Need a quick way to check airtime, load a voucher, buy data, use cellphone banking, or find the right provider menu? This guide lists the main USSD codes for prepaid users South Africa and links you to the most relevant task page for the next step.
Last checked: 26 June 2026. USSD codes, menu options, bundle prices, validity periods, eligibility rules and service fees can change. Always read the on-screen menu before confirming a purchase, transfer, subscription, recharge or banking action.
Quick Prepaid USSD Codes List
| Prepaid task | Best next guide | Vodacom | MTN | Cell C | Telkom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full USSD directory | USSD codes South Africa | Start with *135# | Start with *136# | Start with *147# | Start with *180# |
| Check airtime or bundle balance | check airtime balance USSD code | *136# for quick balance or *135# for self-service balances (VodacomNow) | *136# for airtime balance (MTN) | *101# or *147#option 2 (Cell C) | *188# (Telkom) |
| Buy data | buy data USSD code | *135# and follow prompts (Vodacom) | *136*2# (MTN) | *147# or *109#(Cell C) | *180# for bundle self-service; *188# for balances (Telkom InTouch) |
| Load an airtime voucher | load airtime voucher USSD code | *136*01*Recharge PIN#(VodacomNow) | Use MTN recharge menu; MTN also lists voucher recharge options on its USSD help page (MTN) | *102*voucherpin#(Cell C) | *188*voucher pin#(Telkom) |
| Transfer airtime or use sharing menus | mobile network USSD codes South Africa | Use *135# and follow transfer prompts (Vodacom) | *136*3# for MTN Me2U (MTN) | Use *147# self-service menu | Use *180# self-service menu |
| Manage bundles or subscriptions | mobile network USSD codes South Africa | *135# | *136*5# for bundles and subscriptions (MTN) | *147# | *180# |
The table is designed as a starting point. For exact steps, warnings, provider notes and troubleshooting, open the matching task guide rather than relying only on a short code.
Browse by Provider, Bank, or Task
Provider-specific links
Use provider-specific menus when you want mobile-network services such as airtime balances, data bundles, airtime transfer, voucher recharge, SIM services or subscription management.
| Provider | Main prepaid USSD route | Use it for | Last-checked note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | *135# | View balances, buy bundles, transfer airtime and use self-service options | Vodacom lists *135# as its USSD self-service route and also lists *136# for prepaid balance checks. (Vodacom) |
| MTN | *136# | Airtime balance, bundles, Me2U and service menus | MTN lists *136# for balance-related access, *136*2# for bundles and *136*3# for Me2U. (MTN) |
| Cell C | *147# | Balance, recharge, data and self-service menus | Cell C lists *101# or *147# for balance checks and *147# or *109# for data. (Cell C) |
| Telkom | *180# | Self-service and prepaid bundle routes | Telkom lists *180# for self-service, *188# for balance checks and *188*voucher pin# for recharge. (Telkom) |
For the wider network directory, use mobile network USSD codes South Africa.
Bank-specific links
Use bank USSD when you want to buy airtime, data, electricity or other prepaid services from your bank account without using a banking app. Dial the code from the cellphone number linked to your bank profile.
| Bank | USSD route | Prepaid use |
|---|---|---|
| Capitec | *120*3279#; *130*3279#when out of airtime | Capitec says customers can use *120*3279# for mobile banking and *130*3279# free of charge to top up prepaid when out of airtime. (Capitec Bank) |
| Standard Bank | *120*2345# | Standard Bank says cellphone banking can be used to buy data and make payments without needing a smartphone or data. (Standard Bank) |
| Absa | *120*2272# | Absa lists *120*2272# for Cellphone Banking and says airtime is not needed to bank using Absa Cellphone Banking. (Absa) |
| Nedbank | *120*001# | Nedbank says Cellphone Banking can be used to buy prepaid data, airtime, electricity and gift vouchers. (Nedbank) |
Bank menus can change after login, so confirm the recipient number, amount, product, fee and account before entering your PIN.
