Are you tired of seeing that annoying E16 error message on your screen just when your favorite show is about to start? I’ve been there too! Paying your DStv bill shouldn’t be a hassle, and with so many payment options available now, it really doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a tech-savvy person who prefers digital payments or someone who likes the traditional in-store payment methods, I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide.
Quick Summary of DStv Payment Methods
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview of all the ways you can pay your DStv subscription:
- Digital Methods: QR Code, Instant EFT, Payment Link, USSD, Pay On TV, PayShap
- Card Payments: Credit/Debit Card, Capitec Pay
- In-Store Options: Supermarkets, Walk-in Centers, DStv Agencies
- Bank Methods: Debit Order, ATM, Direct Deposit (Absa)
- Alternative Methods: MTN MoMo, Voucher payments
Digital Payment Methods (Pay from Home)
1. QR Code Payments
This is probably the quickest way to pay your DStv bill MultiChoice has added a QR code payment option for immediate and hassle-free payments, You can find this QR code on your MultiChoice statement
To use this method:
- Scan the QR code using your mobile phone camera
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Complete your payment
2. Pay On TV (New for 2025!)
This is my personal favorite! If you’re seeing an E16 or EDN message on your screen, you can now pay directly through your TV.
Here’s how
- Scan the QR code displayed on your TV screen using your phone
- Choose between card payment or bank transfer
- Complete the required information
- For card payments: Complete the 3DS authentication and enter your PIN
- For bank transfers: Enter your banking credentials
- Receive a digital receipt after successful payment
This feature supports EFT payments from Capitec Pay, Nedbank, ABSA, FNB, Standard Bank, Investec, Tyme Bank, and Bidvest.
3. Instant EFT
This is super convenient if you want to pay directly from your bank account without leaving your home.
Steps to make an instant payment:
- Log into the MyDStv App, select Option 1 on WhatsApp (060 0603788), or log into MyDStv on the website
- Tap “Pay now” and choose “Instant EFT”
- Select your bank and enter your online banking details (securely)
- Choose the account you wish to pay from
- Confirm or enter your one-time pin
- Your account will be updated instantly!
Pro tip: You can select “Pay in 1 click next time” for even faster payments in the future.
4. Payment Link
When you get an SMS or MMS from MultiChoice reminding you to pay your bill, look for the link at the end of the message. Just click on it to make an instant payment right from your phone. Easy peasy!
5. USSD Payments
If you bank with FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, or Absa, you can pay your DStv subscription using USSD codes from your mobile.
Here’s how it works for each bank:
FNB USSD
- Dial 120321#
- Reply 1 for buy
- Reply 7 for PayTV
- Reply 1 for DStv
- Enter your smart card or customer number
- Reply 1 for Pay amount due
- Reply 1 for confirm
Nedbank USSD
- Dial 120002#
- Follow the prompts to login and make payment
Standard Bank USSD
- Dial 1202345#
- Follow the prompts to login and make payment
Absa USSD
- Dial 1202272#
- Follow the prompts to login and make payment
Unfortunately, Capitec, Discovery, Investec, and African Bank don’t offer USSD payment yet.
Want to check your balance quickly? Just dial 12068584#.
6. PayShap
This is a newer option that offers instant, secure payments direct from your bank account. It’s supported by Nedbank, ABSA, FNB, Standard Bank, Discovery, African Bank, and Sasfin.
To pay with PayShap:
- Log into your banking app
- Look for PayShap and select it
- Choose to pay using ShapID
- Enter the DStv ShapID in this format: DStv-<uniqueId>@investec
(uniqueId can be your Customer ID, Smart Card number, or ZA National ID) - Review the account details
- Enter the amount (minimum R20, maximum R3000)
- Confirm and make the payment
Card Payment Methods
7. Credit/Debit Card
You can make card payments at any DStv Service Centre or Agency, or set up credit card payments through Self Service:
- Set up credit card debit order payments for automatic collection
- Make once-off credit card payments using your 8-digit customer number as reference
Note: DStv doesn’t accept Diners Club payments.
8. Capitec Pay
This is a card-free way to pay if you’re a Capitec customer. All you need is your mobile number linked to your Capitec account.
