Check the balance on your prepaid plan

There are several ways to check the balance on your prepaid plan or prepaid eSIM. You can call a specific shortcode, send a text message, or simply log in to your account through your provider’s website or mobile app to view your current credit. On this page, we’ll explain the different options and share some useful tips to help you manage your account.

What number do you use to check your prepaid balance?

In Canada, most carriers use a system called “star codes” or “shortcodes.” While many users have moved to apps, these codes remain the fastest way to check your balance without using data.

Tip! In Canada, 611 is the universal shortcode to reach your carrier’s customer service or automated account system. It is always a free call from your prepaid phone.

Here is how you check your balance with the major Canadian carriers:

  • Rogers, Fido, and Chatr: Dial *225# (think “BAL”) and press call. Your balance will appear instantly on your screen. You can also dial *611 to hear your balance.
  • Bell and Virgin Plus: Dial *611 from your mobile device to access the voice-automated menu. Alternatively, you can often use *BA# (*22#) to receive a quick text update of your balance. Most users in 2026 prefer the MyBell or Virgin Plus My Account apps for real-time data tracking
  • Lucky Mobile: Dial *725# to see your balance on-screen, or call *611.
  • Telus and Koodo: These carriers have moved almost entirely to digital management. Dial *611 to reach the interactive voice system, or text “BILL” to 144 (for Koodo) to get a summary. For the quickest visual update, use the My TELUS app or Koodo’s Digital Assistant online.
  • Public Mobile: As Canada’s leading digital-only prepaid brand, Public Mobile does not use on-screen shortcodes. You must check your balance via the Public Mobile app, their website, or by dialing *611 to hear your account status.
  • Freedom Mobile: Dial *123# on your keypad to see your current balance and data remaining.

A note on prepaid with 5G: In 2026, many Canadian prepaid plans now include “allotment-based” 5G data. When checking your balance, pay attention to whether you are viewing your “High-Speed” bucket or your “Reduced-Speed” status, as many plans now offer unlimited data at 512 Kbps once your main balance is used up

Check your balance via the provider’s website or app

For the most detailed breakdown – including your data usage and the expiry date of your funds – the easiest method in 2026 is using the provider’s official app. Most Canadian carriers now offer “zero-rated” apps, meaning you can check your balance even if you have run out of data

Can I check my prepaid balance from another device?

Yes. You can log in to your “self serve” account on any laptop or tablet. Note that for security, most Canadian providers now require Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). If you are logging in from a new device, you will need your prepaid phone handy to receive a verification code.

If your phone is lost or out of service, you may need to verify your identity using the credit card on file or a government ID through the carrier’s secure portal.

Why can’t I see my prepaid balance?

In some cases, your balance might not update immediately after you top up your account. It can sometimes take a few minutes, or occasionally up to an hour, for the system to process the payment and reflect the new total. This can vary depending on whether you topped up via an app, a voucher, or online banking.

If your balance hasn’t updated but the funds have been withdrawn from your bank account, try restarting your phone to refresh the network connection. If the credit still hasn’t appeared after 24 hours, contact your carrier’s support team directly to resolve the issue.