Looking for USSD codes by bank? Use the table below to find the main cellphone banking code for major South African banks, then follow the on-screen menu for balances, transfers, payments, prepaid purchases, send-money services, and account tasks.
Last checked: 26 June 2026. Bank USSD codes, menu paths, fees, limits, and access rules can change. Before using a code for a payment or transfer, confirm it on your bank’s official website, banking app, ATM, branch, or support channel.
Quick USSD Codes By Bank List
| Bank | Main USSD code | Common tasks | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absa | *120*2272# | Register or log in, check balances, manage accounts, make payments, buy prepaid, use CashSend | Absa lists *120*2272# for Cellphone Banking and says users do not need airtime to bank using Absa Cellphone Banking. (Absa) |
| Capitec | *120*3279# | Access mobile banking, view accounts, buy airtime, pay, send cash, manage linked products | Capitec lists *120*3279# for cellphone banking and *130*3279# as a free airtime top-up route when out of airtime. (Capitec Bank) |
| FNB | *120*321# | Register, bank by cellphone, check balances, buy prepaid, make payments, transfer, send money | FNB lists *120*321# for Cellphone Banking registration and use. (FNB) |
| Nedbank | *120*001# | Check balances, view latest transactions, pay, send money, buy prepaid, manage selected services | Nedbank says users can dial *120*001# to bank from a cellphone, without an app, data, or smartphone. (Nedbank) |
| Standard Bank | *120*2345# | Check accounts, pay bills, buy data, make payments, transfers, Instant Money, PayShap | Standard Bank lists *120*2345# for Cellphone Banking and says it works on any cellphone with no smartphone or data needed. (Standard Bank) |
| African Bank | *120*225# | Accept terms, start cellphone banking, access account services after registration | African Bank lists *120*225# for starting cellphone banking from your phone. (African Bank) |
| GoTyme Bank / TymeBank | *120*543# | Check balances, SendMoney, buy airtime, buy data, buy electricity, buy vouchers, manage GoalSaves | GoTyme Bank lists *120*543# to get started and *130*543#for buying airtime when you do not have airtime. (GoTyme Bank) |
For the wider banking hub, go to banking USSD codes South Africa. For all major South African USSD categories, go to USSD codes South Africa.
Browse by Provider, Bank, or Task
Use this section to choose the right next page or code instead of guessing. A bank USSD code usually opens a secure menu. The exact balance, transfer, prepaid, card, PayShap, or send-money option can differ by bank, account type, registration status, and the cellphone number linked to your profile.
| User need | Start here | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| I know my bank and need the code | Use the bank table above | Dial the official start code and follow the live menu |
| I want a banking-only USSD hub | banking USSD codes South Africa | Compare bank USSD options and common banking tasks |
| I want all SA USSD categories | USSD codes South Africa | Browse mobile network, banking, task, safety, and support guides |
| I need a balance check | Your bank’s main USSD code | Choose the balance or accounts option shown in the live menu |
| I need to transfer money | Your bank’s main USSD code | Confirm the account, recipient, amount, reference, and fees before approving |
| I need to send cash | Your bank’s main USSD code | Use the official CashSend, eWallet, Instant Money, Send Cash, or SendMoney option shown by your bank |
| I need airtime, data, or electricity | Your bank’s main USSD code | Confirm the number, network, meter number, amount, and cost before accepting |
| I am not sure if a code is safe | USSD Code South Africa | Use official bank sources only and avoid copied shortcut strings from unknown pages |
How to Use These USSD Codes
- Open the dialler on the cellphone linked to your bank account.
- Dial the official USSD code for your bank.
- Press call or send.
- Wait for the bank’s cellphone banking menu to appear.
- Log in only if the screen clearly belongs to your bank’s official USSD menu.
- Enter your cellphone banking PIN only when you initiated the session yourself.
- Choose the task you need, such as balance, transfer, payment, prepaid, send money, or account management.
- Read every screen before replying.
- Confirm the amount, recipient, account, meter number, reference, and fee before approving.
- Save the confirmation SMS or reference number after a successful transaction.
Do not rush through the menu. USSD sessions can expire, and some transactions cannot be reversed easily once approved. If a payment, cash-send, or transfer screen times out, check your balance or transaction history before trying again.
Costs, Safety, and Last-Verified Notes
USSD banking usually works without mobile data because it runs through your phone dialler instead of a banking app. Nedbank says its Cellphone Banking works without data or an app, and Standard Bank says its Cellphone Banking works on any cellphone with no smartphone or data needed. (Nedbank)
Airtime rules are not the same for every bank. Absa says airtime is not needed for Absa Cellphone Banking, while Capitec and GoTyme Bank list separate *130# routes for buying airtime when you are out of airtime. (Absa)
Transaction fees, daily limits, send-money fees, voucher fees, and PayShap limits can change by bank, product, and channel. For example, Standard Bank publishes specific PayShap limits for Cellphone Banking, but those limits belong to Standard Bank’s PayShap service and should not be copied across to other banks. (Standard Bank)
For safety, never share your banking PIN, password, OTP, or full card details with anyone. SABRIC advises users to memorise PINs and passwords and never share them, not even with a bank official. (sabric.co.za)
Before publishing or acting on any banking USSD information, check:
| Item to verify | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Main USSD code | Banks can change access routes or add new security steps |
| Menu path | USSD menus can differ by customer, account, or registration status |
| Fees | Some banking, prepaid, voucher, or send-money actions may have charges |
| Limits | Transfer, send-money, PayShap, and prepaid limits may differ by bank |
| Eligibility | Some features require registration, a linked card, a profile number, or an active transactional account |
| Support route | The correct route may be the bank app, branch, ATM, official website, or contact centre |
Related USSD Guides
FAQs
What is the code for USSD codes by bank?
There is no single USSD code that works for every bank. Each bank has its own official cellphone banking code. Common examples include Absa *120*2272#, Capitec *120*3279#, FNB *120*321#, Nedbank *120*001#, Standard Bank *120*2345#, African Bank *120*225#, and GoTyme Bank *120*543#. Always confirm the code with your bank before transacting.
How should users find the right page for USSD codes by bank?
Start with the bank table on this page. If you want a broader banking directory, use banking USSD codes South Africa. If you want mobile network, airtime, data, public-service, safety, or troubleshooting codes, use USSD codes South Africa.
Are the listed codes official or verified?
The codes above were checked against official bank sources on 26 June 2026. Because banking codes and menu options can change, verify the code again on the bank’s official website, app, ATM, branch, or support channel before approving any payment, transfer, or send-money transaction.
Do USSD codes work without mobile data?
Yes, USSD banking usually works without mobile data. It is opened from the phone dialler, not from a mobile app. However, airtime and service-charge rules differ by bank and network, so check the bank’s current terms before relying on a code.
Does this USSD code need airtime?
It depends on the bank and the action. Some banks state that specific cellphone banking services work without airtime, while others provide separate free-to-dial airtime top-up codes. Check the bank’s official page before assuming a USSD banking session is free.
What should users do if a listed code does not work?
Check that you entered the full code correctly, that you are using the cellphone number linked to your bank profile, and that your network signal is stable. If the menu still fails, try again later or use the bank’s app, ATM, branch, or official support channel. If a transaction may already have gone through, check your account history before retrying.
Where should users go for provider-specific help?
Use your bank’s official help centre, app, branch, ATM, or contact channel. For a wider directory of South African banking USSD options, go to banking USSD codes South Africa.