How to Send Money via USSD in South Africa
Send money from any phone – no internet, no app, no problem
Last updated: November 2025
Quick Facts
- Works on any phone (even old models)
- No internet needed
- Instant transfers between accounts
- Available 24/7 from anywhere
- More secure than carrying cash
Table of Contents
What is USSD Banking?
USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. It is a simple code you dial on your phone.
When you dial a USSD code, a menu appears. You can send money, check balances, or buy airtime.
USSD codes look like this: *120*321#. You dial them like making a phone call.
It works on any phone. You do not need internet. You do not need to download anything.
Every South African bank has its own USSD code. The service is available day and night.
✅ Why Use USSD to Send Money?
Works on any phone: Even basic phones from 2010 can use USSD. You do not need a smartphone.
No internet needed: USSD works when you have no data or WiFi connection.
Fast and instant: Money arrives in the other account within seconds or minutes.
Available everywhere: As long as you have cellphone signal, USSD works.
Safe and secure: You need your banking PIN. Nobody can send money without it.
Free or cheap: Many banks charge no fee or a small fee for USSD banking.
USSD Codes for All Major South African Banks (2025)
Each bank has a different USSD code. Find your bank below and dial the code.
| Bank Name | USSD Code | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Capitec Bank | *120*3279# | Send money, Cash Send, buy airtime, check balance |
| FNB (First National Bank) | *120*321# | Transfer money, eWallet, pay bills, buy prepaid |
| Standard Bank | *120*2345# | Send money, pay accounts, buy electricity, airtime |
| ABSA Bank | *120*2272# | CashSend, transfer funds, check balance, rewards |
| Nedbank | *120*001# | Pay beneficiaries, transfer money, buy prepaid |
| African Bank | *120*225# | Account management, balance, transactions |
How to Send Money via USSD (Step-by-Step)
General Steps (Works for All Banks)
Step 1: Make sure you have airtime on your phone. Some networks charge for USSD.
Step 2: Dial your bank’s USSD code (see table above).
Step 3: Wait for the menu to appear on your screen.
Step 4: Select “Send Money” or “Transfer” from the menu.
Step 5: Choose which account to send from (if you have more than one).
Step 6: Enter the recipient’s cellphone number or account number.
Step 7: Type the amount you want to send (in Rands).
Step 8: Check all details carefully. Make sure the number is correct.
Step 9: Enter your banking PIN when asked.
Step 10: Wait for the confirmation message. Save it for your records.
Example: Sending R500 Using Capitec USSD
1. Dial *120*3279# on your phone
2. Press the call button
3. When menu appears, select option “9” for Cash Send
4. Choose the account to send from
5. Enter the recipient’s cellphone number
6. Type amount: 500
7. Create a 4-digit secret code
8. Enter your Mobile Banking PIN
9. Confirm the transaction
10. You will receive an SMS with a reference number
⚠️ What Does USSD Banking Cost?
USSD banking costs depend on your bank and the type of transaction.
Typical Costs in 2025
| Transaction Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| USSD session fee | R0 – R2 per session |
| Transfer to own account | Usually free |
| Transfer to other account (same bank) | R5 – R15 |
| Transfer to other bank | R8 – R25 |
| Cash Send (send to cellphone) | R10 – R20 |
| Balance check | Free – R2 |
Important: Some mobile networks also charge for USSD. This is usually R1 to R2 per session.
The bank fee and network fee are separate charges. You pay both.
Check with your bank for exact fees. They must tell you the cost before you confirm.
How Much Money Can You Send via USSD?
Banks set limits on USSD transfers. This is for your safety and security.
Typical USSD Transfer Limits (2025)
| Bank | Per Transaction | Daily Limit | Monthly Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitec (USSD) | R1,000 | R1,000 | R24,999 |
| FNB | R3,000 | R5,000 | R25,000 |
| Standard Bank | R2,500 | R5,000 | R30,000 |
| ABSA | R2,000 | R5,000 | R25,000 |
| Nedbank | R3,000 | R5,000 | R30,000 |
Important: These limits may vary based on your account type and verification level.
For larger amounts, use the banking app or internet banking instead.
If you exceed your limit, you will see an error message. Wait until the next day.
🚨 CRITICAL: USSD and Mobile Banking Scams in 2025
WARNING: Digital banking fraud doubled from 2023 to 2024 in South Africa. Over R1.4 billion was lost.
Scammers are using new technology including AI and deepfakes to steal your money.
Common USSD and Mobile Banking Scams
1. SIM Swap Fraud
How it works: Criminals get your personal details through phishing or data breaches.
They contact your mobile network pretending to be you. They request a new SIM card.
Your number stops working. They get all your SMS messages and banking codes.
How to protect yourself: Contact your bank immediately if your phone stops working suddenly.
Set up extra security on your mobile account with your network provider.
2. Fake SMS from “Your Bank”
How it works: You get an SMS claiming to be from your bank.
It says your account will be blocked or there is suspicious activity.
It includes a link or phone number to call urgently.
NEVER click links in SMS messages claiming to be from your bank.
Call your bank using the number on your bank card (not the number in the SMS).
3. AI Voice Cloning Scams (NEW in 2025)
How it works: You receive a phone call that sounds exactly like your bank representative.
