MoMo USSD Code

Last Verified: March 2026

Quick Answer

The primary MoMo USSD Code in South Africa for MTN customers is *151# (or *151*1# directly). If you are accessing MoMo from a non-MTN mobile network, dial *120*151# to open the mobile money menu.

• MTN Customers: Dial *151#
• Non-MTN / Other Networks: Dial *120*151#

Note: In other African regions operating MTN Mobile Money, standard shortcodes like *115# (Zambia) or *671#(Nigeria) are used by regional affiliates.

What the Service Is and Who Can Use It

MTN MoMo (Mobile Money) is a digital wallet service that allows registered users to send and receive cash, purchase airtime or electricity, pay bills, and make merchant payments without requiring a traditional bank account or high-speed data connection.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Phone & Network: Available on any mobile phone (feature phone or smartphone) using any South African mobile network (MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, Telkom).
• Identification: Users must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid South African ID or passport for verification.
• Account Types: Basic personal wallets (Tier 1) for daily peer-to-peer transfers, and upgraded accounts (Tier 2/3) requiring additional FICA/KYC documentation for higher transfer limits.

How to Access Mobile Money

Before You Start

• Ensure your SIM card is active and inserted into your device.
• Have your South African ID or Passport number ready for registration.
• Prepare a secure 4-digit PIN for session authorization. Never share this PIN with anyone.

Verified Step-by-Step Process

1. Dial the Code: Open your phone dialer and enter *151# (MTN SIM) or *120*151# (Non-MTN SIM).
2. Register (First-Time Users): Select the option to Register/Sign Up and follow the prompts to enter your legal name, ID number, and create a 4-digit PIN.
3. Navigate the Menu:
   • Check Balance: Select My Account / Balance and enter your PIN.
   • Send Money: Select Send Money, enter the recipient’s mobile number, enter the amount, and confirm with your PIN.
   • Cash Out / Withdraw: Select Cash Out, specify whether you are at an MTN Store, retail partner (e.g., Pick n Pay, Boxer), or MoMo Agent, enter the amount, and retrieve your cash voucher or withdrawal code.
   • Pay Bills & Airtime: Select Buy Airtime/Data or Pay Bills, enter the meter or account reference, and confirm payment.

Confirmation or Expected Result

After completing a USSD transaction, you will receive an immediate on-screen prompt stating that the request is processing, followed by an official confirmation SMS containing:

• A unique transaction reference/ID.
• The exact amount transferred or deducted.
• Your updated wallet balance.
• Recipient details or cash-out voucher codes (where applicable).

Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times

Note: USSD session costs for MoMo services are zero-rated or free on participating networks. Fees below apply to wallet transactions.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors

• “Session Timed Out”: USSD sessions expire after 20–30 seconds of inactivity. Redial the code and complete steps promptly.
• “Connection Problem or Invalid MMI Code”: Check that you have mobile signal bars. Switch airplane mode on and off to re-establish network connection.
• “Account Blocked or Suspended”: Occurs after entering an incorrect PIN 3 consecutive times. You must reset your PIN via the official app or contact customer support.
• Wrong SIM Selected: On dual-SIM devices, ensure you dial using the active line registered with your MoMo account.

When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable

If the USSD shortcode returns a network error, service outage message, or fails to open:

1. Wait 5–10 minutes and retry; USSD gateways occasionally undergo brief maintenance.
2. Switch to the official MTN MoMo Mobile App over Wi-Fi or data.

Official Alternatives

When USSD is down or unavailable, use the following official channels:

• MTN MoMo Smartphone App: Downloadable from Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei AppGallery.
• MTN WhatsApp Self-Service: Send “Hello” to the official MTN WhatsApp number (083 123 0011) to access self-service menus.
• In-Person Agent / Retailer: Visit an official MTN Store or participating retail agents (e.g., Pick n Pay, Boxer, PEP) to perform cash deposits or withdrawals.

Safety and Privacy

• Keep Your PIN Secret: MTN support staff, agents, and callers will never ask for your 4-digit MoMo PIN or cash-out vouchers.
• Double-Check Recipient Details: USSD transfers are irreversible once processed. Verify the recipient’s phone number and amount on the confirmation screen before entering your PIN.
• Beware of Social Engineering Scams: Ignore SMS messages claiming you received money by mistake or asking you to dial codes to refund sender fees. Always check your actual wallet balance via *151# first.
• Lost or Stolen SIM: Call MTN support immediately to temporarily freeze your wallet account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current MoMo USSD Code?

In South Africa, the current code is *151# for MTN users and *120*151# for users on other networks (Vodacom, Cell C, Telkom).

How is the wallet registered?

You can self-register by dialing *151# (or *120*151#), providing your South African ID/Passport number, and creating a secret 4-digit PIN.

How can money be sent or received?

To send money, dial the USSD code, select Send Money, enter the recipient’s phone number, amount, and confirm with your PIN. To receive money, the sender simply transfers funds directly to your mobile phone number.

Where can cash be withdrawn?

Cash can be withdrawn at participating MoMo Agents, MTN Stores, or major partner retail counters (such as Pick n Pay or Boxer) by generating a cash-out code on the USSD menu.

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

If USSD fails, verify your network coverage, try again after a few minutes, or use the official MTN MoMo App or MTN WhatsApp service (083 123 0011).