Starting June 15, Your ATM Card Won’t Work Like Before – Here’s What Every South African Needs to Know

By Achimi Muktar

A major shakeup is coming to the way South Africans access their money — and it kicks off June 15, 2025. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has announced a sweeping new banking rule that will limit how much cash you can withdraw, restrict your ATM and card usage, and change how pensioners and grant recipients access their funds.

So, what’s happening — and how will it affect you?
The Big Banking Shift: Why It’s Happening

In response to rising ATM fraud, cash hoarding, and an urgent push toward digital payments, SARB is rolling out nationwide cash withdrawal limits and stricter card controls. These changes will apply to all major banks, debit and credit card holders, and even SASSA beneficiaries.

According to SARB, the new regulations are designed to:

Combat ATM and card fraud

Stop excessive cash hoarding

Promote digital payment adoption

Improve liquidity across banks

Here’s What’s Changing with Your Card:

Whether you use a debit card, credit card, or both — expect changes:

Debit Cards: Daily cash withdrawal limits will be reduced, and customers will only have a limited number of free ATM transactions per week.

Credit Cards: Using your credit card to withdraw cash will attract higher interest rates.

POS Payments: Some banks will cap the maximum per-transaction amount for added security.

Joint Accounts: Shared or linked accounts will have combined withdrawal limits.

Pensioners & SASSA Recipients: Pay Close Attention

The new rules will significantly impact the way pensioners and social grant beneficiaries access their money — especially those using Postbank and SASSA cards.

Here’s the new reality for SASSA users:

Daily ATM withdrawal limit: R1,500

Maximum ATM transactions per day: 2

Mandatory fingerprint or OTP for verification

Weekly over-the-counter withdrawals capped at R5,000

Beneficiaries are strongly advised to switch to SASSA-linked merchant cards or mobile wallets to avoid disruptions or delays.
How to Prepare Before June 15

The clock is ticking, and if you don’t want to be caught off guard at the ATM, here’s what to do now:

Update your contact info with your bank to receive real-time alerts

Get familiar with digital payment apps like SnapScan, Zapper, and Apple Pay

Use tap-to-pay and QR code options more often

Visit your bank if you need a special exemption or higher limit

Top Digital Payment Tools to Explore:

SnapScan

Zapper

Apple Pay / Samsung Pay

Bank Mobile Apps

EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)

Still Have Questions?

Here are quick answers to the most common ones:

Will this affect my card use abroad?
No. These changes apply only within South Africa.

Can I increase my limit temporarily?
Yes. Visit your bank or call the customer helpline.

Are pensioners exempt?
Not entirely — but some banks may offer extra support like teller access or home delivery for those over 75.

Is this permanent?
It’s a six-month pilot. SARB will review and decide whether to make it permanent.

Will I be charged for using the ATM more than allowed?
Yes — extra fees will apply for additional transactions beyond your limit.

Need Help? Contact Your Bank Here:
Bank Customer Care Website
FNB 087 575 9404 www.fnb.co.za
Standard Bank 0860 123 000 www.standardbank.co.za
Absa 0860 008 600 www.absa.co.za
Nedbank 0800 555 111 www.nedbank.co.za
Capitec 0860 10 20 43 www.capitecbank.co.za
TymeBank 0860 999 119 www.tymebank.co.za
Postbank (SASSA) 0860 111 502 www.postbank.co.za / www.sassa.gov.za

Bottom Line: The way you bank is about to change — possibly for good. June 15 isn’t just another date on the calendar; it’s a major turning point for how South Africans manage money. Embrace digital tools, plan your withdrawals, and stay informed to avoid unexpected disruptions.