The voice uses AI technology to sound real and professional.
They ask you to “verify” your account by sharing your PIN or OTP.
Your bank will NEVER ask for your PIN or OTP over the phone.
Hang up immediately. Call your bank directly using the official number.
4. Fake Banking Apps and WhatsApp Groups
How it works: Scammers create fake apps that look like real bank apps.
They invite you to WhatsApp investment groups using your bank’s logo and name.
They promise high returns and ask you to download a trading app.
Only download apps from official app stores (Google Play or Apple App Store).
Never download apps from links sent via WhatsApp, SMS, or email.
5. Fake “Bank Officials” Asking You to Move Money
How it works: Someone calls claiming to be from SARB, SAPS, Hawks, or SARS.
They say you are under investigation for fraud or money laundering.
They tell you to transfer all your money to a “safe account” for investigation.
This is 100% a scam. Legitimate authorities never ask you to move money.
Hang up and report the incident to your bank and police.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never share your PIN, OTP, or password with anyone (not even family)
- Your bank will NEVER ask for these details
- Do not click links in SMS or email messages
- Only call your bank using numbers on your bank card or official website
- Set up transaction notifications on your phone
- Check your bank balance regularly
- Report your phone to your bank immediately if it gets stolen
- Enable two-factor authentication on all banking apps
If you suspect fraud, act immediately:
Contact your bank’s fraud hotline. Block your card. Change your PIN and passwords.
⚠️ Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: “Transaction Failed” Error
Possible causes: Weak network signal, insufficient funds, exceeded limit, wrong PIN.
Solution: Check your balance. Make sure you have network signal. Try again in a few minutes.
Problem: No USSD Menu Appears
Possible causes: You dialed the wrong code. Your phone does not support USSD.
Solution: Double-check the USSD code. Make sure you pressed the call button. Try on a different phone.
Problem: Wrong PIN Entered Multiple Times
Risk: Your account may get locked after 3 wrong attempts.
Solution: Contact your bank immediately. You may need to reset your PIN at a branch or ATM.
Problem: Sent Money to Wrong Number
Action: Contact your bank’s customer service immediately.
Provide the reference number from your SMS. They may be able to reverse the transaction if it hasn’t been collected.
Problem: Money Deducted But Not Received
What to do: Wait 24 hours. Sometimes transfers take time during system maintenance.
If not resolved after 24 hours, contact your bank with the transaction reference number.
Other Ways to Send Money in South Africa
USSD is not the only option. Here are other ways to send money.
| Method | Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Banking App | Smartphone, internet/data | Larger amounts, more features |
| Internet Banking | Computer, internet connection | Multiple payments, statements |
| ATM Transfer | Bank card, PIN | When you have no phone signal |
| Bank Branch | ID, account details | Very large amounts, help needed |
| Money Transfer Services | ID, cash or bank account | Sending to people without bank accounts |
| Post Office | ID, cash | Rural areas, grant recipients |
Recommendation: Use USSD for small, urgent transfers when you have no internet.
For larger amounts or regular payments, use the mobile banking app or internet banking instead.
✅ Your Consumer Rights and Protection
Who Protects You?
Several organisations protect banking customers in South Africa as of 2025.
Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)
They regulate how banks treat customers. They make sure banks are fair and honest.
Phone: 0800 110 443
Website: www.fsca.co.za
Banking Ombudsman
They help resolve disputes between you and your bank. The service is free.
Phone: 0860 800 900
Website: www.obssa.co.za
South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC)
They fight banking fraud and scams. Report suspicious activity to them.
Website: www.sabric.co.za
National Credit Regulator (NCR)
They protect consumers who use credit or loans. They register all legal credit providers.
Phone: 0860 627 627
Website: www.ncr.org.za
Your Banking Rights in South Africa (2025)
- You have the right to clear information about all fees before you agree
- Banks must process complaints within 15 business days (new 2025 rule)
- You must be notified of any changes to your account fees or terms
- Your deposits are protected up to R200,000 (increased in 2025)
- You have the right to access your account information at any time
- Banks cannot discriminate against you based on race, gender, or background
- You can report unfair treatment to the Banking Ombudsman for free
Our Final Recommendations
USSD banking is a safe and convenient way to send money. It works on any phone without internet.
Always double-check the recipient’s phone number before confirming. Mistakes are hard to fix.
Never share your PIN or OTP with anyone. Your bank will never ask for these details.
Be very careful of scams. In 2025, criminals use AI and deepfakes to trick people.
For amounts above R1,000, consider using the mobile app instead. It has higher limits.
Contact your bank immediately if you see any suspicious activity on your account.
Save your bank’s USSD code in your phone contacts for easy access when you need it.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in November 2025. Financial regulations, fees, transaction limits, and USSD codes may change. Banks may update their services and security features. Always verify current information with your bank before making financial decisions. USSD session charges from mobile networks may vary.
For fraud reports or suspicious activity, contact your bank immediately and SABRIC (South African Banking Risk Information Centre) at www.sabric.co.za
For complaints or disputes, contact the Banking Ombudsman at 0860 800 900 or the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) at 0800 110 443 or visit www.fsca.co.za