Last checked: 26 June 2026. USSD codes, menu names, fees, limits and support routes can change. Always confirm the code with the official provider before entering a PIN, approving a transaction, sending money or sharing personal details.
Quick Answer
If you are searching for latest USSD codes South Africa, the safest answer is this: there is no single official USSD code for every South African bank, mobile network or government service. You need the current code for the specific provider and task you want to complete.
Use the table below as a quick starting point, then confirm the menu on-screen before you continue. For a broader directory, use USSD codes South Africa. If a code fails, times out or gives an error, use USSD code not working.
| Provider or service | Latest verified USSD code | What it is commonly used for |
|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | *135# | Self-service, balances, bundles and airtime transfer |
| MTN | *136# / *136*2# | Balance checks and bundle purchases |
| Telkom Mobile | *180# / *188# | Self-service, bundles and balance checks |
| Cell C | *147# / *109# | Data bundle recharge and self-service options |
| FNB Cellphone Banking | *120*321# | FNB banking and eWallet-related cellphone banking actions |
| Capitec Mobile Banking | *120*3279# | Capitec cellphone banking, prepaid and Send Cash |
| Standard Bank Cellphone Banking | *120*2345# | Banking, payments, prepaid and account services |
| Absa Cellphone Banking | *120*2272# | Absa cellphone banking registration and login |
| Nedbank Cellphone Banking | *120*001# | Banking, balances, payments, prepaid and send-money services |
| SARS mobile tax services | *134*7277# | Certain SARS personal income tax services |
| SASSA SRD-related channel | *134*7737# | Listed on government pages for SRD access; verify on the current SASSA/SRD site before use |
Vodacom lists *135# for USSD self-service, including balances, bundles and airtime transfer. MTN lists *136# for detailed balance enquiries and *136*2# for buying bundles. Telkom lists *180# for self-service and *188# for balance checks, while Cell C lists *147# or *109# as USSD options for data recharge. (Vodacom)
For banking, Capitec lists *120*3279#, Standard Bank lists *120*2345#, Absa lists *120*2272#, and Nedbank lists *120*001# for cellphone banking. FNB’s eWallet page also references its cellphone banking dial string *120*321# for reversal actions. (Capitec Bank)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Requirements
Before you use any of the updated USSD codes South Africa users commonly search for, make sure you have the right details ready.
You should know:
- which provider you are trying to access;
- whether the SIM is registered, active and linked to the account;
- whether you are using prepaid, contract, business or personal service;
- whether the code is for a bank, network, public service or subscription service;
- whether you need airtime, a registered cellphone number, a banking PIN or an ID number;
- what action you want to complete before the session times out.
USSD does not need mobile data, but that does not mean every USSD session is free. Some providers offer free access for specific menus, while others may require airtime or may charge for certain services. For example, Standard Bank says cellphone banking works without downloading an app and notes a separate *130*2345# top-up option, while Absa states that users do not need airtime to bank using Absa Cellphone Banking. (Standard Bank)
Step-by-step process
- Choose the correct provider first.
Do not dial a code just because it appears in a search result. A banking code, network code, grant code and premium service code can look similar but lead to very different menus. - Dial the full USSD string.
USSD codes usually start with*and end with#. Enter the code exactly as shown by the official provider. - Check the first menu screen.
The first screen should clearly match the provider or service you expected. If you dialled a bank code, the menu should show that bank’s cellphone banking service. If you dialled a network code, the menu should show that network’s self-service options. - Select the correct option.
Choose the balance, bundle, banking, tax, grant, payment or support option shown on the screen. Menu numbers can change, so follow the live menu rather than relying on an old screenshot. - Read each confirmation screen.
Before confirming a purchase, payment, send-money transaction, voucher, subscription or account change, check the amount, cellphone number, account, fee and expiry details. - Stop if anything looks wrong.
Do not enter a banking PIN, online banking password, full card number, CVV or OTP into a suspicious menu. Also stop if the screen asks you to approve an action you did not start. - Save the SMS or reference number.
If the session completes, keep the confirmation message. If it fails, that message or reference number can help the provider trace the transaction.
Fees or limits
Fees and limits are not the same across all USSD codes. A network balance check, bundle purchase, bank transfer, send-money voucher, tax service or premium-rated shortcode may each have different rules.
Before you publish or rely on any “changed USSD codes South Africa” list, verify:
- transaction fees;
- bundle prices;
- out-of-bundle rules;
- voucher expiry times;
- send-money limits;
- daily banking limits;
- account eligibility;
- whether the code works on prepaid, contract or business accounts;
- whether the number must be registered with the provider.
SARS says its USSD tax service is accessed by dialling *134*7277#, and users must be registered as personal income taxpayers, with the number used matching the registered SARS contact details. (South African Revenue Service)
Troubleshooting
If a USSD code does not work, start with the safe checks before trying another code.
Check that:
- the code was typed correctly;
- the SIM has signal;
- the SIM is active and RICA-registered where required;
- the code is available on your network;
- the service is not temporarily offline;
- your session has not timed out;
- you are using the correct registered cellphone number;
- you have enough airtime if the provider requires it.
