Quick Answer
Verified USSD Code: Dial
*120*257#from your registered mobile number to access Old Mutual Money Account Cellphone Banking in South Africa.Last Verified: July 2026
The official Old Mutual cellphone banking USSD code is *120*257#. It provides a low-data, secure route for Old Mutual Money Account holders to check balances, purchase prepaid airtime and data, transfer funds, and manage daily banking tasks without requiring an active internet or smartphone data connection.
If you are using an Old Mutual Connect SIM card specifically for telecommunications self-service (such as checking voice/data balances or recharging), use the dedicated telecommunications USSD code *135#.
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
Old Mutual Cellphone Banking via USSD is a text-based, interactive channel designed for Old Mutual Money Accountclients in South Africa.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Account Holder: You must hold an active Old Mutual Money Account (administered in association with Bidvest Bank).
- Registered Mobile Number: The SIM card used to dial the code must match the mobile phone number registered to your banking profile.
- Network Availability: Accessible across all major South African mobile networks (Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C, and Old Mutual Connect).
Exclusions
This USSD service is strictly for daily transactional banking. It cannot be used to manage complex investment portfolios, edit full personal profile documentation, or apply for credit products that require biometric identity verification.
How to Use Cellphone Banking
Before You Start
- Insert the SIM card linked to your Old Mutual Money Account into SIM Slot 1 (if using a dual-SIM mobile phone).
- Ensure you have a minimal airtime balance on your mobile network, as standard network operator charges (typically 20c per 20 seconds) apply to
*120*numbers. - Keep your 4-digit Cellphone Banking PIN secure and confidential.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
Registration (First-Time Users)
- Open your cellphone dialler and dial
*120*257#from your registered SIM card. - Follow the security prompts to verify your identity by entering your South African ID or passport number.
- Create a unique 4-digit Cellphone Banking PIN when prompted.
- Confirm your PIN to complete self-registration.
Returning Access
- Dial
*120*257#. - Enter your 4-digit Cellphone Banking PIN.
- Navigate the main Old Mutual menu:
- Option 1: Balance Inquiry (SWIPE and SAVE accounts)
- Option 2: Mini-Statement / Recent Transactions
- Option 3: Buy Airtime & Data
- Option 4: Buy Electricity
- Option 5: Send Money / Transfers
- Option 6: Account Settings & PIN Management
Confirmation or Expected Result
When a transaction is successfully completed via USSD (such as sending money or purchasing airtime), you will receive:
- An immediate on-screen USSD confirmation message displaying a transaction reference number.
- An SMS confirmation sent to your registered mobile number detailing the updated account balance and transaction breakdown.
Recovery Route: If your account is debited but you do not receive an SMS or expected airtime top-up, record the reference number or transaction time and contact the Money Account Service Centre at 0860 222 252.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
| Feature / Task | Details & Limits |
| USSD Session Charge | Standard network provider rates apply (~20c per 20 seconds). |
| Balance Inquiries | Available 24/7; subject to standard session rates. |
| Send Money Limits | Minimum R20 up to R1,000 per transaction via USSD. |
| Daily Send Money Cap | Maximum R2,000 per day via USSD channels. |
| Prepaid Airtime & Electricity | Processed immediately upon confirmation. |
| Interbank Transfer Processing | Immediate processing; may take 1–3 business days to reflect depending on the beneficiary bank. |
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- Session Timeout / Network Dropped: USSD connections automatically disconnect after roughly 20 seconds of inactivity for security reasons. Re-dial
*120*257#and re-enter your inputs promptly. - “Invalid SIM” or “User Not Registered”: Confirm you are dialling from the exact mobile number registered to your Old Mutual Money Account. Dual-SIM device owners must route the call through the primary registered SIM slot.
- Connection / Network Error: Verify that your SIM card has mobile network signal and at least R0.50 active airtime to initiate a session.
When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable
If the USSD route is temporarily offline due to network or service provider maintenance, switch to one of the following verified alternatives:
- Log in to the official Old Mutual Banking App using mobile data or Wi-Fi.
- Access Internet Banking via your web browser at secure.moneyaccount.co.za.
- Visit an Old Mutual branch for assistance.
Official Alternatives
When USSD is unavailable or when you need to complete higher-value transactions, use these official banking channels:
- Official Banking App: Download the OM Money Account App on Android, iOS, or Huawei to manage card settings, view full statements, and access higher daily limits.
- Internet Banking: Access secure.moneyaccount.co.za to set up beneficiaries, schedule payments, and view detailed account history.
- Money Account Service Centre: Call 0860 222 252 (South Africa) or +27 21 503 0303 (International) for urgent card blocking or account assistance.
- WhatsApp Banking: Save 0860 933 333 to interact with Old Mutual digital assistant services.
Safety and Privacy
⚠️ Security Alert:
Old Mutual will never ask for your 4-digit Cellphone Banking PIN, password, card CVV, or one-time PIN (OTP) over the phone or via SMS.
- Protect Your Credentials: Never disclose your 4-digit banking PIN to anyone, including bank consultants or call centre agents.
- Lost or Stolen SIM: If your cellphone is stolen, immediately notify your mobile network operator to freeze the SIM card, and call the Old Mutual Service Centre at 0860 222 252 to suspend USSD access.
- Fraud Reporting: Report suspicious activity immediately to the 24/7 toll-free Tip-Offs line at 0800 222 117 or email [email protected].
Related Guides & Banking Codes
To explore other provider codes or related tasks, visit our guide hubs:
- Explore broader options on our Banking USSD Codes parent hub.
- View general self-service options on the Old Mutual USSD Code guide.
- Check quick balances directly with the Old Mutual USSD Code To Check Balance tutorial.
- Compare with alternative bank services like the ABSA USSD Code For Cellphone Banking and Capitec Cellphone Banking USSD Code.
- Learn about voucher transfers via Send Money USSD Codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Old Mutual USSD Code For Cellphone Banking?
The verified USSD code for Old Mutual Money Account cellphone banking in South Africa is *120*257#.
How is cellphone banking registered?
Dial *120*257# from the mobile number registered to your Old Mutual Money Account. Follow the prompts to verify your identity using your ID or passport number and select a secure 4-digit PIN.
Must the registered SIM be used?
Yes. For security, Old Mutual authenticates USSD sessions by verifying the Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (MSISDN) against the number registered on your account profile.
Which transactions are available via USSD?
You can perform balance inquiries across your SWIPE and SAVE accounts, view mini-statements, buy prepaid airtime and data, purchase electricity, and transfer money.
What should I do if the Old Mutual USSD route does not work?
Ensure you have signal and active airtime on your mobile device. If issues persist, access your account via the OM Money Account App, log into Internet Banking at secure.moneyaccount.co.za, or call customer support on 0860 222 252.

