MTN Data Bundles, Deals & USSD Codes South Africa
Compare MTN data bundles, prepaid deals, USSD codes, price, validity, and use case before you buy. Made4U and other personalised offers can differ by SIM, tariff, location and campaign.
Reviewed by Riccardo Vallaro, Telecom & Mobile Services Specialist
Last reviewed: 1 September 2026
Sources we check: MTN public bundle pages, app or USSD self-service routes, listed prepaid bundles, and DataCost comparison tables.
Why trust this: Guides are based on public operator pricing, USSD flows, official support pages, and South African prepaid user needs.
Found outdated info? Send a correction.
Pricing rows show their source-check status. Coverage, speed and reliability are not ranked here without a current independent benchmark; check the official coverage map and test the places that matter to you.
Comparing public and personalised prepaid options
Compare MTN public and personalised offers on the same allocation and validity, then check the official coverage map and test the locations that matter to you.
- Official 4G and 5G coverage maps for location-specific checks
- Made4U and other personalised offers, including MyTownOffers where eligible
- Wide spread of daily, weekly and monthly prepaid options
- Public and personalised prepaid channels to compare
MTN quick answers
Short-validity and monthly bundles serve different usage patterns. Compare any personalised offer shown on your line with the public menu on allocation, validity and price.
MTN prepaid bundle prices (1 September 2026)
We track publicly listed prepaid bundle pricing, USSD access routes and network-specific offer patterns in South Africa to compare real value, not just headline GB size.
| Bundle Name | Type | Price | Validity | Cost per GB / Value | Best For | Watch Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MTN Night Express 250MB Source checked MTN Night Express terms | checked 2026-09-01 | night window 00:01-04:59 | Night | R5 | 1 Night | R20.00/GB | Late-night downloads | Night-only usage window (00:01-04:59) |
MTN Hourly 150MB Source checked MTN Internet Bundles terms | checked 2026-09-01 | Hourly | R8 | 1 Hour | R53.33/GB | Quick short-session usage | Very short validity (1 hour) |
MTN Daily 200MBBest Value Source checked MTN Internet Bundles terms | checked 2026-09-01 | Daily | R15 | 1 Day | R75.00/GB | Light daily usage | Short validity (1 day) |
MTN WhatsApp 1GB Weekly Source checked MTN WhatsApp Bundles terms | checked 2026-09-01 | Social | R22 | 7 Days | R22.00/GB | Chat-first users | Social-only access, not full internet |
MTN Daily 1.5GB Source checked MTN Internet Bundles terms | checked 2026-09-01 | Daily | R33 | 1 Day | R22.00/GB | Higher-volume short-term use | Short validity (1 day) |
MTN Weekly 500MB Source checked MTN Internet Bundles terms | checked 2026-09-01 | Weekly | R50 | 7 Days | R100.00/GB | Moderate weekly usage | Higher cost per GB than monthly bundles |
MTN Weekly 1.2GB Source checked MTN Internet Bundles terms | checked 2026-09-01 | Weekly | R69 | 7 Days | R57.50/GB | Weekly top-up without monthly commitment | Can be expensive if repeated every week |
MTN Monthly 1GB Source checked MTN Internet Bundles terms | checked 2026-09-01 | Monthly Once-off | R79 | 30 Days | R79.00/GB | Entry-level monthly option | Higher cost per GB than larger bundles |
MTN Monthly 5GB Anytime + 5GB Night ExpressBest Value Source checked MTN Internet Bundles terms | checked 2026-09-01 | Monthly Once-off | R299 | 30 Days | R59.80/GB | Monthly users who can use the Night Express allocation | Half of the included data is restricted to Night Express hours |
Prices and offer availability can change. Personalised deals such as Just 4 You vary by user and are not identical across all SIMs.
How to buy MTN data bundles
Most users buy MTN data through *136*2# and the MyMTN app. You can also buy through supported banking channels.
Review Made4U on *142# where available and compare the live terms with the standard menu.
Need full steps? Use /guides/how-to-buy-data-mtn/.
What are MTN personalised deals?
MTN runs Made4U and other SIM-specific offers; MyTownOffers can appear for eligible prepaid customers in selected areas.