Task-specific links
Use these internal guides when you already know what you want to do:
| Task | Go to this guide | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Check prepaid balance | check airtime balance USSD code | Best for checking airtime, data, SMS, voice or bundle balances. |
| Buy data | buy data USSD code | Best for choosing the right data-purchase route by provider or bank. |
| Load a voucher | load airtime voucher USSD code | Best when you have a recharge PIN or till-slip voucher. |
| Find network menus | mobile network USSD codes South Africa | Best when you want Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom or other network-specific routes. |
| Browse all codes | USSD codes South Africa | Best when you are not sure which provider, bank or task page you need. |
How to Use These USSD Codes
Start by choosing the task, not the code. If you want to check a balance, use the balance guide. If you want data, use the data guide. If you have a voucher PIN, use the recharge guide. If you need a provider menu, use the network directory.
Dial the code from the correct SIM or registered phone number. Mobile network USSD codes usually need to be dialled from that network’s SIM. Bank USSD services usually need the cellphone number registered to your bank profile.
Type the code exactly as shown. Most USSD codes start with * and end with #. Voucher strings often include the recharge PIN inside the USSD code, so check every digit before pressing call.
Read the menu before replying. USSD menus can change by provider, tariff plan, promotion, SIM type, account type or customer eligibility. Do not assume the same option number will always do the same thing.
Check the amount, validity and recipient number before confirming. This is especially important for data bundles, airtime transfer, voucher recharge, cellphone banking, prepaid electricity and any product that cannot be reversed.
Wait for the confirmation screen or SMS. If the USSD session times out, check your balance or transaction history before trying again. Repeating a purchase too quickly can cause duplicate transactions.
Costs, Safety, and Last-Verified Notes
USSD is useful for prepaid users because many services work without mobile data. Standard Bank says its cellphone banking works on any cellphone with no smartphone or data needed, and Nedbank describes cellphone banking as USSD-based banking without using data or downloading apps. (Standard Bank)
Do not assume every USSD session is free. Capitec says service providers usually charge 20c for 20 seconds, while Nedbank says cellphone banking provider charges can also be 20c of airtime for every 20 seconds. Capitec separately lists *130*3279# as a free top-up route when out of airtime. (Capitec Bank)
USSD purchases can still cost money even when the menu itself is free or low-cost. A data bundle, airtime transfer, emergency airtime service, bank purchase, prepaid electricity purchase or subscription action may deduct money, airtime, fees or a service charge. Always check the confirmation screen before approving.
For safety, only use codes from your mobile network, bank, regulator, government department or a page that clearly shows a recent verification date. Be careful with messages that promise “free data”, “double airtime”, “RICA update”, “SIM upgrade”, “bank refund” or “airtime reversal” if they ask you to dial a code and enter a PIN.
Never enter your banking PIN, card PIN, OTP, SIM-swap details or account password into a USSD menu you did not intentionally dial. If someone sends you a USSD string by SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok or email, verify it with the official provider before using it.
Last-verified notes for this page: major mobile-network and bank USSD routes were checked against official South African provider and bank pages on 26 June 2026. Before publishing updates, re-check any current code, menu path, support number, fee, transaction limit, eligibility rule, bundle validity period or reversal rule.
Related USSD Guides
For the broad directory, visit USSD codes South Africa.
For network-specific menus, visit mobile network USSD codes South Africa.
For prepaid balance checks, visit check airtime balance USSD code.
For prepaid data purchases, visit buy data USSD code.
For voucher recharge steps, visit load airtime voucher USSD code.
FAQs
How should users find the right page for USSD codes for prepaid users South Africa?
Start with the action you need. Use check airtime balance USSD code for balances, buy data USSD code for bundles, load airtime voucher USSD code for voucher PINs, and mobile network USSD codes South Africa for provider menus.
Are the listed codes official or verified?
The main codes on this page were checked against official provider or bank sources where available. Because USSD menus can change, every exact code, fee, menu path, support number and product rule should be rechecked before publishing updates.
Do USSD codes work without mobile data?
Yes, USSD is commonly used without mobile data, which is why it is helpful for prepaid users and basic phones. However, some services may still use airtime for the session or charge fees for the transaction, depending on the provider, bank and product selected. (Standard Bank)
What should users do if a listed code does not work?
Check that you are using the correct SIM, that the code is typed exactly, and that your phone has network signal. If the menu times out, wait a moment and check your balance before trying again. If the code still fails, use the provider’s app, website, WhatsApp, call centre or store support route.
Where should users go for provider-specific help?
For mobile network help, use mobile network USSD codes South Africa. For the full directory of South African USSD pages, use USSD codes South Africa.