You can change your SASSA SRD banking details online at srd.sassa.gov.za, by phone, or in person at a SASSA office. After updating, SASSA verifies the new account over 3–7 working days. Once verified, all future payments go to the new account.
Important deadline: Submit your banking details change at least 10 working days before your next payment date to avoid missing a payment cycle. If verification is not complete by the time SASSA processes payments, your grant may be held until the following month.
What Banking Details Can You Update?
| Detail | Can Update? |
|---|
| Bank name | Yes |
| Account number | Yes |
| Account type (savings / cheque) | Yes |
| Switch from bank account to Postbank card | Yes |
| Switch from Postbank card to bank account | Yes |
| Switch to cash send / money transfer | Yes |
The account must be in your own name as it appears on your ID document. SASSA verifies that the account holder name exactly matches your ID — you cannot use a family member’s, partner’s, or friend’s account, even with their permission.
Method 1: Change Banking Details Online at srd.sassa.gov.za
The fastest method. Works on any phone or computer with internet access.
Step 1: Open srd.sassa.gov.za on your phone or computer.
Step 2: Log in with your 13-digit ID number and the OTP sent to your registered phone number.
Step 3: Select “Update Banking Details” from your dashboard menu.
Step 4: Enter your new bank details:
- Bank name (select from the dropdown list)
- Account number
- Account type (savings or cheque)
Step 5: Click Submit. SASSA sends your details for verification automatically.
Step 6: Wait 3–7 working days for verification. Your status shows “Bank Details Pending” during this period.
Step 7: Once verified, your next SRD payment deposits into the new account.
Do not submit multiple changes in a short period. Repeated changes can trigger a fraud flag, causing additional delays. Make the change once and wait for verification to complete before making any further updates.
Method 2: Change Banking Details by Phone or at a SASSA Office
If you cannot access the internet or the Moya app, you have two additional options.
By Phone
Call the SASSA toll-free helpline: 0800 60 10 11 (free from all networks, Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00). A SASSA agent will guide you through the process. Have your ID document and new bank account details ready before you call.
At a SASSA Office
Visit your nearest SASSA office and bring:
- Your original South African ID document (green ID book or smart ID card)
- Proof of your new bank account — a bank-stamped letter, a recent statement, or a bank card in your name
- Your phone (for OTP verification)
A SASSA official will update the details on your behalf. This option is recommended if the online portal is not accepting your submission or if your identity verification has previously failed.
Find your nearest office at sassa.gov.za or see our SASSA offices guide.
What Counts as Proof of Bank Account?
When visiting a SASSA office to change banking details in person, you need to bring proof that the bank account exists and belongs to you. SASSA accepts the following documents:
| Document | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|
| Bank-stamped letter | Yes — preferred | Ask your bank to stamp and date it |
| Bank statement (last 3 months) | Yes | Must show your full name and account number |
| Bank card in your name | Yes | Combined with a statement for best results |
| Screenshot of banking app | No | Not accepted — must be printed or official |
| Letter from relative | No | Account must be in your name only |
The document must clearly show:
- Your full name as it appears on your ID
- Your account number
- The bank name
If your name on the bank account differs slightly from your ID (e.g., maiden name vs married name), you will need additional documentation such as a marriage certificate.
Which Banks Are Accepted by SASSA SRD?
All major South African banks are accepted:
| Bank | Notes |
|---|
| Capitec Bank | Most commonly used by SRD recipients |
| FNB (First National Bank) | All account types accepted |
| Nedbank | All account types accepted |
| Standard Bank | All account types accepted |
| ABSA | All account types accepted |
| TymeBank | Fully accepted — see TymeBank guide |
| African Bank | Accepted |
| Postbank | SASSA’s own card — default if you have no bank account |
The account must be a standard savings or cheque account. Credit cards, loan accounts, and accounts registered in someone else’s name are not accepted.
Bank Branch Codes Reference
When completing your banking details — especially at older SASSA terminals or in-person visits — you may need to enter your bank’s branch code. These are the universal branch codes for each major bank:
| Bank | Universal Branch Code |
|---|
| Capitec Bank | 470010 |
| FNB (First National Bank) | 250655 |
| Nedbank | 198765 |
| Standard Bank | 051001 |
| ABSA | 632005 |
| TymeBank | 678910 |
| African Bank | 430000 |
| Postbank | 460005 |
| Bidvest Bank | 462005 |
Online portal: srd.sassa.gov.za typically only asks you to select your bank from a dropdown — no branch code is needed. Branch codes are mainly required for older-format paper forms or third-party payment systems.
Capitec — A Free Alternative to TymeBank
Capitec is the most widely used bank among SRD recipients in South Africa. Like TymeBank, it has no monthly fees on the basic Global One account, and branches are available in most towns and townships.
To open a free Capitec Global One account:
- Visit any Capitec branch with your original ID document
- No minimum deposit is required
- Your account is opened on the same day
- You receive your Capitec card immediately
Once you have your account number, update your banking details at srd.sassa.gov.za. Select “Capitec Bank” from the dropdown, enter your account number, and choose “Savings” as the account type.
