The USSD code for DTB Bank is *385#. This service gives you a direct way to manage your DTB account from any mobile phone, and it does not need an internet connection to work.
Activating Your DTB Mobile Banking Profile through USSD Code *385#
You must complete a one-time registration to link your phone number to your bank account. This is a security step that ensures only you can access your funds through the USSD service.
What You Need Before You Start
- An active account with DTB Bank.
- The mobile number that is officially registered to that account.
- Your National ID number.
The Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Dial *385# on your phone.
- The service will ask you to accept its terms and conditions.
- You will then be prompted to enter your National ID number to verify your identity.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your account details.
- Once your details are confirmed, you will create a new, secret PIN for the service.
- Re-enter the PIN to confirm it. You will receive an SMS confirming your registration is complete.
Core Account Management Functions on DTB USSD Menu
The *385# service provides two primary functions for monitoring your account. These tools are designed for quick, everyday checks on your financial status.
How to Check Your Account Balance
This function gives you a real-time view of the available funds in your DTB account. The balance is displayed on your screen immediately.
- Dial *385# and enter your PIN.
- From the main menu, select the option for 'Balance Inquiry'.
- If you have multiple accounts, choose the one you wish to check.
- Your current balance will be displayed on your phone's screen.
How to Request a Mini-Statement
A mini-statement is an SMS summary of the last five transactions on your account. It is a useful tool for tracking recent payments and deposits without needing a full bank statement.
- Dial *385# and enter your PIN.
- Select the 'Mini Statement' option from the menu.
- Choose the relevant account.
- Confirm the request. The transaction details will be sent to you via SMS.
How to Transfer Funds with the *385# Service
The DTB USSD code allows you to move money securely to different destinations. You can send funds to a mobile wallet, to another bank, or within DTB. Each transfer type is handled through a specific path in the USSD menu.
Sending Money to an M-Pesa Wallet
This is the process for moving funds from your DTB account to a Safaricom M-Pesa number.
- Dial *385# and enter your PIN.
- From the main menu, select 'Transfers' or 'Send Money'.
- Choose the 'To M-Pesa' option.
- Enter the recipient’s phone number and the amount you want to send.
- A confirmation screen will show the recipient’s name. You must verify these details are correct before you confirm the transaction.
Transferring to Another Bank Account
This function lets you send money from your DTB account to an account at another bank in Kenya.
- In the 'Transfers' menu, select 'To Other Bank'.
- Choose the destination bank from the list provided.
- Carefully enter the recipient’s full bank account number.
- Input the amount and confirm the details on the summary screen.
Sending Funds Within DTB
This is for making instant payments to other DTB customers.
- From the 'Transfers' menu, choose 'To DTB Account'.
- Enter the recipient's DTB account number.
- Input the amount you wish to send and confirm the transaction.
Paying Bills and Buying Airtime
The *385# service includes functions for settling your regular payments and purchasing mobile airtime. These features allow you to handle routine transactions directly from your account.
How to Settle Utility Bills
You can use the USSD menu to pay for common services such as KPLC, DStv, or your local water company. You will need the company's business number and your specific account number for the bill you are paying.
- Dial *385# and enter your PIN.
- Select the 'Bill Payments' option from the main menu.
- Choose the biller you want to pay from the list of categories.
- Enter the required details, such as your account or meter number.
- Input the amount you wish to pay and confirm the transaction on the summary screen.
How to Purchase Airtime
This function lets you top up your own phone or send airtime to another person on any mobile network.
- From the main menu, select the 'Buy Airtime' option.
- Choose if you are buying for 'My Number' or 'Another Number'.
- If you select 'Another Number', enter the recipient's phone number.
- Enter the amount of airtime you wish to purchase and confirm.
Understanding the Costs of Using the DTB USSD Service
Most transactions performed with the DTB USSD code have a service fee. While checking your balance is typically free, other actions will incur a small charge. The table below provides a general idea of the costs involved for common services.
| Service | Typical Cost / Fee |
|---|---|
| Balance Inquiry | Free |
| Mini-Statement | A small fee (e.g., Ksh 5-10) |
| Transfer to M-Pesa | Varies based on the amount |
| Bill Payment | Fee is set by the biller/bank |
Using the *385# Service for County Parking Payments
Parking in major towns across Kenya, such as Nairobi, Mombasa, or Nakuru, is typically paid for using mobile money.
The DTB USSD service is an essential tool to ensure you have the funds ready for these payments, even if your mobile wallet is empty.
Most county governments require parking fees to be paid to a specific M-Pesa Paybill number.
This means you must have a sufficient balance in your M-Pesa wallet to complete the transaction. If your M-Pesa balance is low, you can use the DTB USSD code to instantly move money from your bank account to your wallet.
How to Fund Your Parking Payment
- Check Your M-Pesa Balance: Before attempting to pay, first confirm if you have enough funds in your M-Pesa wallet.
- Top Up from DTB if Needed: If your balance is insufficient, dial *385#, enter your PIN, select the 'Transfers' option, and choose 'To M-Pesa' to send the required amount from your DTB account.
- Make the Parking Payment: Once your M-Pesa wallet is funded, you can proceed to pay for your parking.
Since each county uses a different Paybill number and account format, it is important to use the correct details. For a current and detailed list of all county parking payment codes and procedures, you can refer to the directory at ParkingUSSD.co.ke.
Troubleshooting and Support
This final section provides solutions for common problems you might face while using the *385# service. It explains what to do if you have an issue with your PIN or if you see an error message during a transaction.
The Correct Procedure for a PIN Reset
You cannot reset a forgotten PIN using the USSD menu. This is a security measure to protect your account from unauthorized access.
If you forget your PIN, you must contact DTB Bank directly through their official customer service channels.
A bank representative will verify your identity before guiding you through the secure process of setting a new PIN.
Common USSD Errors and What They Mean
- Connection Problem: This is the most common error and it is almost always caused by a poor mobile network signal, not an issue with the bank's system. The best solution is to move to an area with better reception and try the transaction again.
- Request Timed Out: This message appears if you take too long to respond to a prompt from the menu. The session expires for security. You should simply restart the process by dialing *385# again.
- Invalid Request: If you see this message, you may have entered incorrect information. It is best to restart the process and carefully check the details you enter, such as account numbers or amounts.