📲 Essential USSD Codes in South Africa – All Networks and Key Services
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes are short dial-in numbers that work on any mobile phone. They allow you to access network services, manage your airtime and data, send “Please Call Me” messages, complete banking transactions, and more — without needing internet. Below is an updated and comprehensive guide to the most useful USSD codes in South Africa.
🔍 How USSD Works
When you dial a USSD code (for example, *100#), your request is processed through the mobile network and delivered to a special system. This system handles your request—whether it's checking airtime, buying data, or performing a transaction—and sends the result back to your phone within seconds.
USSD works over the cellular network and does not use mobile data. Many networks offer USSD services for free or at a minimal cost.
☎️ Network USSD Codes
| Provider | Airtime Balance | Master Menu | Buy Airtime/Data | “Please Call Me” | Airtime Transfer | Check Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | *100# | *135# | 13601*PIN# or *135# | 140number# | 135recipient# | 135501# |
| MTN | *136# | 1360# | 136voucher# or 1362# | 121number# | 1363# | 123888# |
| Telkom | *188# | *180# | 188PIN# | 140number# | Via *180# menu | *1# |
| Cell C | *101# | *147# | 102PIN# | 111number# | 147333numberamt# | 147100# |
💳 Banking USSD Codes
| Bank | Check Balance | Airtime Top-Up | Send Money | Mini Statement | Stop Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FNB | *120*321# | Use *120*321# menu | Use *120*321# menu | *120*361# | *120*482# |
| Absa | *120*2272# | Use *120*2272# menu | Use *120*2272# menu | Use *120*2272# menu | *120*2272# (card stop option) |
| Standard Bank | *120*2345# | Use *120*2345# menu | Via USSD or wallet services | Use *120*2345# menu | Via app or branch |
| Nedbank | *120*001# | Use *120*001# menu | Use *120*001# menu | Use *120*001# menu | Via app or branch |
🛠 Other Useful USSD Codes
Check Active Subscriptions:
- Vodacom: *120#
- MTN: *135# → My Account → Subscriptions
- Cell C: *133*1#
Block Lost SIM or Emergency Stop:
- Vodacom: *141# or call 082-135
- MTN: *147# or call 135
- Telkom: Call 081-180
- Cell C: Call 084-135
Check Data Balance:
- Vodacom: *134*6#
- MTN: *136*2#
- Telkom: *188# menu
- Cell C: *102# or via *147# menu
Check Airtime Validity:
- Vodacom and MTN: Expiry is shown in balance menus
- Telkom: Use main menu
- Cell C: Airtime validity not displayed
