To check your bank balance by cellphone, dial your bank’s official USSD banking code and follow the prompts: FNB *120*321#, Capitec *120*3279#, Absa *120*2272#, Standard Bank *120*2345#, Nedbank *120*001# or GoTyme Bank, formerly TymeBank, *120*543#. You may need to register for cellphone banking before viewing your balance.
This guide is part of our Banking & Financial Services Hub.
Cellphone (USSD) banking codes for South African banks
| Bank | Cellphone-banking / balance USSD | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| FNB | *120*321# |
FNB Cellphone Banking |
| Capitec | *120*3279# |
Capitec Cellphone Banking |
| Absa | *120*2272# |
Absa Cellphone Banking |
| Standard Bank | *120*2345# |
Standard Bank Cellphone Banking |
| Nedbank | *120*001# |
Nedbank Cellphone Banking |
| GoTyme Bank, formerly TymeBank | *120*543# |
GoTyme Bank USSD Banking |
How USSD banking works
USSD (cellphone) banking lets you check balances, buy airtime or data and make basic payments from any phone, without data or an app. Most banks require you to register or activate cellphone banking first, and you use a separate cellphone-banking PIN — never your card PIN.
Stay safe: Dial the bank’s official USSD code yourself and keep your cellphone-banking PIN private. Never disclose your PIN, password or OTP to another person. Your bank may send you an OTP to enter yourself into an official banking channel when you initiated a transaction, but it will never ask you to read out or forward that OTP. Do not use banking links or details received in an unexpected email, SMS or WhatsApp message without verifying them independently.
Before you use USSD banking
- Register or activate cellphone banking using the method offered by your bank. Depending on the bank, you may be able to register through the USSD menu, banking app, online banking, an ATM or a branch.
- Use the SIM linked to your bank profile; on a dual-SIM phone, select that SIM when prompted.
- Keep your cellphone-banking PIN private and separate from your card PIN.
Troubleshooting
- “Invalid MMI code” or connection problem: re-enter the code without spaces, confirm you selected the correct SIM, toggle Airplane mode on and off, and restart the phone.
- “Not registered”: Activate cellphone banking using the method offered by your bank. Depending on the bank, registration may be available through the USSD menu, banking app, online banking, an ATM or a branch.
- No signal, or SIM in a router or tablet: USSD needs network signal — move the SIM to a phone, or use your bank’s app instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is USSD banking safe?
USSD banking can be used safely when you dial the bank’s official code yourself and protect your cellphone-banking PIN. Never disclose your PIN or OTP to another person. Only enter an OTP into an official banking channel when you initiated the transaction yourself.
Does USSD banking cost anything?
USSD does not require mobile data. Session charges and access without airtime vary by bank and mobile network, so check your bank’s current cellphone-banking information. Some banks provide zero-airtime or free-to-dial options for certain services.
Do I need to register before using cellphone banking?
Most banks require you to register or activate cellphone banking first. Depending on the bank, you may be able to register through the USSD menu, banking app, online banking, an ATM or a branch. Once activated, use the SIM linked to your banking profile.
Verification and sources
Verification note: This guide was independently fact-checked against official support documentation. Learn more about our Editorial Policy & Financial Review Board and how our corporate finance team ensures accuracy and safety for South African consumers.