Steps:
- Go to the ‘Manage’ tab in the MyDStv app, select Option 1 on WhatsApp, or log into MyDStv online
- Tap “Pay now” and select “Capitec Pay”
- Enter your mobile number
- You’ll get a Capitec in-app notification
- Sign in to your Capitec app, tap Transact, then Capitec Pay to approve
In-Store Payment Options
9. Supermarket Payments
While doing your grocery shopping, you can pay your DStv bill at:
- PEP
- Pick ‘n Pay
- Shoprite
- Spar
- Ackermans
You’ll need to provide your DStv Customer Number with the code 11374 before it. For example, if your customer number is 12345678, your reference would be 1137412345678.
10. Pay@ Network Retailers
Pay@ has built a frictionless payment system that makes paying bills easier. You can pay your DStv subscription at any store with a Kazang© or Flash© point of sale device.
Important: Payments must be made at money-market counters using your 8-digit MultiChoice customer number.
11. Walk-in Centres
DStv walk-in centres are located in Cape Town, Durban, Randburg, and Pretoria (Menlyn). You can visit these centers to pay your bill, clear errors, upgrade, and more.
12. DStv Agencies and Self-Service Kiosks
DStv Agencies are located throughout the country. They only accept credit or debit card payments (no cash or cheques). Self-service kiosks are available at walk-in centers and agencies for card payments.
Bank Payment Methods
13. Debit Order
This is probably the most reliable way to ensure your service is never interrupted. When you set up a debit order, MultiChoice automatically collects your subscription amount from your bank account each month.
Ways to set up a debit order:
- Online via DStv Self Service: Available for Standard Bank, Capitec, FNB, Absa, and Nedbank customers
- Via Email/Fax: Send documentation to (011) 577-5946 or [email protected]
- By Phone: Call the DStv Call Center
- In Person: Visit a DStv Service Center or Agency
14. ATM Payments
Create MultiChoice as a beneficiary on your bank account, then make payments through an ATM using your 8-digit customer number as reference.
15. Direct Deposit (Absa)
Absa customers have these additional options:
- Absa branch: MultiChoice is already a pre-approved beneficiary
- Absa ATM: MultiChoice is listed as a service provider
Alternative Payment Methods
MTN MoMo
You don’t need to be an MTN customer to use this app – it works with any South African cellphone number.
Steps:
- Select Option 4 – Pay and Buy
- Choose to Pay TV and Media
- Select DStv
- Enter your 5-digit MoMo pin
- Enter your account or SA ID number
- Confirm payment
Voucher Payments
You can pay using a voucher by:
- Going to https://payat.io/dstv/
- Entering your Smartcard or Customer Number
- Selecting ‘Pay via Voucher’
- Entering your voucher code
- Confirming your payment
Frequently Asked Questions
When will my payment be allocated?
Pay@ and DStv don’t handle payment allocations directly. The Biller (MultiChoice) will need to allocate the payment to your account. If you need help tracking a transaction, support can provide screenshots from the system.
My DStv is not connected after payment. What should I do?
Contact Multichoice (DStv) directly on 011-289 2222 or email [email protected] for assistance.
I’m having trouble with incorrect amounts when trying to pay.
Go to the payment site to check if your reference is valid. If it isn’t, you’ll need to contact MultiChoice directly.
The store won’t accept my payment. Why?
The store checks if your reference number shows up in their system. If it doesn’t appear, it might mean that MultiChoice hasn’t updated your payment information yet. You can check if your reference number is valid through Pay@.
How do I get a reference/account number to make a payment?
MultiChoice gives each customer a unique account number. Your Pay@ Reference number combines the Biller’s prefix with your account number (e.g., 115661). You can find this on invoice statements, emails, or SMS notifications.
Why Choose Pay@?
Pay@ has built a frictionless payment system to make paying bills easier. They offer:
- 35 different payment networks across retailers, banks, mobile apps, and digital methods
- Simple payment process – choose how you want to pay
- Payment confirmation for every transaction
- Support for all types of bills including DStv subscriptions
Final Thoughts
With so many ways to pay your DStv bill, there’s really no excuse for missing your favorite shows due to payment issues! I personally prefer the Pay On TV method since it’s right there when I need it, but the Debit Order option gives the best peace of mind if you’re forgetful like me sometimes.
What’s your preferred payment method? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Remember, regardless of which method you choose, always keep your customer/reference number handy and check for payment confirmation. Happy viewing!

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PayBill Code : 444900
PAYBILL : 444900 , Account : Dstv Account Number – subscription
