Quick Facts

• USSD codes work without internet or data
• All South African banks offer USSD banking
• Most transactions are free or under R10
• Load shedding returned to South Africa in early 2025
• You can bank on any phone, even basic models

What is USSD Banking?

USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. It lets you bank using just your phone.

You do not need internet. You do not need data. You do not need a smartphone.

USSD codes look like this: *120*321#. You dial them on any phone.

When you dial a USSD code, menus pop up on your screen. You choose options by typing numbers.

This works even during load shedding. It works when the wifi is off. It works when you have no data.

⚠️ Why Load Shedding Makes USSD Important

Load shedding returned to South Africa in early 2025. Eskom had 325 days without power cuts in 2024. This ended on 27 February 2025.

When load shedding happens, these things stop working:

• Your wifi router needs power
• Your computer needs power
• Bank branches may close early
• ATMs may run out of cash or stop working
• Banking apps may not work if cell towers lose power

But USSD banking keeps working. It uses the cell phone network. This network has backup power.

Cell phone towers have batteries. They keep working for 4 to 6 hours during load shedding.

✅ USSD Codes for All Major South African Banks

Here are the main USSD codes for 2025. Save these codes on your phone.

Bank Name	USSD Code	Contact Number
Capitec Bank	*120*3279#	0860 102 043
FNB (First National Bank)	*120*321#	087 575 9404
Standard Bank	*120*001#	0860 123 000
ABSA Bank	*120*2272#	0860 008 600
Nedbank	*120*001#	0860 555 111
African Bank	*120*225#	0861 123 456
TymeBank	*134*8963#	0860 999 119
Discovery Bank	*120*3472#	0860 756 756

How to Use USSD Banking Step by Step

First Time Setup

Step 1: You must register for your bank’s USSD service first.

Most banks let you register online. Some need you to visit a branch.

You will need your ID number. You will need your bank account number. You will need your card number.

Step 2: The bank will send you a PIN. This is a 4-digit or 5-digit secret number.

Keep this PIN safe. Do not share it with anyone.

Using USSD Banking (Example: Checking Balance)

Step 1: Open your phone dialler (where you make calls).

Step 2: Type your bank’s USSD code. For Capitec, type *120*3279#

Step 3: Press the call button.

Step 4: A menu will pop up on your screen.

Step 5: The menu will show options like: 1. Check balance, 2. Send money, 3. Buy airtime.

Step 6: Type the number for what you want. If you want to check your balance, type 1.

Step 7: Press send or OK.

Step 8: Enter your PIN when asked.

Step 9: Your balance will show on the screen.

Sending Money Using USSD

Step 1: Dial your bank’s USSD code.

Step 2: Choose “Send money” or “Transfer” from the menu.

Step 3: Choose if you are sending to your own account or someone else.

Step 4: Type the cellphone number of the person.

Step 5: Type the amount you want to send.

Step 6: Enter your PIN.

Step 7: You will get a confirmation message. The money moves immediately.

What Services Can You Access with USSD?

USSD banking lets you do most banking tasks. Here is what you can do:

Money Management

• Check your account balance
• See your last 5 transactions
• Send money to other people
• Send money between your own accounts
• Pay beneficiaries (people you saved before)

Bill Payments

• Buy prepaid electricity
• Pay your water bill
• Pay your municipal account
• Pay your DStv subscription
• Pay traffic fines

Airtime and Data

• Buy airtime for yourself
• Send airtime to someone else
• Buy data bundles
• Get your cellphone number

Account Management

• Check your account number
• Change your PIN
• Stop a debit order
• Order a statement

Costs and Fees for USSD Banking in 2025

Good news: USSD banking is cheap. Most services are free or very low cost.

Free Services (R0)

• Checking your balance
• Viewing recent transactions
• Checking your account number
• Using the USSD session itself

Low Cost Services

Service	Typical Cost
Send money to another person (same bank)	R2 – R6
Send money to other banks	R6 – R10
Buy airtime for yourself	Free – R2
Buy prepaid electricity	R3 – R5
Pay bills	R5 – R10

Real Cost Example

Let us say you need to send R500 to a friend during load shedding.

