Complete guide to updating your SRD banking details, switching your phone number, setting up Cash Send, and migrating from Postbank. Includes verification timelines and name mismatch fixes.
Change bank account, switch from Postbank, or fix incorrect details.
Change Banking ↓No bank account? Set up Cash Send or retail collection instead.
Cash Send Setup ↓SASSA Gold Card replaced. How to switch to a personal bank account.
Postbank Guide ↓Follow these steps carefully. Incorrect changes can delay payment by up to 3 weeks.
Go to srd.sassa.gov.za and click "How do I change my banking details?" on the home screen.
Use your 13-digit SA ID and the cellphone number currently registered with SASSA (not a new number).
An OTP is sent to your registered phone. Enter it within 2 minutes. If it doesn't arrive, try during off-peak hours (before 6 AM or after 10 PM).
Provide your new bank name, account number, and branch code. Double-check every digit — one wrong number means payment goes to the wrong account.
SASSA verifies the new details against your Home Affairs record. This takes 7–21 business days. Your status may show "Period Pending" during this time.
Critical Rule: The name on your bank account must exactly match your name on your SA ID (as recorded by Home Affairs). If your ID says "Sipho Johannes Ndlovu" but your bank account says "S.J. Ndlovu", the payment will be rejected. Fix the mismatch at your bank or Home Affairs before changing details.
| Bank | Monthly Fees | SRD Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitec | R0 (Global One) | Excellent | Most popular among SRD beneficiaries. Free to open. |
| TymeBank | R0 | Excellent | No monthly fees. Open at Pick n Pay or Boxer kiosks. |
| FNB | R0 (Easy Zero) | Good | Easy Zero account has no monthly fees. |
| Standard Bank | R0 (Access) | Good | Access account is free for basic transactions. |
| Nedbank | R0 (MiGoals) | Good | MiGoals account with no monthly charges. |
| Postbank | Varies | Problematic | Ongoing system issues. SASSA recommends switching. See below ↓ |
Your registered phone is used for OTP verification, status notifications, and all communications with SASSA.
Go to srd.sassa.gov.za and select "Change my contact details".
You need access to your current registered phone to receive the OTP. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized changes.
Type the new 10-digit cellphone number. Make sure it's active and in your name. You'll also receive an OTP on the new number to confirm it works.
Updates take effect within 24–48 hours. All future OTPs and notifications will go to your new number.
Lost your old phone number? If you no longer have access to your registered phone, you cannot change it online. Visit your nearest SASSA office in person with your SA ID document. A SASSA official will verify your identity and update the number manually.
Cash Send lets you collect your R370 at ATMs or participating stores without needing a bank account.
Visit srd.sassa.gov.za and go to your banking details section.
Instead of entering bank details, select the Cash Send option. You'll receive an SMS with a voucher number on your payment date.
Use the voucher number and your ID to collect at FNB or ABSA ATMs, or at participating Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Checkers stores. Full collection guide →
The SASSA Gold Card has been retired. Here's what you need to know.
The SASSA Gold Card was replaced by the Postbank Black Card in a mass migration that started in September 2024. However, Postbank continues to experience significant system problems including:
SASSA urges all Postbank clients to open a personal bank account and update their details. Here's how:
The switch is completely free. You do not need to visit a SASSA office unless you also need to change your phone number.
| Change Type | Timeline | Status During | Important |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banking details | 7–21 business days | Period Pending | Don't make another change during this time |
| Phone number (online) | 24–48 hours | No impact on payment | Need access to old number for OTP |
| Phone number (in person) | 1–5 business days | No impact on payment | Visit SASSA office with SA ID |
| Switch to Cash Send | 7–14 business days | Period Pending | First collection may be delayed |
| Postbank to personal bank | 7–21 business days | Period Pending | Keep Postbank card active until new bank confirmed |
Warning: Do not change your banking details multiple times. Each new change resets the 7–21 day verification period. If you change details too frequently, SASSA may flag your account for fraud review.
Your bank account name doesn't match your Home Affairs record. Contact your bank to update the account name, or visit Home Affairs to fix the discrepancy. Initials, middle names, and spelling must be identical.
This is normal. SASSA is verifying the new information. Wait the full 7–21 business days. Do not submit another change during this period. If it persists beyond 21 business days, contact SASSA.
Make sure you're using your currently registered phone number (not the new one). Try during off-peak hours. Check your SMS inbox is not full. If using a dual-SIM phone, ensure the correct SIM is set for SMS. Full OTP troubleshooting →
SASSA cannot deposit into a dormant (inactive) bank account. Visit your bank to reactivate it, or change to a new active account. Banks typically mark accounts as dormant after 6–12 months of no activity.
No. The bank account must be in your own name, matching your SA ID. SASSA verifies account ownership as part of the fraud prevention process. Using someone else's account will result in payment rejection.
No. Changing your details on srd.sassa.gov.za is completely free. If anyone asks you to pay for this service, it is a scam. Report SASSA scams →
If a payment has already been processed for the current month, it will go to the old account. The new details will apply from the next payment cycle after verification is complete.
Yes. Log into srd.sassa.gov.za, go to banking details, and enter your bank account information. The change takes 7-21 business days to verify. Your next payment after verification will go to the bank account.
Your branch code doesn't matter for electronic deposits. SASSA uses a universal branch code for most major banks. If you're unsure, contact your bank's call centre for the correct universal branch code, or update to the new branch code on the SRD portal.