How do I check and top up my prepaid balance?

1. How do I check my prepaid balance?

Depending on the provider, there are different ways to check your remaining prepaid balance.

Check via SMS

Some providers allow you to check your current balance by sending an SMS. To do this, send a message with the relevant keyword to the specified number.

Check by phone

Most providers offer a number that you can use to check your balance. There are two different types of numbers:

1. Speed dial: The speed dial consists of five characters: * or #, three numbers and #. Choose the speed dial for your provider and press the call button. Your balance will then be shown on the mobile phone display.

2. Phone number: Certain providers offer a telephone number. If you call this number, a message will tell you your balance.

Check online and in the app

With many providers, you have the possibility to check your credit online. Simply log into the customer area of your provider.

If you want to check your balance in the app, download it to your smartphone. Then log in and you can see your balance there. Not all providers have an app.

4. How do I top up my prepaid balance?

There are a few ways in which you can pay for and top up your balance. The payment options vary from one provider to another.

Using your mobile phone

Number + code

With most providers, you can top up your balance with a number and PIN for a prepaid card. The number for top-ups consists of five characters: * or #, three numbers and *.

Enter your provider’s number and pin. Depending on the provider, there are two ways to proceed:

1. You enter # and press the call button. The money is then topped up.

2. You enter *, the mobile number to which the credit should be added, and #. Press the call button. The money is then topped up for the specified number.

By phone

Dial the number to top up the balance for your provider. Call and follow the instructions.

Online

With a customer account

Many providers allow you to top up your credit via your customer account. To do this, go to your provider’s website and log in. The next steps vary from one provider to another.

Without a customer account

Some providers give you the option to top up your balance without logging in. You will often find this option on the provider’s website under the menu item “Prepaid”.

In stores and fuel stations

You can top up your credit in stores, fuel stations and post offices. An employee at the post office should be able to help you. The stores where you can top up your credit vary from one provider to another.

At machines

SBB ticket machine

Topping up using SBB ticket machines varies from provider to provider:

• At the ticket machine, go to the “Prepaid top-up” option and select your provider. Follow the instructions. The approaches then differ according to the provider:

  • Your credit will then be credited to your prepaid account.

  • You will receive a printout with a PIN. You can enter the PIN via your mobile phone or online.

• Scan your provider’s QR code at the ticket machine. You will be taken to the page of your provider. Follow the instructions. You will receive the credit directly or a printout with a PIN. You can enter the PIN via your mobile phone or online.

Cash machine

Insert your bank card into the ATM and enter your PIN. Go to the “Top-up mobile” option and select your provider. Enter your mobile number and choose the amount you would like to add to your prepaid account.

With Swiss Post services

SMS with Postfinance

To top up your balance via Postfinance SMS, you must have an account with Postfinance. Register your mobile phone number in your Postfinance account. You can then top up your balance by sending a keyword and the amount in francs to a number depending on the provider.

Postfinance mobile app

To top up your balance via the Postfinance mobile app, you need to have a Postfinance account. Register your mobile phone number in your Postfinance account and link it. In E-Finance, go to the menu item “Services” and then to “Postfinance Mobile”.

Depending on the provider, the credit is either topped up directly onto your prepaid account or you get a PIN, which you have to redeem via your mobile phone or online.

Swiss Post online shop

Visit the online shop and select your provider and the amount. Then enter your mobile number. If you want to give credit to someone else, you can enter an additional text. Add the credit to your shopping basket. Go to the shopping basket and follow the instructions.

Postfinance machine

Insert your Postfinance card into the Postfinance machine and enter your PIN. Go to “Other Functions” and then to “Prepaid Refill” for your provider. Select the amount you want to add to your prepaid account. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Automatic top-ups

With some providers, you have the option to top up your account automatically. There are two options for automatic top-ups:

1. When your balance below a certain value

2. Monthly

Automatic top-ups are usually activated online. To use automatic top-ups, you need to link a credit card to your account.