A USSD master menu in South Africa is the main dial-in menu you use to reach common services such as balance checks, airtime recharge, bundle purchases, account help, and self-service options. There is no single national USSD master menu for every provider. Each mobile network, bank, or service provider uses its own official USSD code.
Use this guide as a starting directory. Choose your provider or task first, then go to the relevant guide before dialing a code that could affect your airtime, data, SIM, subscription, or banking profile.
Last checked: 26 June 2026
Quick USSD Master Menus List
| Provider or service | Main USSD starting point | Use it for | Best next page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | *135# | Balances, bundles, airtime transfer, Vodacom self-service | Vodacom USSD codes |
| MTN | *136# and *136*2# | Balance checks, detailed balances, bundles, recharge-related services | MTN USSD codes |
| Telkom | *180# | Telkom self-service, mobile account tasks, recharge and bundle routes | Telkom USSD codes |
| Cell C | *147# | Cell C self-service, balances, data, airtime, PUK and support routes | Cell C USSD codes |
| Mobile networks | Varies by network | Compare network menus before choosing a code | Mobile network USSD codes South Africa |
| All USSD categories | Varies by provider, bank, or task | Browse the wider South African USSD directory | USSD codes South Africa |
Vodacom lists *135# for USSD self-service, including viewing balances, buying bundles, and transferring airtime. (Vodacom) MTN lists *136# for balance checks, *136*1# for detailed balance enquiries, and *136*2# for buying voice, SMS, data and promotional bundles. (MTN) Telkom lists *180# as its self-service code and also lists *188# for balance checks. (Telkom) Cell C lists *147# as a USSD route for balance and self-service actions, including balance enquiries and PUK support paths. (Cell C)
Browse by Provider, Bank, or Task
Provider-Specific Links
Choose this route if you know your mobile network but do not know the exact menu option.
| What you need | Where to go |
|---|---|
| A full mobile network comparison | Mobile network USSD codes South Africa |
| Vodacom balances, bundles, airtime transfer or account help | Vodacom USSD codes |
| MTN balance checks, bundles, recharge or self-service options | MTN USSD codes |
| Telkom self-service, balance, recharge or mobile account codes | Telkom USSD codes |
| Cell C balance, PUK, data, airtime or self-service options | Cell C USSD codes |
| A broader national directory | USSD codes South Africa |
Provider pages are the safest next step because menu options can change. A short code may still work, but the option numbers inside the menu may change without warning.
Bank-Specific Menus
Banking USSD codes are different from mobile network USSD codes. If you are trying to bank, send cash, buy prepaid electricity, buy airtime from your bank account, or check a bank balance, use the bank’s official cellphone banking code rather than a mobile network menu.
| Bank | Official USSD starting point | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Bank | *120*2345# | Standard Bank says cellphone banking works on any cellphone with no smartphone or data needed. (Standard Bank) |
| FNB | *120*321# | FNB lists *120*321# for cellphone banking registration and access. (FNB) |
| Capitec | *120*3279# | Capitec lists *120*3279# for cellphone banking and *130*3279# for prepaid top-up when out of airtime. (Capitec Bank) |
| Absa | *120*2272# | Absa lists *120*2272# for Cellphone Banking and says users do not need airtime to bank using it. (Absa) |
| Nedbank | *120*001# | Nedbank lists *120*001# for cellphone banking and says it works without an app, data, or smartphone. (Nedbank) |
| GoTyme Bank | *120*543# | GoTyme lists *120*543# for USSD and *130*543# for buying airtime when you do not have airtime. (GoTyme Bank) |
Only dial a banking USSD code from the cellphone number linked to your bank profile. Never enter your banking PIN into a code you received from an unverified SMS, WhatsApp message, social media post, or unknown website.
Task-Specific Routes
Use this section if you know what you want to do, but you are not sure which provider page to open.
| Task | Best route |
|---|---|
| Check airtime balance | Start with your mobile network page: Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, or Cell C |
| Check data balance | Use your provider page, because data-balance codes differ by network and product type |
| Buy data bundles | Use your provider page or mobile network USSD codes South Africa |
| Recharge airtime | Use your provider page or your bank’s official cellphone banking menu |
| Transfer airtime | Use the relevant provider page before confirming any transfer |
| Get a PUK number | Use your mobile network self-service page or official app route |
| Send “Please Call Me” | Use the network-specific guide because the recipient format can differ |
| Stop a subscription or content-service deduction | Use the relevant provider support page and avoid unverified cancellation codes |
| Browse all common USSD categories | Start at USSD codes South Africa |
How to Use These USSD Codes
Start by confirming the network or service you are trying to use. A Vodacom code will not manage an MTN SIM, and a banking USSD code will not work unless the phone number is registered with that bank.