Treat promo offers as variable, not guaranteed public pricing.
How MTN compares to other networks
MTN combines public and personalised prepaid channels. Compare like-for-like allocations and validity with Vodacom, then check both coverage maps locally before choosing.
For direct comparisons, check /guides/vodacom-vs-mtn-data-prices/ and compare /network/telkom/ or /network/cell-c/ for price-led alternatives.
MTN vs other networks at a glance
| Network | Best for | Price check | Coverage | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTN | Public and personalised channels | Compare current rows | Official map + local test | Users matching terms and local coverage |
| Vodacom | Public and personalised channels | Compare current rows | Official map + local test | Users matching terms and local coverage |
| Telkom | Reviewed daily, weekly and social rows | Compare current rows | Official map + local test | Users matching validity to their use case |
| Cell C | Promo-led offers | Compare current rows | Official map + local test | Users matching terms and local coverage |
MTN USSD codes
These are commonly used MTN USSD shortcuts for balance checks, data purchases and account actions. Some options can vary by tariff plan or menu flow.
MTN balance check code: *136#. MTN buy data code: *136*2#. MTN personalised deals code: *142#. MTN recharge code: N/A.
What MTN users usually get wrong
How to Save Money on MTN
Check *142# for Made4U and compare the live allocation, validity and price with standard prepaid bundles.
Treat MyTownOffers as location- and eligibility-dependent rather than national public pricing.
Avoid out-of-bundle usage by keeping a live bundle active and watching balance before expiry.
Small daily bundles can look cheap but become expensive when repeated all month.
If your data drains quickly, review app background usage and autoplay settings.
Common MTN data questions
How does MTN pricing compare with Vodacom?
There is no fixed winner. Compare the same allocation and validity, any restrictions, and the live price shown by each network.
Why does MTN data finish fast?
Background updates and video-heavy apps are common causes, especially near bundle expiry.
How do I stop MTN out-of-bundle usage?
Keep a valid bundle active and manage data settings before balance reaches zero.
Are MTN promos always available?
No. Promo availability changes by campaign and customer profile.
Does MTN have night bundles?
Yes. Current MTN Night Express wording lists a 00:01-04:59 use window for Night Express data bundles.
Narrow your search
MTN action hub links
Step-by-step buy flow for MTN.
Open the MTN-specific balance, bundle, and Please Call Me shortcuts.
USSD and app steps for MTN data checks.
Confirm airtime before out-of-bundle use.
Check balance, APN, signal, and account status before topping up again.
Review recurring paid services when airtime is disappearing.
Troubleshoot router Wi-Fi, SIM, APN, and LTE status.
Compare fixed fibre, LTE, 5G and mobile-data fallback before using a SIM as home internet.
Explore more guides and tools
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy MTN data bundles?
Buy MTN bundles using *136*2#, the MyMTN app, or supported banking channels. Check personalised offers on *142# when available.
What is the cheapest MTN 1GB option?
Short-validity 1GB bundles can have a lower upfront price, while longer-validity bundles can be easier to budget for regular usage.
How do I check my MTN data balance?
Dial *136# to see a quick summary of your airtime and data, or use the MTN app for a detailed breakdown of all active bundles.
What are MTN Made4U and personalised offers?
Made4U and other SIM-specific offers can appear on *142#, *136*2#, or the MTN app. MyTownOffers may appear for eligible prepaid customers in selected areas. These offers are not universal, so confirm the live price and validity.
Can I buy MTN data with airtime?
Yes, most prepaid MTN bundles can be purchased using airtime balance via USSD or app channels.
Does MTN have unlimited prepaid data?
True unlimited handset prepaid is limited; most prepaid bundles are capped by size and validity.
How do I avoid MTN out-of-bundle charges?
Keep an active bundle and monitor expiry to avoid defaulting to out-of-bundle rates.
Is MTN better than Vodacom for data?
Compare current public and line-specific offers alongside coverage in the places you use data. Neither network has a permanent price or coverage advantage for every customer.
Independent analysis: Prices can change quickly and listed bundles are based on currently available data at the time of update. Always confirm final offer details on official operator pages. For our comparison framework, see methodology and editorial policy.