“Kyivstar” has shut down a popular account-top-up service: which commands no longer work
1 July 11:46
Mobile operator Kyivstar discontinued its “Mobile Payment” service as of July 1, 2026; the service had allowed subscribers to top up their accounts without using the website or mobile app, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
Which service did Kyivstar shut down?
As of July 1, the operator stopped providing the “Mobile Payment” service through two channels:
- the USSD code *134#;
- the voice menu via the short number 899.
Previously, the service allowed users to link a bank card to their mobile number and, without accessing the app:
- top up your own mobile account;
- transfer funds to another Kyivstar subscriber’s number;
- pay for “Home Internet”;
- select a payment amount via the interactive menu.
An official announcement regarding the service’s closure has been published on the Kyivstar website.
Why Kyivstar Discontinued the Service
The company stated that it is constantly reviewing its top-up methods and phasing out those used by fewer and fewer customers.
Kyivstar attributed the decision to the results of internal analytics. According to the operator, most subscribers choose:
- the mobile app;
- online top-ups on the website;
- banking services;
- Google Pay or Apple Pay;
- automatic top-up.
The company has deemed the service via short commands and voice menus obsolete.
The discontinuation also allows the operator to focus its technical resources on developing modern payment channels.
Subscribers can continue to add funds to their mobile accounts in several ways:
- in the “My Kyivstar” app;
- on the operator’s official website;
- via a banking app;
- via a payment terminal;
- at a “Kyivstar” store;
- at select post offices and retail locations;
- using a scratch card;
- via a transfer from another mobile number.
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How to top up your account via the Kyivstar website
One of the easiest ways is to use the official top-up page.
To do this, you need to:
- Enter your mobile phone number.
- Enter the top-up amount.
- Select a payment method.
- Confirm the payment.
Kyivstar notes that you can top up your account on the official website without a fee.
The operator also states that the top-up page may be accessible to subscribers even when mobile internet access is restricted due to insufficient funds in the account.
How to top up your number in “My Kyivstar”
In the app, open the home screen and tap the “Top Up” button .
Next, the user can:
- select their own or another number;
- enter the desired amount;
- use a bank card;
- pay via Google Pay;
- pay via Apple Pay;
- save the payment method for future transactions.
Once the funds are credited, the subscriber will receive an SMS, and the current balance will appear in the app.
The operator has published detailed instructions in the “My Kyivstar” support section .
Is there a fee?
Kyivstar states that top-ups made through its official website and the “My Kyivstar” app are processed without any fees charged by the operator.
However, an additional fee may theoretically be charged by:
- the bank;
- the payment service;
- the terminal owner;
- a third-party financial intermediary.
Before confirming the payment, it’s a good idea to check the final amount being charged.
This is especially true for unofficial websites and self-service terminals.
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