M-PESA and Safaricom expose dozens of USSD shortcodes in 2026. Most users only know *334# and forget the rest, but several lesser-known shortcuts save real time. This guide is the complete reference: every shortcode, what it does, when to use it, and the sub-codes worth bookmarking.
Primary M-PESA and Safaricom codes
| Code | What it opens | Use case |
|---|---|---|
*334# | M-PESA main menu | Send, withdraw, paybill, buy goods, balance, statement |
*544# | Buy Airtime menu | Top up your line or another, free of M-PESA fees |
*144# | Safaricom Postpaid menu | Bill inquiry and payment for postpaid lines |
*234# | Safaricom self-service main menu | Bundles, services, account info, internet settings |
*222# | Safaricom airtime balance check | Quick airtime balance without opening menus |
*145# | Sambaza (peer-to-peer airtime) | Transfer airtime to another Safaricom line |
The *234# universe, what *234*N does
*234# opens Safaricom's main self-service menu. The *234*N#format jumps directly to a specific sub-menu, saving navigation time. The most useful sub-codes:
*234*1#, My Account (number, balance, status)*234*2#, My Number / personal info*234*3#, Bonga Points balance*234*4#, Internet (APN, settings, data balance)*234*5#, Bundles (data, voice, SMS)*234*6#, Customer service / help
These shortcuts skip the top-level menu and drop you straight into the relevant section. Useful when network is slow and the top menu is taking long to load.
The *334# tree, M-PESA submenus
Inside *334# the top-level options are typically (numbering may vary slightly):
- Send Money
- Withdraw Cash
- Lipa na M-PESA (Pay Bill, Buy Goods)
- My Account (balance, statement, PIN change)
- Loans and Savings (M-Shwari, KCB M-PESA, Fuliza)
- Financial Services (Ziidi, M-PESA Global)
- Buy Airtime (also accessible via *544#)
For frequent actions, the M-PESA app is faster than USSD. Use USSD when on a feature phone or when the app is having connectivity issues.
Other useful Safaricom shortcodes
| Code | What it does |
|---|---|
*456# | Customer service / IVR options |
*340# | Hustler Fund / government products |
*254# | Hustler Fund direct application |
*507# | M-Shwari direct (loans + savings) |
*522# | KCB Mobile (KCB M-PESA loans) |
*247# | Equity Mobile |
*667# | Co-op MCo-opCash |
*977# | KPLC Self-Service (token check, balance) |
*235# | Safaricom WiFi profile and settings |
*100# | Safaricom data balance check (older) |
*456*9# | Switch from postpaid to prepaid |
Emergency and special codes
- 100, Safaricom customer service (free from Safaricom line)
- 0722 002 100, Safaricom customer service from any other network
- 234, text "BAL" for airtime balance via SMS
- 0800 222 333, GRA gambling helpline (free, anonymous)
- 0703 070707 / 97771, KPLC customer service
Buy Airtime, *544# vs M-PESA app
*544# is the dedicated airtime-purchase menu. It works for buying airtime for your own line or any other Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom number. It's free of M-PESA fees, Safaricom subsidises the deduction.
See our complete buy airtime guide for the full mechanics, including the misconception about "airtime paybill numbers" (there isn't one).
When USSD beats the app
- Network is slow or data signal is weak. USSD works on basic GSM signal; the app needs a working data connection.
- You're on a feature phone. Many Kenyans use feature phones; USSD is the only option.
- Battery is low. USSD sessions are quick and use less battery than launching an app.
- The app is having issues. When the M-PESA app is buggy, the USSD path usually still works.
Security note
Always check the message you see during a USSD session. If a session asks for your PIN unexpectedly or shows transaction details that don't match what you initiated, cancel by pressing the back button or sending an empty response. Never enter your PIN when prompted by SMS, USSD push, or a phone call claiming to be from Safaricom.
Safaricom never asks for your M-PESA PIN over phone, SMS, or USSD push. Anyone who does is a scammer. Hang up or ignore the SMS. See our paybill scams in Kenya guide.
Resources
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