USSD Shortcodes
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data)
USSD shortcodes are versatile and widely used for providing various services, from banking and mobile payments to entertainment and customer support. They offer an efficient, real-time communication method for users without needing an internet connection. With their ability to reach a wide audience, especially in developing regions, USSD shortcodes remain a critical tool for businesses, governments, and service providers.
USSD works on both smartphones and basic mobile phones and doesn’t require an internet connection.
Types of USSD Shortcodes
*120#
130#
*150#
*100#
Use Cases for USSD Shortcodes
1. Mobile Banking and Financial Services
- Use Case: USSD shortcodes are commonly used for banking services such as balance checking, fund transfers, and mobile money services.
Example:
- Check Balance: *120# - Used by customers to check their account balance.
- Transfer Money: 130# - Used for transferring money between accounts or to another user.
2. Prepaid Mobile Services
- Use Case: USSD shortcodes are frequently used by mobile operators to offer services such as balance inquiries, recharges, and plan subscriptions.
Example:
- Check Airtime Balance: *100# - Used to check remaining airtime balance.
- Recharge Airtime: 130# - Allows users to recharge their mobile accounts with a specific amount.
- Data Package Activation: *140# - To activate mobile data packages or bundles.
3. Customer Support and Help Services
- Use Case: USSD shortcodes can be used to connect customers to automated support services or request assistance.
Example:
- Customer Support: *121# - Provides access to customer service or allows users to submit support tickets for queries.
4. Bill Payments and Utility Services
- Use Case: USSD shortcodes allow users to pay utility bills such as electricity, water, and internet directly through their mobile phones.
Example:
- Pay Utility Bills: *150# - Used to pay for electricity or water services via mobile money.
- Tax Payments: *123# - For making tax or municipal fee payments.
5. Mobile Money Transfers and Payments
- Use Case: USSD shortcodes are commonly used for transferring money and making payments without needing a smartphone or internet.
Example:
- Send Money: 220# - Allows users to send money to another phone number via mobile money services.
- Receive Money: *221# - To receive money from another user or entity.
6. Subscription and Content Services
- Use Case: USSD shortcodes can provide access to entertainment content or subscriptions like music, news, or video services.
Example:
- Activate Subscription: *300# - Used to subscribe to content services like news, weather, or entertainment.
- Unsubscribe: *301# - Allows users to unsubscribe from services.
7. Voting, Polls, and Competitions
- Use Case: USSD shortcodes are often used for voting in competitions, surveys, or polls.
Example:
- Vote in Polls: *555# - Users can vote in TV or radio competitions or surveys by dialing a specific shortcode.
8. Charity and Donations
- Use Case: USSD shortcodes enable users to donate to causes, charities, or emergency relief efforts.
Example:
- Donate to Charity: *700# - Used by users to make donations to various charity organizations via mobile.
9. Loyalty and Rewards Programs
- Use Case: USSD shortcodes allow users to participate in loyalty programs, collect points, or redeem rewards.
Example:
- Redeem Loyalty Points: *200# - Used by customers to redeem loyalty points for discounts or gifts.
- View Rewards Balance: *201# - Used to check the balance of accumulated rewards or loyalty points.
10. Healthcare Services
- Use Case: In some countries, USSD shortcodes are used to access health-related information or schedule medical appointments.
Example:
- Health Information: *400# - Provides access to health information, such as vaccination schedules or disease prevention tips.
- Book Appointments: *410# - Allows users to book medical appointments or consultations with doctors.
11. Location-Based Services
- Use Case: USSD shortcodes can offer services based on the user’s location, such as finding nearby stores or services.
Example:
- Find Nearby Stores: *500# - Used to find nearby store locations, including addresses and contact details.
12. Government Services
- Use Case: Governments may use USSD to provide citizens with access to essential public services or information.
Example:
- Check Voter Registration Status: *600# - Citizens can check their voter registration status or find polling locations.
- Apply for Permits: *610# - Used to apply for government services or permits (e.g., driver's licenses, permits).
13. Mobile Advertising and Marketing
- Use Case: Marketers and advertisers use USSD shortcodes in campaigns to drive engagement and participation.
Example:
- Enter Contest: *700# - Used to participate in a contest or promotional event by entering a shortcode.
- Opt-In to Promotions: *710# - To sign up for ongoing marketing promotions or discounts.
14. Travel and Transport Services
- Use Case: USSD shortcodes are used to book tickets, check travel schedules, or receive updates on public transportation.
Example:
- Book Bus Tickets: *800# - Users can book bus or train tickets for local or intercity travel.
- Check Flight Status: *810# - Used to check the status of flight schedules and receive real-time updates.
Benefits of USSD Shortcodes
- Accessibility: USSD works on both basic and smartphones, making it accessible to a larger audience without the need for an internet connection.
- Fast and Real-Time: USSD provides instant feedback, which is ideal for time-sensitive services like banking, bill payments, or customer support.
- Ease of Use: USSD codes are simple and easy to remember, making them user-friendly for various services.
- Cost-Effective: USSD is cost-effective for both businesses and customers, as it doesn’t require mobile data, and it is often cheaper than SMS or internet-based services.