Ecobank USSD Code (*335#) For Bank Transfers and Services

The Ecobank USSD code *335# is a mobile banking platform that lets you manage your money directly from your phone, without needing an internet connection.

The service is accessible on any type of mobile device. It allows you to perform standard transactions like checking your balance and transferring funds.

It also includes unique features, such as the ability to open a digital bank account or withdraw cash from an ATM without a card.

Activating Your Service and Opening an Xpress Account

The first step to using the Ecobank USSD service is to link your phone number to the bank's system. The process is slightly different depending on whether you are an existing Ecobank customer or completely new to the bank. This section covers both scenarios.

For Existing Ecobank Customers

If you already have a traditional savings or current account with Ecobank, you can activate the *335# service to manage it on the go.

1. Dial *335# using the phone number that is registered with your bank account.
2. From the initial menu, select the option to 'Register' or 'Activate Existing Account'.
3. You will be guided through a verification process, which may require details from your account or debit card.
4. Once verified, you will be prompted to create a new, secret PIN for all your USSD transactions.

For New Users Opening an Xpress Account

One of the unique features of the Ecobank USSD code is the ability to open a new, digital-only bank account directly from your phone. This is called an Ecobank Xpress Account.

1. Dial *335#.
2. From the first screen, choose the option to 'Open Xpress Account'.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions, which will include accepting the terms and providing basic personal information.
4. You will need to create a PIN, which will serve as your key to this new account.
5. Upon completion, an Ecobank Xpress Account will be created for you, and you can begin using it immediately for transactions.

Daily Account Management via the Ecobank USSD Code

The Ecobank USSD code is an effective tool for handling quick, routine checks on your account.

These are the high-frequency tasks that help you stay on top of your finances without needing to visit a branch or log in to the mobile app. The menu is designed for speed and simplicity.

Checking Your Account Balance and Mini-Statement

These two functions give you an immediate overview of your account's status.

A balance inquiry shows your real-time funds, while a mini-statement provides an SMS summary of your last five transactions, which is useful for tracking recent activity.

1. Dial *335# and enter your PIN.
2. From the main menu, select the option for 'Account Services' or 'My Account'.
3. Choose either 'Balance Inquiry' for an on-screen display or 'Mini Statement' to receive the details via SMS.
4. Select the specific account you wish to check.

Purchasing Airtime

You can use the *335# service to directly top up your phone with airtime from your bank account.

This feature works for your own number or for someone else's, and it supports all major mobile networks in Kenya.

1. From the main menu, select 'Buy Airtime'.
2. Choose whether you are buying for 'My Number' or 'Another Number'.
3. If you select 'Another Number', you will be prompted to enter the recipient's phone number.
4. Enter the amount of airtime you want to purchase and confirm the transaction.

A Guide to Ecobank Money Transfers via Mobile

The *335# service is a secure platform for moving your money. It allows you to send funds to mobile money wallets, other bank accounts, and within Ecobank itself.

Understanding the different transfer options helps you choose the right one for your needs.

Sending Money to M-Pesa

This is one of the most frequently used features, allowing you to transfer funds directly from your Ecobank account to any Safaricom M-Pesa wallet.

1. Dial *335# and enter your PIN.
2. Navigate to the 'Transfers' or 'Send Money' menu.
3. Select the 'To M-Pesa' or 'Mobile Money' option.
4. Enter the recipient’s phone number and the amount you wish to send.
5. A confirmation screen will show the recipient’s name and the amount. It is important to verify these details before you approve the transaction.

Transferring Funds to Other Bank Accounts

You can use the USSD code to send money to accounts at other Kenyan banks, such as KCB, Equity, or Absa.

1. From the 'Transfers' menu, select 'To Other Bank Account'.
2. You will be presented with a list of banks. Choose the correct destination bank.
3. Carefully enter the recipient's full bank account number.
4. Input the amount and confirm the details on the summary screen to complete the transfer.

Internal Transfers to Another Ecobank Account

This option is for moving money to someone who also banks with Ecobank. These transfers are often faster and may have lower fees than sending to another bank.

