001# opens the interactive Cellphone Banking main menu, where you can choose options for account balances, payments, transfers, prepaid purchases, cash sends, and card management.
Which customers or account types can use it?
Any existing Nedbank personal client with an active card or profile number and a registered primary South African cellphone number can use the service.
What tasks are available in the menu?
You can view balances, check up to 20 recent transactions, pay beneficiaries, transfer funds between your accounts, send cardless cash vouchers, buy prepaid airtime/data/electricity, play Lotto/PowerBall, manage debit orders, and freeze or block lost cards.
What should I do if the Nedbank USSD route does not work?
First verify that your phone has network signal and active airtime credit. If the issue persists, reset your PIN via secured-id.nedbank.co.za, log into the Nedbank Money App, or call the contact centre at 0800 555 111.
