MTN MoMo USSD Code

Quick Answer

Last Verified: July 2026

Primary USSD Code: *120*151# or *151# (South Africa)

Alternative Navigation: *135#

To access the MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) menu in South Africa, dial *120*151# or *151# directly from your active MTN SIM card. This official shortcode opens the main wallet self-service portal, allowing you to self-register, check your balance, transfer funds, purchase airtime/bundles, pay bills, and manage cash withdrawals.

If *120*151# is unresponsive due to network congestion, dial *135# to navigate to financial services through the primary MTN self-service menu.

What the Service Is and Who Can Use It

MTN MoMo is a digital wallet service that allows users to store, send, and receive funds, purchase prepaid utilities, pay retail merchants, and cash out money without requiring a traditional bank account.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Target Users: Available to prepaid, top-up, and contract MTN South Africa customers.
• Network Requirement: Must be initiated from a mobile phone containing an active MTN SIM card.
• Identity Verification: Users must be 18 years or older with a valid South African ID or foreign passport for account verification (RICA/KYC compliance).
• Non-MTN Users: While non-MTN users can hold a MoMo wallet via the official app, initiating USSD menu sessions directly requires dialing from an MTN SIM.

How to Access Mobile Money

Before You Start

• Ensure your device has an active MTN signal (no internet data required for USSD).
• Keep your South African ID or passport number ready if you are registering for the first time.
• Never share your 4-digit MoMo PIN or one-time passcodes (OTPs) with anyone.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First-Time Registration

1. Dial *120*151# or *151# on your handset.
2. Choose the option for Register / Join MoMo.
3. Enter your valid SA ID number or foreign passport number.
4. Create and confirm a secure 4-digit MoMo PIN.

2. Checking Wallet Balance

1. Dial *120*151#.
2. Select Check Balance or My Account.
3. Enter your 4-digit MoMo PIN to display your available balance on-screen.

3. Sending Money

1. Dial *120*151#.
2. Select Send Money.
3. Enter the recipient’s cellphone number.
4. Enter the amount you wish to send.
5. Verify the recipient details and transaction summary, then enter your MoMo PIN to confirm.

4. Cash-Out (Withdrawal)

1. Dial *120*151#.
2. Select Cash Out / Withdraw.
3. Select your preferred payout method (e.g., MTN Store, participating retail partner, or cash voucher).
4. Enter the withdrawal amount and confirm with your PIN to receive a unique cash-out code.

Confirmation or Expected Result

• On-Screen Display: Successful inputs will produce an immediate USSD pop-up summary containing a transaction status or reference string.
• SMS Confirmation: You will receive an official SMS from MTN MoMo detailing the transaction reference number, recipient information, amount transferred/withdrawn, remaining balance, and applied service fees.
• Dispute Recovery: If your account is debited but the service fails or the recipient does not receive the funds, save the SMS reference code and contact customer support immediately.

Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times

Note: Always review the fee prompt on your screen before typing your PIN to authorize a charge.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors

• “Connection Problem or Invalid MMI Code”: Verify your cellular reception. On dual-SIM handsets, ensure you are sending the dial request specifically from your MTN SIM slot.
• “Session Timed Out”: USSD sessions expire after 10–15 seconds of inactivity for security reasons. Re-dial *120*151# and enter details promptly.
• Account / Registration Errors: If the session states your profile is unverified, complete the on-screen self-registration or visit an MTN retail branch for RICA/KYC verification.
• Funds Sent to Wrong Number: Money transfers process instantly. If you enter an incorrect phone number, immediately call MTN Customer Care to request a reversal before the recipient withdraws or spends the balance.

When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable

During routine network maintenance, USSD menus may throw connection errors. If the shortcode fails repeatedly, switch to the official app or alternative self-service channels.

Official Alternatives

Safety and Privacy

• Keep PINs Secret: MTN staff, agents, and support representatives will never ask you for your 4-digit MoMo PIN or one-time verification codes (OTPs).
• Verify Recipient Names: Always cross-check the recipient’s registered name on the final USSD confirmation screen before entering your PIN.
• Beware of “Accidental Transfer” Scams: If an unknown caller claims they sent you money by mistake and demands a refund, check your balance directly using *120*151# first rather than trusting incoming text messages.
• Lost or Stolen SIM: Call 135 immediately to suspend your line and protect your wallet balance if your phone is lost or stolen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current MTN MoMo USSD Code?

The official USSD shortcode for MTN Mobile Money in South Africa is *120*151# or *151#.

How is the wallet registered?

Dial *120*151# on your MTN SIM card, select the self-registration option, enter your South African ID or Foreign Passport number, and create a 4-digit PIN.

How can money be sent or received?

Dial *120*151#, select Send Money, enter the recipient’s mobile number and amount, and confirm with your PIN. To receive money, provide your registered MTN mobile number to the sender.

Where can cash be withdrawn?

Cash withdrawals can be initiated via *120*151# and fulfilled at MTN retail stores, participating retail partners, or selected partner ATMs using a generated cash voucher code.

What should I do if the MTN USSD route does not work?

If USSD prompts time out or fail, use the zero-rated MTN MoMo App, dial *135#, or contact MTN Customer Care by dialing 135.