• Using USSD: R6 fee. Total cost = R506
• Using ATM: R10 withdrawal + R6 for friend’s deposit. Total cost = R516
• At branch: Branch may be closed. Or R25 fee. Total cost = R525

You save R10 to R19 by using USSD instead.

✅ Safety and Security Tips

USSD banking is safe if you follow these rules:

Protecting Your PIN

• Never share your PIN with anyone
• Not your family. Not your friends. Not the bank.
• The bank will never ask for your PIN
• Do not write your PIN on paper in your wallet
• Change your PIN every 3 to 6 months

Safe Banking Practices

• Only dial USSD codes from your own phone
• Do not use someone else’s phone for banking
• Check the amount before you press send
• Save the confirmation message after each transaction
• Check your balance regularly to spot problems

Why USSD is Secure

USSD uses a secure mobile network channel. This is safer than SMS.

When you use USSD:

• The session is live. It does not store data on your phone.
• Each session times out after 3 minutes of no activity.
• Your PIN is needed for every transaction.
• The bank gets real-time alerts for unusual activity.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

If money leaves your account that you did not send:

Step 1: Call your bank immediately. Use the number in the table above.

Step 2: Tell them you want to report fraud.

Step 3: They will block your account to stop more money leaving.

Step 4: Change your PIN as soon as possible.

Step 5: File a case with SAPS (police) and get a case number.

🚨 WARNING: Common USSD Banking Scams in 2025

Criminals know South Africans use USSD banking during load shedding. They use new tricks to steal money.

Scam 1: Fake Bank Calls with AI Voices

Someone calls you. They sound like they are from your bank. They may even sound like a real bank worker you know.

They say: “We need to verify your account. Please give me your USSD PIN.”

This is a scam! In 2025, criminals use AI to copy voices. They can make deepfake audio that sounds exactly like real people.

Real banks will NEVER ask for your PIN. Not on the phone. Not in person. Not ever.

Scam 2: Fake USSD Codes in SMS

You get an SMS that looks like it is from your bank. It says: “Your account is blocked. Dial *120*9999# to unblock it.”

This is a scam! That code goes to criminals, not your bank.

Real bank codes are listed on the bank’s official website. Do not dial codes from SMS messages.

Scam 3: “Help Me With Airtime” Tricks

Someone calls or messages you: “Hi my friend, I have no airtime. Please dial *120*321*1*500*0731234567# for me. It will send me R5 airtime.”

This is a scam! That code actually sends R500 from your account, not R5.

Never dial codes that other people give you. Always use the official codes from your bank.

Scam 4: SIM Swap Fraud

Criminals steal your ID. They go to a mobile shop. They say they lost their phone. They get a new SIM with your number.

Now they can receive your USSD banking messages. They reset your PIN.

How to protect yourself:

• Keep your ID document safe. Make a copy and store the original safely.
• If your phone suddenly has no signal, call your network immediately.
• Put a RICA fraud block on your ID number. Call 0860 767 342.
• Register for your bank’s fraud alerts.

2025 Banking Fraud Statistics

Digital banking fraud in South Africa increased by 86% in 2024. Criminals stole R1.888 billion.

Banking apps had 65% of all fraud cases. But USSD banking had only 10% of fraud cases.

USSD is actually safer than app banking. Just keep your PIN secret and watch for scams.

⚠️ What Banks Will Never Do

Your bank will NEVER:

• Ask for your PIN over the phone
• Ask for your full banking password
• Send you a USSD code to dial in an SMS
• Ask you to move money to a “safe account”
• Threaten to close your account if you do not act immediately
• Ask you to buy gift cards or vouchers to “secure” your account
• Contact you on WhatsApp to ask for banking details

If someone does these things, it is a scam. Hang up. Call your bank using the official number.

