What is USSD banking? How people bank on basic phones without data
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
- 1Pick who to pay and type the amount
- 2Tap send and it is on its way
- 3It lands in their account
USSD banking lets people use a bank or mobile money account by dialling a short code, such as *123#, on any mobile phone. A simple text menu appears on screen, and it works over the mobile network without internet or a smartphone. It's widely used for mobile money in parts of Africa and Asia.
How USSD banking works
- The customer dials the provider's short code.
- A numbered menu appears, such as check balance or send money.
- They reply with a number to pick an option and enter the details.
- They confirm with a PIN, and the provider completes the payment.
Why it matters
USSD works on basic phones and without mobile data, so it reaches people who don't have a smartphone or reliable internet. That's a big reason it has helped bring people into the financial system.
Try it
Name your platform and watch it come to life
Type a name, tap a colour and pick what it does. The phone changes as you go.
Colour
What it does
Design and preview your whole platform free, then launch when you are ready.
The limits
Sessions time out quickly, menus are text-only and there's little room for extras like statements or card controls. Mobile networks may also charge per session. Many providers now offer USSD alongside a full app.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay lets you launch your own money app under your brand, with GBP, EUR and USD accounts, transfers, branded Visa cards, payment links, invoices and subscriptions, powered by licensed partners. SendPay platforms run as apps and on the web, not over USSD. SendPay isn't a bank and doesn't offer lending.
How it works
Your own money app- 1Name it and pick your colours
- 2Choose what it does
- 3Launch when you are ready
Why sign up
Create your free SendPay account
It's all about creating your own financial platform with ease. Start with a free account today.
- 🪪A free business accountOpen it in about a minute with your business name, email, password and mobile. No card and no documents to start.
- 💳Get paid from day oneTake card payments, and share your own payment link and invoices so customers pay in a click.
- 🌐A free business websiteFree to build, free to publish and free to keep, with unlimited visits.
- 🚀Your own financial platformDesign and preview your whole platform free, then launch when you are ready.
SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank. Accounts, cards and payments are powered by licensed partners.
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Spotted a mistake or something out of date? and we'll fix it. How our guides are made
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. Other companies named in this guide are reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.