These guides explain how USSD works in South Africa rather than listing a single provider’s codes. Start here if a code is not working, if you want to know what a USSD code actually is, or if you want to use USSD safely without being caught by a scam.
Directory updated: 13 September 2026. Each code below shows the date it was last verified on its own guide. USSDCode.co.za is an independent guide and is not affiliated with any bank, network, retailer, lender or government department listed here.
Quick Answer and Most-Used Codes
A USSD code is a short string that starts with * and ends with #, which you dial like a phone number to open a live menu from your bank, network or service provider. It works without data. If a code fails with “connection problem or invalid MMI code”, check your signal, retype the code exactly and make sure you are dialling from the right SIM.
| Guide | What it answers | Status | Last checked | Open |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is a USSD code? | What USSD means and how it differs from SMS and apps | Explainer | 26 June 2026 | What is a USSD code |
| USSD code not working | Invalid MMI, connection problems, timed-out sessions | Troubleshooting | 25 June 2026 | USSD code not working |
| How to use USSD codes | Dialling, menus, sessions and dual-SIM phones | How-to | 26 June 2026 | How to use USSD codes |
| How USSD codes work | What happens between your phone and the provider | Explainer | — | How USSD works |
| USSD code safety | SIM-swap fraud, fake codes and PIN safety | Safety | — | USSD code safety |
Browse by Provider or Service
For codes belonging to a specific organisation, go to the directory for that sector:
- Banking USSD codes
- Mobile network USSD codes
- Payment USSD codes
- Send money USSD codes
- Electricity USSD codes
- Government USSD codes
- Loan USSD codes
Browse by Task
- Fix a code that will not run: USSD code not working · invalid MMI code · session expired
- Understand the cost: USSD code charges
- Use USSD without data: USSD codes without internet
- Compare channels: USSD vs app · USSD vs SMS
- Spot a fake: fake USSD codes
How to Use These USSD Codes
- Open your phone’s dialler (the keypad you use to make calls), not an SMS or chat app.
- Type the full code exactly as shown, including every * and the final #.
- Press the call button. A text menu should open on your screen within a few seconds.
- Reply with the number of the option you want. Menus differ by provider and change over time, so read your own screen rather than following a fixed button sequence.
- Finish before the session times out (usually well under two minutes). If it expires, dial again from the start.
If a code gives an error, try it once more after restarting the phone. Repeated failures usually point to the SIM (no airtime for a charged code, a blocked or swapped SIM, or the wrong SIM selected in a dual-SIM phone) rather than the code itself.
Codes to Verify Before Dialling
The guides in this section explain concepts rather than publish provider codes. Examples in them, such as *135# or *136#, are shown to illustrate the format. For the current code for a specific task, always open that provider’s own page, which shows its own verification date.
- Type the code yourself. Never dial a code sent to you by a stranger, a WhatsApp message or a caller claiming to be your bank.
- No legitimate bank, network or government service will ask you to read out your PIN, OTP or password to another person.
- Codes starting with *120* or *130* are usually charged per 20 seconds by your network. Codes starting with *134* are generally free to dial, but check your network’s current rates.
- If a menu asks for something unexpected, press cancel and contact the provider through the phone number on its official website or on the back of your card.
