African bank cellphone banking: How to register, transfer money and pay bills

Last Updated on January 29, 2026 by admin

In an increasingly digital world, cellphone banking has become an essential tool for modern financial management. African Bank has embraced this shift by offering a reliable and user-friendly cellphone banking service that allows customers to access banking services conveniently using their mobile phones.

African Bank cellphone banking enables customers to perform a wide range of financial transactions without the need to visit a physical branch. Users can check account balances, transfer funds, pay bills, purchase airtime, and manage their accounts anytime and anywhere. This level of accessibility saves time and reduces the costs associated with traditional banking methods.

One of the key strengths of African Bank cellphone banking is its simplicity. The platform is designed to be easy to navigate, making it suitable even for customers with limited digital literacy. Clear menus and straightforward instructions ensure that users can complete transactions quickly and confidently.

Security is also a major priority. African Bank employs advanced security measures such as PIN authentication and encrypted transactions to protect customers’ personal and financial information. These safeguards help build trust and ensure that banking activities are carried out safely.

Overall, African Bank cellphone banking plays an important role in promoting financial inclusion by providing accessible, secure, and convenient banking services. It empowers customers to take control of their finances while supporting the growing demand for digital banking solutions in South Africa.

Read: How to register for Nedbank online banking and Mobile app

Features And Benefits Of Using Africa bank Cellphone Banking

African Bank cellphone banking offers fast, secure, and convenient access to your money anytime, anywhere—without needing a smartphone or internet connection. You can check balances, transfer funds, pay bills, and even buy airtime directly from your mobile phone.

Here’s what you can do using the USSD code *120*225#:

  • Check Account Balances – Instantly view your available funds.
  • View Bank Statements – Get a summary of your transactions.
  • Transfer Money – Send funds to other African Bank accounts.
  • Buy Airtime & Data – Recharge your mobile anytime.
  • Buy Electricity – Pay for prepaid electricity directly.
  • Pay Bills – Settle utility bills or loan repayments.
  • Set Up Debit Orders – Automate recurring payments.
  • Pause Loan Payments – Use the “Take-a-Break” feature on qualifying loan

Read; Nedbank cellphone banking: How to register, transfer money, buy airtime and data

How To Register For African Bank Cellphone Banking

To register for African Bank cellphone banking, you will need to follow a straightforward process designed to ensure accessibility and security. First, make sure you have an active account with African Bank.

You will also need a mobile phone with the ability to send and receive SMS messages. Begin by dialing the USSD code provided by African Bank on your mobile device.

You can follow these simple steps using your mobile phone:

USSD Registration Method

This method works on any phone, even without internet access:

  1. Dial *120*225# from your registered mobile number.
  2. Select Option 1 to begin registration.
  3. Enter your African Bank account number and South African ID number when prompted.
  4. Accept the terms and conditions by selecting the appropriate option.
  5. Choose a 4-digit access code (PIN) for future logins.
  6. Confirm your access code by entering it again.
  7. You’ll receive an SMS confirmation once registration is successful.

Online Registration Option

If you prefer using the internet:

  1. Visit the African Bank onboarding page.
  2. Provide your ID number and cellphone number.
  3. Follow the prompts to complete registration.

Read: How to register for Absa online banking and mobile app

How to transfer money from African bank cellphone banking

To transfer money using African Bank Cellphone Banking, follow these simple steps via USSD:

  1. Dial *120*225# from your registered mobile number.
  2. Select the option for “Transfer Funds” from the menu.
  3. Enter the recipient’s account details (African Bank account number).
  4. Input the amount you wish to transfer.
  5. Verify the transaction details shown on screen.
  6. Confirm the transfer by entering your 4-digit PIN.
  7. You’ll receive an SMS confirmation once the transaction is successful.

How to buy data and airtime from Africa bank cellphone banking

 

To buy airtime or data using African Bank Cellphone Banking, you can use their USSD service, which works on any mobile phone—even without internet access.

  1. Dial *120*225# from your registered mobile number.
  2. Select the option for “Buy Airtime/Data” from the menu.
  3. Choose the recipient:
    • Select “Self” to recharge your own number.
    • Or enter another mobile number to recharge someone else.
  4. Enter the amount you want to purchase.
  5. Confirm the transaction by entering your 4-digit PIN.
  6. You’ll receive an SMS confirmation once the purchase is successful.

How to paybills from Africa bank cellphone banking

 

To pay bills using African Bank Cellphone Banking, you can easily do so through their USSD platform. Here’s how:
  1. Dial *120*225# from your registered mobile number.
  2. Select the option for “Pay Bills” from the menu.
  3. Choose the biller (e.g., utility company, loan repayment, etc.).
  4. Enter the amount you wish to pay.
  5. Confirm the payment details shown on screen.
  6. Enter your 4-digit PIN to authorize the transaction.
  7. You’ll receive an SMS confirmation once the payment is successful.

African bank Whatsapp Banking

 

African Bank offers a convenient and secure WhatsApp Banking service that lets you perform essential banking tasks directly through the WhatsApp app—just like chatting with a friend.

It allows customers to:

  • Check account balances
  • Request bank statements
  • Get settlement quotes
  • Upload documents for loan applications
  • Interact with support in a familiar, easy-to-use platform

How to Register for African Bank WhatsApp Banking

Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Save the number 0600 123 716 to your phone contacts.
  2. Open WhatsApp and send a message saying “hi” to that number.
  3. Follow the prompts to complete registration.
  4. Once registered, you can start using the service to manage your account

Read: Absa cellphone banking: steps to Register, transfer money and check Balance

How to transact with African Bank whatsapp

You can transact with African Bank via WhatsApp using their Chat Banking service, which is designed to make banking as easy as sending a message. Here’s how to get started and what you can do:

  1. Save the number 0600 123 716 to your phone contacts.
  2. Open WhatsApp and send a message saying “hi” to that number.
  3. Follow the prompts to complete registration.
  4. Once registered, you can start transacting directly in the chat.

Transactions You Can Perform on WhatsApp

  • Check Account Balances
  • Request Bank Statements
  • Get Settlement Quotes
  • Upload Documents (for loan applications or account updates)
  • Track Pending Applications
  • Chat with Support for help or inquiries

PayShap on your african bank Cellphone Banking

 

African Bank supports PayShap, a fast and secure payment system in South Africa that allows you to send and receive money instantly using just a cellphone number (called a ShapID) or a bank account number.

PayShap is a real-time digital payment service backed by BankservAfrica and the South African Reserve Bank. It enables:

  • Instant payments (up to R3,000 per transaction)
  • Transfers using a cellphone number instead of a bank account
  • Low-cost or free transactions depending on the bank

How to Use PayShap with African Bank

 

While African Bank hasn’t officially launched PayShap on its USSD cellphone banking platform (*120*225#), it is expected to be available through:

  • African Bank Mobile App
  • Internet Banking

Here’s how it typically works:

  1. Register your cellphone number as a ShapID via the mobile app or online banking.
  2. Choose PayShap when making a payment.
  3. Enter the recipient’s ShapID (cellphone number) or bank account.
  4. Confirm the amount and authorize the transaction.
  5. The money is transferred instantly, even after hours or on weekends.
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I’m a content writer with an M.Sc. in Business Administration, combining analytical business knowledge with creative writing. My work focuses on producing content that not only informs but also supports strategic objectives, helping brands connect meaningfully with their audiences
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I’m a content writer with an M.Sc. in Business Administration, combining analytical business knowledge with creative writing. My work focuses on producing content that not only informs but also supports strategic objectives, helping brands connect meaningfully with their audiences
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