Quick Answer
Last Verified: July 2026
Official USSD Code:
*120*2345#Zero-Airtime Emergency Code:
*130*2345#(For basic top-ups when you have zero airtime balance)
To check your Standard Bank account balance on any mobile phone in South Africa without data, dial *120*2345# from the mobile number registered to your bank profile. Enter your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN when prompted, select your account, and your current and available balances will display immediately on your screen. Standard network USSD session rates (typically 20c per 20 seconds) apply.
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
Standard Bank Cellphone Banking (USSD) is a secure, text-based banking service that allows customers to access core banking functions on any mobile handset—including basic feature phones (“burner” or “brick” phones)—without requiring an internet connection or mobile data.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Eligible Account Holders: Personal account holders (e.g., MyMo, Cheque, Access, or Savings Accounts) registered with Standard Bank South Africa.
- Registered Mobile Number: You must dial from the active SIM card/mobile number linked to your official Standard Bank profile.
- Cellphone Banking Profile: First-time users must register their SIM by dialing
*120*2345#using their debit/credit card number, card PIN, and South African ID number. - Exclusions: Standard Bank Mobile Connect SIM balances use a separate telecommunications code (
*136#or*140#). Corporate or complex business profiles may require Internet Banking or the mobile app rather than USSD.
How to Check the Balance
Before You Start
- Ensure your phone is inserted with the SIM card linked to your Standard Bank account.
- Keep your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN in mind (never use your 4-digit ATM card PIN).
- Ensure you have a active airtime balance (at least R0.50 to R1.00) to cover network session fees, or use
*130*2345#if you are completely out of airtime.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
- Open Phone Dialer: Launch the phone dialer app on your mobile device.
- Dial Code: Enter
*120*2345#and press the call button. - Enter PIN: When the menu pops up, enter your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN.
- Select Balance Enquiry: From the main menu, reply with the menu option corresponding to “Check Balance” or “Balances”.
- Choose Account: If you have multiple linked accounts (e.g., Cheque and Savings), select the specific account you want to view.
- View Balance: Read your real-time balance directly from the screen prompt.
Confirmation or Expected Result
Once you complete the prompt, the USSD session will display a pop-up box with your account summary:
- Current Balance: The total nominal balance in the account.
- Available Balance: The funds immediately available for withdrawal or transfer (accounting for pending card authorizations, hold amounts, or overdraft limits).
Note: If your session disconnects before displaying the result or encounters a network timed-out error, re-dial
*120*2345#. USSD sessions auto-close after ~20 seconds of inactivity to protect account security.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
| Feature | Details |
| USSD Service Fee | Standard Bank does not charge a monthly subscription fee for USSD banking. |
| Network Session Cost | Mobile network operators (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom) charge standard USSD session fees (approx. 20c per 20 seconds). |
Emergency Code (*130*2345#) | Free to dial when you have zero airtime, enabling prepaid airtime purchases. |
| Balance Processing Time | Real-time. Updates instantly after transactions clearance. |
| Service Availability | 24/7, 365 days a year. |
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- “User not registered” or “Invalid Profile”: You are either dialing from an unlinked SIM card or haven’t activated Cellphone Banking. Dial
*120*2345#, select “Register,” and follow the prompts with your bank card details and ID number. - “Session Timeout”: USSD networks disconnect if inputs take longer than 15–20 seconds. Redial the code and respond promptly to prompts.
- “Connection Problem or Invalid MMI Code”: Indicates temporary network congestion or poor network reception. Switch to 2G/3G mode or move to a higher signal area and try again.
- Dual-SIM Phones: If your device uses two SIM cards, ensure you are originating the call from the exact SIM slot linked to your Standard Bank profile.
When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable
If the USSD service undergoes routine system maintenance or system outages:
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes and retry.
- Switch to an official alternative channel detailed below.
Official Alternatives
When USSD services are delayed or unavailable, access your balance using these official Standard Bank routes:
- Standard Bank Mobile App: Download from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei AppGallery. Log in using your App Code or Biometrics for zero-data access on select SA mobile networks.
- Internet Banking: Access experience.standardbank.co.za from any web browser.
- Standard Bank ATM: Insert your card at any Standard Bank ATM and select “Balance Enquiry”.
- Customer Support: Call customer care on
0860 123 000(South Africa) for automated phone banking balance enquiries.
Safety and Privacy
- Keep Credentials Confidential: Standard Bank staff will never ask for your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN, ATM Card PIN, CVV, or full Password.
- Clear Screen History: Always terminate the USSD session completely after viewing your balance.
- Stolen Phone/SIM: If your phone is lost or stolen, contact Standard Bank Fraud immediately at
0800 020 600or block your mobile SIM through your network provider to prevent unauthorized access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Standard Bank USSD Code To Check Balance?
The verified code to check your balance is *120*2345#. If you have no airtime, dial *130*2345# to top up airtime first.
Which balance does the code show?
The prompt displays both your Current Balance (total account funds) and Available Balance (spendable funds minus pending holds or uncleared deposits).
Must the user dial from a registered number?
Yes. You must dial from the mobile phone number registered on your Standard Bank account profile for security verification.
Is the displayed amount real-time or delayed?
The displayed balance is real-time and reflects current posted transactions, debit orders, and ATM withdrawals immediately.
What should I do if the Standard Bank USSD route does not work?
If USSD fails, verify your mobile network coverage, confirm your SIM selection on dual-SIM devices, or view your balance via the Standard Bank Mobile App, Internet Banking, or an ATM.