1. In the 'Transfers' menu, choose 'To Ecobank Account'.
2. Enter the recipient's Ecobank account number.
3. Enter the amount and confirm the transaction.

How to Use Xpress Cash for Cardless Withdrawals

One of the most powerful features of the Ecobank USSD code is Xpress Cash, a service that allows you to withdraw money from an ATM without using your physical debit card.

This is extremely useful if you have forgotten your wallet, lost your card, or need to send emergency cash to someone who can access an Ecobank ATM.

The service works by generating a secure, one-time token (code) on your phone, which is then used at the ATM to authorize the withdrawal.

Generating an Xpress Cash Token

The first step is to create the token using the *335# menu. This token is valid for a short period for security.

1. Dial *335# and enter your PIN.
2. Navigate through the menu to find the 'Xpress Cash' option.
3. Select 'Generate Token' or a similar option from the sub-menu.
4. Enter the amount of money you wish to withdraw.
5. Confirm the transaction. You will receive an SMS containing the 8 to 12-digit Xpress Cash token.

How to Withdraw at the ATM

Once you have the token, you or the person you sent it to can go to any Ecobank ATM to get the cash.

1. At the ATM, press any key to bring up the main screen.
2. Select the 'Xpress Cash' or 'Cardless Withdrawal' option.
3. The ATM will prompt you to enter the token you received via SMS.
4. Enter the exact amount for which the token was generated.
5. The ATM will dispense your cash.

Paying Bills and Merchants with *335#

The Ecobank USSD service is a convenient way to settle your bills and pay for services without needing to handle cash or visit a banking hall. You can pay for essential utilities and other services directly from your account.

To ensure a smooth process, it is a good practice to have your bill details, such as your account or meter number, ready before you begin.

Utility Bill Payments

This feature allows you to pay for services like KPLC (both prepaid tokens and postpaid bills) and water bills.

1. Dial *335# and enter your PIN.
2. Select the 'Bill Payments' option from the main menu.
3. Choose the category of the biller (e.g., 'Utilities', 'Pay TV').
4. Select the specific company, for example, 'KPLC Tokens'.
5. Enter your meter or account number for that utility.
6. Input the amount you wish to pay.
7. A summary screen will appear. Carefully review the details before you confirm the payment.

Support, Charges, and Security when using Ecobank USSD Code in Kenya

To use the Ecobank USSD code effectively, it is helpful to understand the associated costs and know what to do if you encounter an issue.

This section provides practical information on service charges, solutions to common problems, and best practices for keeping your account secure.

Understanding Service Charges

The Ecobank USSD service is convenient, but most transactions are not free.

Basic actions like checking your balance may be free of charge, but transactional services such as money transfers, bill payments, and generating an Xpress Cash token will attract a small fee.

This fee is automatically deducted from your account when you complete a transaction.

For the most current and detailed list of charges, please refer to the official Ecobank tariff guide available on their website or at any branch.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Forgotten PIN: Your PIN is the primary security measure for your account. For this reason, you cannot reset a forgotten PIN using your phone. You must visit your nearest Ecobank branch with your original National ID, where a customer service representative will assist you in setting a new one.
• "Connection Error" or "Request Timed Out": These errors are typically caused by a weak mobile network signal, not a problem with the bank's system. The best course of action is to move to an area with better network coverage and try the transaction again.
• "Insufficient Funds": This message appears if your account balance is not enough to cover both the transaction amount and the associated service fee. You will need to deposit funds into your account before attempting the transaction again.

Security Best Practices

• Keep Your PIN Confidential: Never share your USSD banking PIN with anyone, including individuals claiming to be Ecobank staff. Your bank will never ask you for your PIN.
• Be Aware of Scams: Do not respond to unsolicited text messages that ask you to dial the USSD code or provide your personal details.
• If Your Phone is Lost or Stolen: Report the loss to both your mobile service provider and Ecobank immediately. This will allow them to block your line and your USSD banking profile to prevent unauthorized access.