Capitec does have physical branches (unlike TymeBank’s kiosk model), which can be more convenient if you need in-person assistance. For purely digital, no-branch opening, TymeBank remains the easier option — see our TymeBank SASSA guide.
TymeBank — A Free Option for SRD Recipients
TymeBank accounts are fully accepted for SASSA SRD payments and are free to open. You can open one at a self-service kiosk inside Pick n Pay and Boxer stores — no paperwork or branch visit needed.
Many SRD recipients use TymeBank because:
- The account is free with no monthly fees
- The kiosks are available in most towns and townships
- Your SASSA payment deposits directly like any other bank
See the full TymeBank SASSA guide for step-by-step instructions.
Cash Send / Money Transfer Option
Instead of a bank account, you can receive your SRD grant as a cash send or money transfer to your cell phone number. To use this option:
- Your phone number must be RICA-registered in your own name
- The number must match the phone number on your SASSA application
- You collect the cash at participating retailers using your ID and a PIN sent to your phone
To switch to cash send, select this option when updating your payment method at srd.sassa.gov.za. Note that cash send fees may apply at some collection points.
Changing Banking Details for Other SASSA Grants
The online srd.sassa.gov.za portal is only for SRD R370 grant recipients. If you receive a different SASSA grant — Older Persons, Disability, Child Support, Foster Child, or Care Dependency — the process is different.
For Older Persons, Disability, and Care Dependency Grants
Banking detail changes must be done in person at your nearest SASSA office. There is no online portal for these grants. Bring:
- Your original ID document
- Proof of your new bank account (bank-stamped letter or recent statement)
- Your SASSA card (if you have one)
Processing time after a SASSA office visit is typically 5–10 working days. Your next payment will go to the new account once the update is confirmed.
For Child Support Grant
The Child Support Grant is also changed in person at a SASSA office. The caregiver (person who receives the grant on behalf of the child) must visit with:
- Their own original ID document
- The child’s birth certificate
- Proof of the new bank account in the caregiver’s name
If there is a change in caregiver (e.g., the child moves to a different household), a full change-of-caregiver process is required, not just a banking detail update.
Key Difference: SRD vs Other Grants
| Grant Type | Change Method | Processing Time |
|---|
| SRD R370 | Online (srd.sassa.gov.za) or SASSA office | 3–7 working days |
| Older Persons Grant | SASSA office only | 5–10 working days |
| Disability Grant | SASSA office only | 5–10 working days |
| Child Support Grant | SASSA office only | 5–10 working days |
| Care Dependency Grant | SASSA office only | 5–10 working days |
Can You Change Banking Details If Your Status Is Pending or Declined?
If your status is Pending: Yes, you can still update your banking details at srd.sassa.gov.za. The change will be queued and will apply once your application is approved and a payment is processed.
If your status is Declined: You can update your banking details, but this will not reverse a Declined decision. A Declined status is based on your eligibility (income, other grants, UIF), not your payment method. If you believe your Declined status is incorrect, you need to appeal at srd.sassa.gov.za.
If your status is Approved: Banking details changes take effect from the next payment cycle after verification completes. Your current month’s payment may still go to the old account if the change is too close to the payment date.
How Many Times Can You Change Banking Details?
SASSA does not publish a fixed annual limit on banking detail changes for the SRD grant. However:
- Frequent changes (more than once every 3 months) can trigger a fraud review flag, which delays processing
- Each change resets the 3–7 working day verification window
- If multiple changes are submitted before the first one verifies, it can cause overlapping verification requests and longer delays
Best practice: Only change your banking details when genuinely necessary. Make one change, wait for it to verify, and confirm your next payment landed correctly before making any further updates.
What to Do After Verification Passes
Once your status changes from “Bank Details Pending” back to “Approved” (or your normal approved state), verification is complete. Here is how to confirm your payment reached the correct account:
- Check your status at srd.sassa.gov.za — it should show “Approved” with a payment date
- Wait for your payment date — the first payment will go to the new account on your next approved payment date
- Confirm receipt — check your new bank account on or after your payment date
- If payment did not arrive: Wait 1 full business day (processing can take until end of day), then call 0800 60 10 11
If your payment went to the old account after verification passed, contact SASSA immediately. Payments sent to the wrong account after a verified update are a known edge case — SASSA will trace and redirect the funds, but this can take 7–14 working days.
What If You No Longer Have Access to Your Registered Phone?
The online banking details update requires an OTP sent to your registered phone number. If you no longer have access to that number, you cannot complete the update online.
In this situation, you have two options:
- Change your phone number first at srd.sassa.gov.za (requires the old number for OTP — see our change phone number guide for what to do if you no longer have the old SIM)
- Visit a SASSA office in person — office staff can verify your identity with your ID document and update both your phone number and banking details without requiring an OTP
Do not attempt to use someone else’s number to receive the OTP. SASSA’s system matches the OTP request to your registered number — using a different number will fail.
