Bonga Points are Safaricom's loyalty points, earned as you use airtime, data, and M-PESA. Checking the balance is quick once you know the code, and the same menu is where you spend them.
Check your balance on *126#
- Dial *126# on your Safaricom line.
- Choose Bonga from the menu.
- Choose Balance.
- Your balance appears on screen.
On some menu versions, dialling *126# and selecting option 2 jumps straight to the balance as a flash message. Either way, it is free to check.
Check in the app
You can also see your Bonga Points in the M-PESA app under your rewards or account section. The USSD route is faster if you just want the number, and it works on any handset, not only a smartphone.
What you can do with the points
The *126# menu is not only for checking. From there you can:
Redeem points for airtime or data bundles.
Transfer points to another Safaricom line.
Pay with points at participating Lipa na Bonga merchants.
A note on expiry
Safaricom has changed its stance on Bonga Points expiry over the years, so if your balance looks lower than expected, an expiry cycle may have run. Check the current terms in the *126# menu or on Safaricom's Bonga Points page before you plan a big redemption.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my Bonga Points balance?
Dial *126# on your Safaricom line, choose Bonga, then Balance. Your balance appears on screen. You can also see it in the M-PESA app.
What is the Bonga Points code?
*126#. It checks your balance and also lets you redeem points for airtime or data, transfer them, or pay at participating shops.
Can I check Bonga Points without a smartphone?
Yes. The *126# USSD menu works on any handset, not only a smartphone.
What can I do with Bonga Points?
Redeem them for airtime or data, transfer them to another Safaricom line, or pay at participating Lipa na Bonga merchants, all from the *126# menu.
Resources
- The Bonga Points USSD reference is at paybillke.com/ussd/safaricom-bonga-points.
- For more Safaricom shortcuts, see the M-PESA shortcodes guide.