Fundi has long been a reliable and trusted platform in South Africa, offering a range of services to help students manage their financial needs. From securing bursaries to handling student loans and allowances, Fundi has provided essential financial services that ease the burden of education expenses.
One of the platform’s most popular features, especially in its earlier years, was the ability to quickly check your Fundi balance using USSD codes. This service became particularly valuable for students who needed quick access to their balance but lacked a stable internet connection.
However, with the ever-evolving world of technology and mobile apps, Fundi has made significant strides in enhancing its digital services. Over the years, the introduction of the Fundi mobile app has allowed users to not only manage their accounts with greater ease but also access a plethora of features beyond just checking their balance.
As of 2025, Fundi has introduced a series of updates that have sparked curiosity among users — especially those who have relied on the simplicity and convenience of USSD codes.
What Are USSD Codes and Why Were They Used on Fundi?
Before we dive into the current situation with USSD codes and the Fundi app in 2025, let’s take a quick look at what USSD codes are and why they were initially used for checking Fundi balances.
What is USSD?
USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. It is a communication protocol used by mobile networks to send text-based information between a mobile phone and an application server. USSD codes are shortcodes that you can dial on your mobile phone to interact with different services, like checking your bank balance, paying bills, or checking account statuses.
USSD is a convenient tool for users who don’t have access to the internet, as it works on basic mobile phones with no need for data. This makes it an excellent option for students who may not always have a reliable internet connection but still want to manage their finances efficiently.
Why USSD Codes Were Popular with Fundi Users
For many students in South Africa, checking their Fundi balance via USSD was a quick and easy way to stay on top of their financial status. It didn’t require an internet connection, which was a huge advantage for students who might not always have access to Wi-Fi or mobile data. USSD codes provided a no-frills, reliable solution for users looking to check their Fundi balance on the go, especially in areas with limited connectivity.
Changes to the Fundi App in 2025
In recent years, Fundi has been evolving, introducing several updates to enhance user experience. One of the most significant updates came in April 2025 when Fundi released a new version of its app, packed with several new features and improvements.
These updates aim to provide a more seamless and user-friendly experience for students, especially those managing their finances on mobile devices.
Overview of the 2025 Fundi App Update
The 2025 Fundi app update brought with it various exciting new features designed to improve balance management, streamline loan applications, and enhance payment tracking. Some of the key updates include:
- A new and improved user interface: The app’s design has been optimized for better navigation, allowing users to access their balance, loan details, and other financial services with ease.
- Real-time notifications: Users can now receive instant updates on their account activities, including payments, loan disbursements, and balance changes.
- Enhanced security features: The new update includes additional layers of security, such as biometric authentication, to ensure that users’ accounts are well-protected.
- Merchant locator: A useful feature that helps users locate stores and merchants that accept the Fundi card, providing even more convenience for students.
These changes show that Fundi is moving towards a more robust mobile experience, but with these changes comes a potential shift away from older methods like USSD codes.
Can You Still Use USSD to Check Your Fundi Balance in 2025?
Now, let’s get to the most pressing question: can you still use USSD codes to check your Fundi balance in 2025?
USSD Codes Phased Out
As of 2025, Fundi has officially phased out USSD codes for checking balances. While this method was convenient in the past, it has become less relevant in the face of more modern, secure, and feature-rich options provided by the Fundi app.
Why Was USSD Phased Out?
There are several reasons why Fundi chose to phase out USSD codes:
- Advancement in Technology: With the majority of smartphone users now having access to mobile data, it makes more sense for Fundi to focus on the app, which offers a broader range of services, better security, and a more personalized experience.
- Security Concerns: USSD codes are not as secure as modern mobile apps. Fundi wants to ensure that users’ financial information is better protected, which is why they’ve opted for app-based solutions with improved encryption and authentication methods.
- Enhanced Features: The Fundi app offers many features that USSD codes could never provide, such as the ability to apply for loans, manage student bursaries, and track real-time account activities. Moving away from USSD allows Fundi to streamline its services and provide users with a more complete and dynamic financial tool.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Check Your Fundi Balance in 2025
Since USSD codes are no longer an option for checking your Fundi balance, let’s look at the alternative methods available to you.
Using the Fundi App
The most efficient way to check your Fundi balance in 2025 is through the Fundi mobile app. If you haven’t already updated or downloaded the app, you can do so via the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Here’s how you can check your balance in the app:
- Open the Fundi App: Once you’ve installed or updated the app, open it on your smartphone.
- Log In: Enter your username and password to access your account. If you have biometric authentication set up, you can use that for quicker access.
- Navigate to the Balance Section: Once you’re logged in, look for the section labeled “Balance” or “Account Overview.” Your current balance will be displayed there.
- View Transaction History: The app also provides a detailed transaction history, allowing you to see all recent payments, loans, or allowances that have been disbursed to your account.
By using the Fundi app, you can access not only your balance but also other useful features like loan applications, bursary management, and real-time notifications.
Using the Fundi Website
If you prefer to access your account via a computer, you can check your Fundi balance through the Fundi website. Here’s how:
- Visit the Fundi Website: Open your browser and go to the official Fundi website.
- Log In: Enter your login credentials to access your account.
- Check Your Balance: Once logged in, navigate to the account overview or balance section to view your current balance.
What Should You Do If You Can’t Check Your Fundi Balance?
While Fundi’s app and website should make balance checking relatively easy, there may be times when you experience issues. Here’s what you can do if you run into trouble:
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure that your phone or computer has a stable internet connection. The Fundi app and website require internet access to display your balance.
- App Not Working Properly?: If the app isn’t working, try closing it and reopening it. You can also uninstall and reinstall the app to ensure it’s up to date and running correctly.
- Clear Cache: If the app is still slow or not loading properly, try clearing the cache on your device. This can resolve any temporary bugs or glitches.
- Contact Fundi Support: If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and still can’t access your balance, reach out to Fundi’s customer support team. They can help you resolve any issues with your account.
Advantages of the Updated Fundi App Over USSD
The decision to move away from USSD codes and focus on the Fundi app comes with several benefits:
Better Security
The Fundi app offers enhanced security features like biometric authentication and two-factor authentication (2FA), which are not possible with USSD codes. This makes the app a much safer option for managing your financial details.
More Features
Unlike USSD, the Fundi app gives you access to a wide range of features beyond just checking your balance. You can apply for loans, view your transaction history, manage your bursaries, and even receive real-time notifications about your account activities.
Convenience
With the app, you can check your balance from anywhere and at any time, as long as you have an internet connection. This is much more convenient than relying on USSD codes, which only work on mobile phones and can be less reliable in some areas.
Conclusion
In 2025, USSD codes are no longer available for checking your Fundi balance. However, Fundi has made it easier than ever to access your balance and manage your finances through the mobile app and website.
With new features, enhanced security, and a more user-friendly interface, the Fundi app is the best way to check your balance and take full advantage of all the services Fundi has to offer.
Make sure to update your app or download it if you haven’t already. If you experience any issues, the Fundi support team is always available to help.