Payment Deadline — When to Update Your Details
SASSA processes grant payments on a fixed monthly cycle. If your banking details change is still being verified when payments are processed, your grant for that month may be held or delayed.
| Action | Timing |
|---|
| Ideal submission | 10+ working days before payment date |
| Minimum safe window | 7 working days before payment date |
| Changes submitted after cutoff | May only reflect in the following month’s payment |
Check your payment date at srd.sassa.gov.za before submitting a change. For the current month’s dates, see our SASSA payment dates page.
What Happens During the 3–7 Day Verification Period?
During verification SASSA confirms three things:
- The account number exists at the named bank
- The account is registered in your name (matches your ID exactly)
- The account is active and able to receive deposits
While verification is in progress:
- Your status shows “Bank Details Pending”
- No payment goes to the old or new account during this window
- Once verification passes, the next payment goes to the new account
What If Verification Fails or Is Still Pending on Payment Day?
If verification is still pending on payment day: Your grant is typically held and will be paid once verification completes and the next payment batch runs. You do not lose the money — it is held until your details are confirmed.
If verification fails (wrong account number, name mismatch, inactive account): Your status reverts and you need to submit corrected details. A failed verification does not block future attempts — you can update again immediately.
Most common verification failure reasons:
- Account registered in a nickname or maiden name (must match ID exactly)
- Savings account number entered but cheque account selected (or vice versa)
- Account closed or dormant
- Branch code error on older account formats
Troubleshooting — Banking Details Change Not Working
| Problem | Solution |
|---|
| ”Bank Details Pending” for more than 7 working days | Call SASSA: 0800 60 10 11 |
| Name mismatch error | Account must be in your exact legal name as on your ID |
| Account rejected | Confirm it is savings or cheque — not credit or loan |
| Relative’s account not accepted | Open a free Capitec or TymeBank account in your own name |
| Cannot log in to get OTP | See change phone number guide |
| Payment not received after verification passed | Allow 1 full business day; then call 0800 60 10 11 |
| srd.sassa.gov.za is down | Try again early morning (before 8am) or visit a SASSA office |
Scam Warning — Protect Your Banking Details
SASSA will never contact you first by phone, SMS, or WhatsApp to ask you to update your banking details. If someone contacts you claiming to be SASSA and asking for your ID number, account number, or OTP — it is a scam.
How scams work:
- Scammers build fake websites that look identical to srd.sassa.gov.za
- They send SMS or WhatsApp messages with fake “update your details” links
- They call beneficiaries and ask for banking information to “process a payment”
How to protect yourself:
- Only update banking details at srd.sassa.gov.za (check the URL carefully) or in person at a SASSA office
- Never share your OTP with anyone — not even someone claiming to be a SASSA agent
- Never pay a fee to update your banking details — SASSA updates are always free
- If you received a suspicious call or message, report it to SASSA at 0800 60 10 11
See our SASSA scam warning guide for more examples and how to report fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a SASSA banking details change take?
3–7 working days from the date you submit. During this time your status shows “Bank Details Pending.” Once SASSA verifies the account, your next payment goes to the new account. To avoid missing a payment, submit your change at least 10 working days before your payment date.
Can I use a family member’s account for SASSA?
No. SASSA verifies the account holder name against your ID document. The account must be registered in your exact legal name. Using someone else’s account will fail verification every time. Open a free Capitec or TymeBank account in your own name instead.
Can I change to TymeBank for SASSA SRD?
Yes. TymeBank is fully accepted for SASSA SRD payments. Open a free account at a Pick n Pay or Boxer kiosk, then update your banking details at srd.sassa.gov.za. See our TymeBank guide for the exact steps.
What if I enter wrong banking details?
SASSA’s verification will fail and your status will revert. You can submit corrected details immediately — a failed attempt does not block future updates. Allow another 3–7 working days for the new submission to verify.
Can I collect at a SASSA pay point instead of a bank account?
Yes. Switch to Postbank as your payment method to collect from SASSA pay points (Post Offices) on your designated payment day. Update your payment method at srd.sassa.gov.za to Postbank/SASSA card.
What happens if my banking details are still pending on my payment date?
Your payment is held and released once verification completes. You do not lose the money. However, this may push your payment to the following cycle. Submit changes at least 10 working days before your payment date to avoid this.
Can someone call me to update my SASSA banking details?
No. SASSA will never call you and ask you to provide or update banking details over the phone. If you receive such a call, it is a scam. Hang up and report it to 0800 60 10 11.
Can I change SASSA banking details for the Older Persons or Disability grant online?
No. The srd.sassa.gov.za portal is only for the SRD R370 grant. For the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, and other grants, you must visit your nearest SASSA office in person with your ID and proof of bank account.
How many times can I change my SASSA banking details?
SASSA does not impose a strict annual limit, but changing too frequently (more than once every 3 months) can trigger a fraud review and cause delays. Make one change, wait for verification to complete, and confirm your payment landed correctly before making another change.
What is the Capitec branch code for SASSA?
The Capitec universal branch code is 470010. This may be needed for older forms or in-person SASSA office visits. On srd.sassa.gov.za you only need to select “Capitec Bank” from the dropdown — no branch code entry is required online.