To change your SASSA bank account, log in to srd.sassa.gov.za for the SRD grant and update your banking details with your new bank’s information. For other SASSA grants, visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID and proof of the new account. The new account must be in your own name.
When You Need to Change Your Bank Account
Switching from one bank to another is common. Here are the most frequent reasons SASSA beneficiaries change their bank accounts:
- High bank fees — You want to move to a bank that charges lower monthly or transaction fees.
- Bank closed your account — Your account was closed due to inactivity, compliance issues, or other bank policies.
- Account problems — Your account is frozen, blocked, or flagged by your bank.
- Switching to Postbank — You want to use a Postbank card for easier access at ATMs and retailers.
- Better access — Your new bank has more ATMs or branches near your home.
- Moving to a digital bank — Banks like TymeBank and African Bank offer low-fee accounts that work well with SASSA payments.
Whatever your reason, the process is straightforward. Just make sure your new account is open, active, and verified before you make the switch.
What You Need
Before changing your bank account, prepare the following:
- SA ID number — Required for all methods.
- New bank account details — Bank name, account number, account type (savings or current), and branch code.
- Proof of new bank account — A recent bank statement (less than 3 months old) or a bank confirmation letter. This is required for office visits.
- Registered phone number — For OTP verification when using the online portal.
- Original SA ID document — Required for SASSA office visits.
Critical rule: The new bank account must be in your own name. SASSA does not allow payments into third-party accounts — not a spouse, parent, friend, or anyone else. This rule is strictly enforced to protect you from fraud.
Banks Accepted by SASSA
SASSA accepts bank accounts from all major banks in South Africa. Here is a list of commonly used banks:
- Capitec Bank
- First National Bank (FNB)
- Absa Bank
- Standard Bank
- Nedbank
- Postbank
- TymeBank
- African Bank
- Discovery Bank
- Bank Zero
Both savings accounts and current (cheque) accounts are accepted. There is no restriction on the account type. Choose the one that works best for you and has the lowest fees.
How to Change Your Bank Account — Step by Step
Method 1: Online at srd.sassa.gov.za (SRD Grant)
If you receive the R370 SRD grant, you can change your bank account online.
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za in your browser.
- Enter your SA ID number and registered phone number.
- Receive and enter the OTP sent to your phone.
- Navigate to the banking details section.
- Select your new bank from the dropdown list.
- Enter your new account number carefully. Check every digit.
- Choose the correct account type — savings or current.
- Submit the update and wait for confirmation.
You can also complete this process using the Moya App, which is data-free and costs nothing to use.
Method 2: Visit a SASSA Office (All Grants)
For the Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, Foster Care Grant, or any other SASSA grant, you must change your bank account at a SASSA office.
- Find your nearest SASSA office. They are open Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4pm.
- Bring your original SA ID document and proof of your new bank account.
- Take a queue number at the office.
- Explain to the SASSA staff member that you want to change your bank account.
- Provide your documents for verification.
- The staff member will update your details in the SASSA system.
- Ask for a reference number to track the change.
How Long Does It Take?
Changing your bank account takes 1 to 2 payment cycles to take full effect. This is because SASSA processes payments in advance and your new details need to be verified.
Important tips during the transition period:
- Your old account may still receive one more payment after you make the change. This is normal.
- Keep your old bank account open until you confirm that your payment has arrived in the new account.
- Do not close your old account immediately — wait for at least one successful payment into the new account.
- Do a SASSA status check to confirm your updated bank details are reflected in the system.
Common Problems
- Payment still going to old bank — This is expected during the first 1 to 2 cycles. Do not panic. Keep both accounts active.
- New account not receiving payment — Verify that the account number and type are correct. A single wrong digit will cause the payment to fail. If you are approved but not receiving payment, incorrect bank details could be the reason.
- Account in someone else’s name — SASSA will reject the change. The account must be in your name only.
- Bank rejecting SASSA payment — Some newer accounts may not be set up to receive electronic transfers. Contact your bank to confirm your account can accept EFT payments.
- Portal not saving changes — Try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser. If the issue continues, contact SASSA.
If you experience ongoing problems, contact SASSA at 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm) or via WhatsApp at 082 046 8553. Visit our SASSA contact information page for all available channels.
Savings Account vs Current Account
Many beneficiaries wonder whether SASSA pays into savings or current accounts. The answer is both. SASSA accepts either account type.
- Savings account — Usually has lower monthly fees. Good for receiving your grant and withdrawing when needed.
- Current (cheque) account — May have higher fees but offers more transaction options like debit orders.
For most SASSA beneficiaries, a savings account is the better choice because it has lower fees. Banks like Capitec, TymeBank, and Postbank offer savings accounts with very low or zero monthly charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my SASSA bank account online?
Yes, but only for the SRD grant. Log in to srd.sassa.gov.za and update your banking details. For other grants, visit a SASSA office. For more details, read our guide on how to update SASSA banking details.
How long before my new bank account receives SASSA payments?
It takes 1 to 2 payment cycles. You may receive one more payment in your old account before the switch completes. Keep your old account open until then.
Can I switch from Post Office cash to a bank account?
Yes. You can change your payment method from Post Office cash collection to direct bank deposit. Update your banking details on the SRD portal or visit a SASSA office.
What happens if I enter the wrong account number?
The payment may fail or go to the wrong account. Log in to the SRD portal and correct it as soon as possible. If the payment was sent to a wrong account, contact both SASSA and your bank immediately.
Does SASSA accept TymeBank and Capitec accounts?
Yes. SASSA accepts accounts from all major South African banks, including TymeBank, Capitec, FNB, Absa, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Postbank, African Bank, and Discovery Bank.
Changing your bank account is a common part of SASSA account management. Take your time to enter the correct details, keep your old account open during the transition, and verify the change with a status check after updating.