Smart Banking Tips During Load Shedding

Before Load Shedding Starts

• Download the EskomSePush app to know when power will go off in your area
• Check your bank balance while you still have internet
• Save your bank’s USSD code in your phone contacts
• Make sure your phone is charged above 50%
• Buy airtime before load shedding starts

During Load Shedding

• Use USSD instead of banking apps (apps need internet)
• Do urgent banking first (cell towers may lose power after 4-6 hours)
• Keep transactions simple (small amounts are faster)
• Save confirmation numbers for all transactions
• If USSD is slow, wait 5 minutes and try again

Alternative Options

If USSD is not working during long load shedding:

• ATMs at petrol stations may still work (they have generators)
• Shoprite and Pick n Pay tills can do cash withdrawals
• Cell phone shops can help with airtime emergencies
• Wait until power returns for non-urgent banking

Important Contact Numbers to Save

Emergency Banking Numbers

Service	Phone Number
Banking Ombudsman (Complaints)	0860 800 900
SABRIC (Report fraud)	0860 222 050
SAPS (Police)	10111
Financial Sector Conduct Authority	0800 110 443
RICA Fraud Hotline	0860 767 342

✅ Why USSD Banking is Perfect for South Africa

Advantages Over Other Banking Methods

Works Without Internet: 47% of South Africans do not have regular internet access. USSD works for everyone.

Works on Any Phone: You do not need a smartphone. Basic phones work perfectly. Even old Nokia phones work.

Fast Transactions: USSD transactions complete in 10 to 30 seconds. Banking apps can take 1 to 2 minutes.

Uses Less Battery: USSD uses very little battery power. This matters during load shedding when you cannot charge your phone.

Lower Costs: No data charges. Lower transaction fees than ATMs or branches.

Available 24/7: Works even when branches are closed. Works during public holidays. Works at 2am if you need it.

Secure: Real-time sessions. No data stored on your phone. PIN required for transactions.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Problem: USSD Menu Does Not Appear

Solution:

• Check you have cell phone signal (at least 1 bar)
• Make sure you typed the code correctly
• Try again in a different location with better signal
• Restart your phone and try again

Problem: “Session Timeout” Message

Solution:

• USSD sessions last only 3 minutes
• If you wait too long, the session closes for security
• Just dial the code again and work faster

Problem: “Invalid PIN” Message

Solution:

• Make sure you are entering your USSD PIN, not your card PIN
• These might be different numbers
• If you forgot your USSD PIN, call your bank to reset it
• After 3 wrong attempts, your account may lock for security

Problem: Transaction Did Not Go Through

Solution:

• Wait 5 minutes before trying again
• Check if money left your account (dial the code to check balance)
• If money left but the person did not receive it, call your bank
• Keep the confirmation number or error message

Problem: No Cell Phone Signal During Load Shedding

Solution:

• Cell towers have backup batteries for 4 to 6 hours
• After 6 hours of load shedding, some towers may stop working
• Move to a different location with a different tower
• Wait until power returns
• Use a different network if you have dual SIM

How to Register for USSD Banking

Most banks let you register in two ways: online or at a branch.

Online Registration (Most Banks)

Step 1: Go to your bank’s website or app

Step 2: Log in with your internet banking details

Step 3: Look for “USSD Banking” or “Cellphone Banking” or “Mobile Banking”

Step 4: Click “Register” or “Activate”

Step 5: Enter your cellphone number

Step 6: Create a 4-digit or 5-digit PIN

Step 7: You will get an SMS confirming registration

Branch Registration

Step 1: Go to your nearest bank branch

Step 2: Take your ID document

Step 3: Tell the teller you want to register for USSD banking

Step 4: They will help you complete a form

Step 5: Choose your PIN at the branch

Step 6: Test it immediately before you leave

Load shedding returned to South Africa in 2025. But USSD banking means you can keep banking even when the power is off.

What to do right now:

• Save your bank’s USSD code in your phone contacts today
• If not registered, register for USSD banking this week
• Test your USSD banking once so you know how it works
• Save all the emergency contact numbers on your phone
• Download EskomSePush app to know when load shedding will hit your area

Remember these safety rules:

• Never share your PIN with anyone, not even family
• Only dial USSD codes from official bank sources
• Banks will never ask for your PIN on the phone
• Watch out for AI voice scams that sound like real people
• If something feels wrong, stop and call your bank directly

USSD banking is free or very cheap. It works on any phone. It does not need internet. It is perfect for South Africans dealing with load shedding. Over 4.9 million Capitec users alone use USSD banking in 2025. You can too.