Dial the USSD code exactly as shown. USSD strings usually start with an asterisk and end with a hash, such as *135#. After dialing, press the call button. A text menu should appear on your screen.
Read the first screen before choosing an option. The menu should match the provider or service you expected. If you dialed a Vodacom code, the menu should clearly relate to Vodacom services. If you dialed a bank code, the screen should match that bank’s cellphone banking flow.
Reply with the number shown next to the option you need. For example, a menu may ask you to reply with 1 for balances, 2 for bundles, or another number for support. Do not assume that option numbers stay the same forever. Always read the screen you are looking at.
Before confirming a transaction, check the amount, cellphone number, bundle size, expiry period, bank account, fee, and recipient details. This is especially important for airtime transfers, data transfers, cash-send transactions, subscriptions, and prepaid purchases.
Stop the session if anything looks wrong. End the USSD session if the code came from an untrusted source, the menu asks for details that do not fit the task, the provider name is unclear, or the options look different from the official guide.
Costs, Safety, and Last-Verified Notes
USSD usually works without mobile data, which is why it is useful on basic phones and when you do not have internet access. Standard Bank, Capitec, Nedbank and GoTyme all describe cellphone banking or USSD services that work without needing a smartphone or mobile data. (Standard Bank)
That does not mean every USSD service is free. Some providers offer specific free USSD routes, while others may require airtime or charge a transaction fee. Absa states that users do not need airtime to bank using Absa Cellphone Banking. (Absa) Capitec says *130*3279# is free of charge for topping up prepaid when you are out of airtime. (Capitec Bank) GoTyme says users can dial *130*543# to buy airtime if they do not have airtime. (GoTyme Bank)
For network services, check the final confirmation screen before buying anything. Bundle prices, validity periods, subscription terms, emergency airtime fees, data-transfer rules, and eligibility rules can change. Do not rely on an old screenshot or a forwarded code when money, airtime, data, or banking access is involved.
For safety, use official provider websites, official apps, bank websites, or a recently checked guide. Standard Bank’s cellphone safety advice includes using the official cellphone banking code, securing your device, signing out after transactions, and not storing banking credentials on your phone. (Standard Bank)
Last checked: 26 June 2026. Before publishing updates to this page, re-check every current code, menu path, fee, limit, support route, and product rule against the relevant official mobile network, bank, regulator, or government source.
Related USSD Guides
Use these pages when you need a more specific code or menu path:
USSD codes South Africa — browse the wider South African USSD directory by provider, bank, service, or task.
Mobile network USSD codes South Africa — compare the main mobile network USSD codes before choosing Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, or Cell C.
Vodacom USSD codes — find Vodacom-specific options for balances, bundles, airtime transfer, account support, and self-service.
MTN USSD codes — find MTN-specific options for balance checks, detailed balances, bundles, recharge, and self-service.
Telkom USSD codes — find Telkom-specific options for self-service, balance checks, recharge, bundles, and mobile account help.
Cell C USSD codes — find Cell C-specific options for balances, bundles, PUK, data, airtime, and support.
FAQs
What is the code for USSD master menu South Africa?
There is no single national USSD master menu for South Africa. Each provider has its own menu. Vodacom uses *135# for USSD self-service, MTN lists *136# and *136*2# for key balance and bundle routes, Telkom lists *180# for self-service, and Cell C uses *147# for several self-service routes. (Vodacom)
How should I find the right USSD master menu South Africa page?
Choose by provider first. If you use Vodacom, go to Vodacom USSD codes. If you use MTN, go to MTN USSD codes. If you use Telkom, go to Telkom USSD codes. If you use Cell C, go to Cell C USSD codes. If you are still unsure, start with USSD codes South Africa.
Are the listed codes official or verified?
The main codes on this page were checked against official provider or bank sources on 26 June 2026. Codes and menu options can change, so each provider page should be checked again before publishing updates, especially where the code affects airtime, data, SIM access, banking, subscriptions, or payments.
Do USSD codes work without mobile data?
Yes, USSD is commonly used without mobile data. Many South African banks specifically promote cellphone banking that works without a smartphone or data. However, airtime requirements and transaction fees can differ by provider, bank, product, and code, so check the official source before telling users that a USSD service is free. (Standard Bank)
What should I do if a listed code does not work?
Check that you typed the code correctly, confirm that you are using the right SIM, make sure your phone has network signal, and try again after a short wait. If the code still fails, do not keep retrying a transaction. Go to the relevant provider guide, use the official app or website, or contact the provider through its official support channel.
Where can I find related USSD codes?
Start with USSD codes South Africa for the wider directory, or use mobile network USSD codes South Africa if your task is linked to airtime, data, balances, bundles, SIM support, or mobile network self-service.