Then try the official app, website, ATM, branch, call centre or support channel. If airtime, data or money was deducted, do not keep repeating the same transaction. Save the SMS and contact the provider directly.
For a full checklist, read USSD code not working.
Important Notes Before You Use the Code
Verify current codes before using them
The phrase latest USSD codes South Africa often brings up old lists, copied posts and screenshots from previous years. A code may still dial, but the menu path, fee, limit or eligibility rule may have changed.
Use this page as a trust-focused starting point, not as the only proof. Before taking action, confirm the code on:
- the provider’s official website;
- the official banking app or network app;
- the provider’s help centre;
- a branch, ATM or store screen;
- an official government website;
- a verified support channel.
Be careful with banking USSD codes
Banking USSD codes can be useful because they work on basic phones and do not require mobile data. They are also risky if you use the wrong code or respond to a scam instruction.
Stop immediately if someone tells you to dial a USSD code to:
- “reverse fraud”;
- “secure your account”;
- “block a transaction”;
- “release a payment”;
- “confirm a refund”;
- “avoid account suspension”.
A real provider will not need your online banking password, full card number, CVV or OTP through an unexpected USSD session. Standard Bank’s cellphone safety guidance warns users not to store banking credentials such as ATM PINs, card numbers or passwords on a cellphone. (Standard Bank)
Be careful with premium-rated shortcodes
Not every short code is a normal USSD service. WASPA explains that a shortcode is a five-digit number used for SMS services and that some shortcodes are premium-rated, meaning they can cost more than a normal SMS. (WASPA)
If your airtime is disappearing, check whether you have an active content service, WASP service or subscription. Do not rely only on forwarded cancellation instructions. Use the network’s official content-service menu or support route.
Confirm public-service channels
For public-service codes, always check the current department or agency page. SARS currently lists *134*7277# for mobile tax services, while government pages have listed *134*7737# for SASSA SRD-related access. Because public-service processes can change, verify grant, tax and application routes with the official department before submitting personal information. (South African Revenue Service)
Do not treat USSD as the only option
USSD is useful when you do not have data, do not use a smartphone or need a quick menu. But it is not always the best option for complex, high-value or disputed transactions.
Use an official app, website, branch, ATM or support channel when:
- you need a full statement;
- you are disputing a transaction;
- a voucher was not received;
- a grant application status is unclear;
- a banking transaction failed;
- a premium service keeps billing you;
- a menu does not show the option you expected.
Related Codes and Alternatives
Use these next steps depending on what you need.
| Need | Safer next step |
|---|---|
| Full directory of South African codes | Go to USSD codes South Africa |
| Failed, timed out or unavailable code | Go to USSD code not working |
| Mobile balances, airtime or data | Use your network’s official USSD menu, app, website or store |
| Bank balance, payment or send-money task | Use your bank’s official cellphone banking code, app, ATM, branch or online banking |
| SASSA, SARS or public-service task | Use the official government, SARS or SASSA website before entering personal details |
| Subscription or WASP charge | Check your network’s official content-service management route |
| Scam concern | Stop the session and contact the provider through an official fraud or support channel |
For the broader site hub, visit USSD Code South Africa.
FAQs
What is the code for latest USSD codes South Africa?
There is no one official code for “latest USSD codes South Africa”. You need the correct code for your provider or task. For example, Vodacom lists *135#, MTN lists *136# for balances, Telkom lists *180# for self-service, and major banks each have their own cellphone banking code. (Vodacom)
What is latest USSD codes South Africa used for?
This guide helps users find and verify commonly used South African USSD codes for mobile networks, banks and selected public services. It is especially useful when older lists show changed USSD codes South Africa users can no longer rely on.
Does a USSD code need airtime or data?
USSD usually does not need mobile data, but airtime rules differ by provider. Some banking and self-service menus may work without data, while certain sessions or services may still require airtime or carry fees. Always check the provider’s official wording before assuming a code is free.
What should I do if the code does not work?
Check the code, signal, SIM status and registered number first. Try again later if the session timed out. If the problem continues, use the provider’s app, website, branch, ATM, store or official support route. If airtime or money was deducted, save the SMS and read USSD code not working.
Are there costs, limits or eligibility rules?
Yes. Costs, limits and eligibility rules depend on the provider and the transaction. Banking limits, send-money voucher limits, bundle expiry rules, grant rules, premium-service charges and public-service access requirements should be verified on the official provider page before use.
How should users verify the latest details?
Check the provider’s official website, help centre, app, branch, ATM, store or verified support channel. For government services, use official department or agency websites such as SARS, SASSA or South African Government pages. Do not rely on copied lists, screenshots or forwarded messages without checking the original source.
Where can I find related USSD codes?
Start with USSD codes South Africa for the wider directory. Use provider-specific pages when you know the network, bank or service you need. If your issue is failure, timeout, missing SMS, airtime deduction or an error message, go to USSD code not working.