Quick Answer
Current Official Code:
*120*257#(Old Mutual Money Account Cellphone Banking)Last Verified: July 2026
The primary Old Mutual USSD code for cellphone banking is *120*257#. Dialing this string from the mobile number linked to your Old Mutual Money Account opens the interactive self-service menu. It allows you to view account balances, transfer funds between your SWIPE and SAVE accounts, buy airtime, data, or electricity, and manage beneficiaries without requiring internet access or mobile data.
(Note: If you are using an Old Mutual Connect SIM card for mobile network services, the SIM network self-service USSD string is *135#, or *135*1# for airtime/data balance checks).
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
The Old Mutual USSD banking service (accessible via *120*257#) is an unassisted mobile banking portal provided in association with Bidvest Bank. It is engineered for low-data or data-free environments, making basic self-service features available on feature phones and smartphones alike.
Who Can Use It
- Registered Old Mutual Money Account Holders: You must hold an active Money Account.
- Registered Cellphone Numbers: You must dial the USSD string directly from the mobile number registered against your Old Mutual banking profile.
- Active Network SIM: Your SIM card must be connected to a supported South African mobile network (Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C, or Old Mutual Connect) with active airtime to initiate USSD sessions.
Key Limitations
- Unregistered Numbers: You cannot access account features by dialling from a secondary SIM card or an unlinked phone number.
- Complex Banking Services: Policy changes, detailed investment adjustments, home loan applications, or broad insurance administration cannot be performed via USSD and require internet banking or a physical branch visit.
How to Access the Service
Before You Start
- Ensure your mobile phone has a signal and is using the SIM card registered to your Old Mutual Money Account.
- Ensure you have a small amount of prepaid airtime on your mobile line (USSD sessions incur standard network carrier charges).
- Have your secret 4-digit PIN ready, but keep it private.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
- Open the Phone Dialer: Open your mobile phone’s native phone keypad.
- Dial the USSD Code: Enter
*120*257#and press the Call / Dial button. - Enter Your Login Credentials: When prompted, enter your secret 4-digit PIN to authenticate your account.
- Navigate the Main Menu: Select your preferred task by replying with the corresponding number option:
- 1: Balance Enquiries (SWIPE & SAVE Accounts)
- 2: Transfers (Between SWIPE and SAVE)
- 3: Buy Prepaid (Airtime, Data, Electricity)
- 4: Payments & Beneficiaries
- 5: Account Settings / Security
- Confirm Transaction: Review the summary screen for any purchase or transfer before submitting your input.
Confirmation or Expected Result
- On-Screen Display: Successful balance checks and menu selections display immediate confirmation text on your screen.
- SMS Notification: For financial transfers, prepaid airtime purchases, or beneficiary payments, you will receive an official SMS receipt containing a unique transaction reference number.
- Recovery Route: If funds are debited from your account but the transaction fails or airtime is not delivered, record your SMS reference number and contact the Money Account Support Centre at 0860 222 252.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
| Variable | Details / Standard Rules |
| Session Cost | USSD charges are billed by your mobile network operator (typically 20c per 20 seconds under standard *120* rates). |
| Balance Enquiry Fee | Standard low-cost banking fee applies per check (refer to the current Old Mutual Money Account pricing guide). |
| Daily Transaction Limits | Default daily limits apply to airtime purchases, electricity top-ups, and EFT payments for security purposes. |
| Processing Speed | Instant: Account balance updates, intra-account transfers (SWIPE to SAVE), and airtime/data recharges. |
| EFT Transfer Times | Payments to external banks may take 1 to 3 business days depending on interbank clearing. |
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- “Connection Problem or Invalid MMI Code”:
- Cause: Weak cellular signal, network congestion, or dialing an incorrect string.
- Fix: Check your signal bars, verify you dialed
*120*257#, and retry in a few minutes.
- “Session Timeout”:
- Cause: USSD sessions automatically expire after 20 to 30 seconds of inactivity for security reasons.
- Fix: Re-dial
*120*257#and complete your inputs more quickly.
- “User Not Registered / Number Unrecognized”:
- Cause: You are calling from a SIM card that is not linked to your Old Mutual banking profile.
- Fix: Switch to the registered SIM card or update your registered number at an Old Mutual branch.
- “Insufficient Funds / Insufficient Airtime”:
- Cause: Your mobile carrier requires a minimum airtime balance to start a
*120*USSD session. - Fix: Top up your mobile airtime balance before initiating the session.
- Cause: Your mobile carrier requires a minimum airtime balance to start a
When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable
If the USSD service is down for routine system maintenance, switch immediately to internet banking or the OM Bank Mobile App to complete time-sensitive transactions.
Official Alternatives
When USSD access is unavailable or when you need higher daily limits, explore these official channels:
- OM Bank / Old Mutual Banking App: Available on Android and iOS. Offers zero-data usage on select mobile networks, detailed statements, and full card management.
- Internet Banking: Access your profile via the secure login portal at
secure.moneyaccount.co.za. - WhatsApp Self-Service: Save 0860 933 333 on your phone, open WhatsApp, and send “Hi” to manage policies, rewards, and general customer care queries.
- Old Mutual Customer Care / Phone Banking: Call 0860 222 252 (Money Account) or 0860 OMBANK (662265)during operating hours.
- Branch Network: Visit any Old Mutual branch nationwide for in-person account registration, card collections, and verification.
Related Service Guides
- To compare service codes across South Africa, visit Banking USSD Codes.
- If you specifically need to view balances, see Old Mutual USSD Code To Check Balance or explore general Old Mutual USSD Code For Cellphone Banking.
- For alternative mobile banking platforms, check out the Capitec USSD Code, TymeBank USSD Code, or explore general Send Money USSD Codes.
Safety and Privacy
⚠️ Critical Security Advice: Old Mutual staff or automated USSD menus will never ask for your full card CVV, secret ATM PIN, internet banking password, or One-Time PIN (OTP) via a phone call, unsolicited SMS, or external link.
- Protect Your PIN: Keep your 4-digit USSD banking PIN strictly private. Do not share it with anyone claiming to be an Old Mutual agent.
- Screen Privacy: Always ensure nobody is watching your screen when entering your banking credentials in public spaces.
- Immediate Account Blocking: If your phone is lost or stolen, or if you suspect fraud, immediately call the Old Mutual Fraud Hotline on 0800 222 117 (toll-free) to block your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Old Mutual USSD Code?
The current official USSD code for Old Mutual Money Account banking is *120*257#. (For Old Mutual Connect SIM network services, dial *135#).
What is the current official code or menu?
Dialing *120*257# opens the interactive cellphone banking menu for Old Mutual Money Account holders. It provides immediate options for balance checks, intra-account transfers, beneficiary payments, and prepaid airtime/electricity top-ups.
Which customers or account types can use it?
It is available to active Old Mutual Money Account customers who dial the code from the phone number registered to their profile.
What tasks are available in the menu?
In the *120*257# menu, you can:
- Check SWIPE and SAVE account balances.
- Transfer funds between SWIPE and SAVE accounts.
- Purchase prepaid airtime, data, and electricity.
- Make payments to saved beneficiaries.
What should I do if the Old Mutual USSD route does not work?
- Check that you are using the registered SIM card with active network signal and sufficient airtime.
- Restart your phone to clear temporary network connection issues.
- If the code remains unresponsive, use the OM Bank App, access Internet Banking (
secure.moneyaccount.co.za), or call customer support at 0860 222 252.

