Capitec cellphone banking: How to register , transfer money, buy airtime and data and pay bills

Last Updated on July 23, 2025 by admin

Capitec Bank, one of South Africa’s leading financial institutions, has made significant strides in providing accessible and convenient banking solutions through its cellphone banking services.

As mobile technology increasingly integrates into everyday life, Capitec has recognized the demand for efficient banking services that offer both versatility and ease of use.

Cellphone banking with Capitec is designed to simplify financial management for clients, enabling them to perform various transactions directly from their mobile devices without the need for internet connectivity.

This service is ideal for users who require quick access to their accounts while on the go, ensuring that banking is as flexible as possible.

Capitec’s cellphone banking empower customers by putting control of their finances at their fingertips. Clients can effortlessly check account balances, transfer money, pay bills, and even purchase prepaid services such as airtime and electricity.

Moreover, the platform’s user-friendly interface ensures a seamless banking experience for customers of all demographics, even those who may not be tech-expertise.

Read: How to register for African Bank Online/Internet Banking and Mobile App

Table of Contents

Features And Benefits Of Capitec Cellphone Banking

Capitec Bank’s cellphone banking service offers a range of features and benefits designed to provide clients with a convenient, efficient, and secure banking experience

This is a USSD-based service that lets you manage your money from any mobile phone—no internet or smartphone required. It’s designed for simplicity, security, and accessibility. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Key Features

Balance Checks: View your account balance instantly.
Money Transfers: Send funds to Capitec clients or between your own accounts.
Airtime & Data Purchases: Recharge your phone or someone else’s.
Electricity Payments: Buy prepaid electricity and view your last token.
Bill Payments: Pay DSTV, municipal bills, and more.
Mini Statements: View your last 5 transactions.
Card Management: Stop lost/stolen cards or toggle tap-to-pay settings.
Send Account Details: Share your banking info via SMS or email.
DebiCheck Mandates: Approve or manage debit orders securely

Benefits

The service is free—just dial *120*3279#.
Works on Any Phone: No need for a smartphone or data plan.
24/7 Access: Use it anytime, even on weekends and holidays.
Protected by a 5-digit Mobile Banking PIN.
Fast & Convenient: Skip the queues and bank from anywhere.

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

How To Register For Capitec Cellphone Banking

Registering for Capitec Cellphone Banking is simple and gives you access to secure banking from any mobile phone—no internet or smartphone needed. Here’s how to get started:

Option 1: Register at a Capitec Branch

Visit your nearest Capitec branch during operating hours.
Bring your South African ID or passport.
Make sure your mobile number is active and registered in your name.
A consultant will help you:
- Link your phone number to your account.
- Set up a 5-digit Mobile Banking PIN.
You’ll receive a confirmation SMS once registration is complete.

Option 2: Register via USSD

If your mobile number is already linked to your Capitec account:

Dial *120*3279# from your registered phone.
Select “Register” or “Create PIN” from the menu.
Enter your South African ID number and Capitec account number.
Set your Mobile Banking PIN and confirm.
If you’re out of airtime, dial *130*3279# free of charge to top up and access services.

Option 3: Register via Capitec Mobile App

Download the Capitec app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Log in and go to Transact → Mobile Banking.
Follow the prompts to enable cellphone banking.
Set your Mobile Banking PIN and confirm with an OTP.

What You’ll Need

A valid South African ID or passport
An active Capitec Global One account
A registered mobile number
A phone that can send/receive USSD codes

Once registered, you can check balances, transfer money, buy airtime/electricity, and more—all without data.

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

How to buy airtme and data from Capitec Cellphone Banking

Buying airtime and data from Capitec Cellphone Banking is super easy and doesn’t require internet access. You can use either USSD or the Capitec mobile app—here’s how both methods work.

Using USSD (No Data Needed)

Dial *120*3279# from your registered mobile number.
Select “Buy” from the menu.
Choose “Airtime”, “Data Bundle”, or “SMS Bundle”.
Select the account to debit (if you have more than one).
Pick your network provider (MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, or Telkom).
Enter the amount or choose a bundle.
Reply with 1 to buy for your own number or enter someone else’s number.
Enter your Mobile Banking PIN to confirm.
If you’re out of airtime, dial *130*3279# free of charge to top up.

Using the Capitec Mobile App

Open the app and log in.
Tap “Transact” → “Buy” → “Prepaid Mobile”.
Choose or add a beneficiary (yourself or someone else).
Select network, product type (airtime or data), and amount.
Confirm with your Remote PIN

Daily Limits

Transaction Type	Limit
Airtime/Data/SMS	Up to R505
Electricity	Up to R10,000

How to pay bills from Capitec Cellphone Banking

Paying bills with Capitec Cellphone Banking is simple and doesn’t require internet access. You can use either the USSD code or the Capitec mobile app, depending on your preference and device. Here’s how both methods work:

Using USSD (No Data Needed)

Dial *120*3279# from your registered mobile number.
Select “Transact” from the menu.
Choose “Payments” or “Pay Bills”.
Select the type of bill (e.g. electricity, DSTV, municipal).
Enter the account or reference number for the bill.
Enter the amount you want to pay.
Confirm with your Mobile Banking PIN.

If you’re out of airtime, dial *130*3279# free of charge to top up and access services.

Using the Capitec Mobile App

Open the app and log in.
Tap “Transact” → “Payments”.
Choose the bill type (e.g. prepaid electricity, TV license, water).
Enter the beneficiary details or select a saved one.
Input the amount and reference number.
Confirm with your Remote PIN.

Security & Limits

Feature	Limit
Bill Payments	Up to R3,000
Electricity	Up to R10,000
Airtime/Data/SMS	Up to R505

All transactions are protected by your Mobile Banking PIN or Remote PIN, and you’ll receive a confirmation SMS once the payment is successful

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

Capitec bank Pay smart with PayShap

Pay smart with PayShap is all about making instant, secure payments using just a cellphone number—no need for bank account details. It’s a game-changer for everyday transactions in South Africa

What Is PayShap?

A digital payment system developed by BankservAfrica and backed by the South African Reserve Bank.
Enables instant payments between banks using a ShapID (your cellphone number + bank name, e.g. 0840000000@capitecbank).
Ideal for low-value transactions up to R3,000, with payments under R100 free of charge

How to Set Capitec as your main bank on USSD:

Dial *120*3279# and select Settings
Choose PayShap Settings and accept T&C’s
Confirm with your Remote PIN

Already set another bank as your main bank? You’ll first need to deregister your Primary ShapID from the other bank before you can set Capitec as your main bank

How to Use PayShap with Capitec

You can make payments via:

The Capitec mobile app
USSD code: Dial *120*3279#
Self-service terminals in Capitec branches

To Send Money

Enter the recipient’s ShapID or cellphone number.
Choose their bank.
Enter the amount.
Confirm with your Remote PIN.

To Receive Money

Share your ShapID (e.g. 0840000000@capitecbank) with the sender.
Make sure Capitec is set as your main bank in PayShap settings.

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