The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is urging all beneficiaries to replace their SASSA Gold Cards with the newly introduced Postbank Black Cards before the upcoming deadline.
The transition must be completed by March 20, 2025, to ensure uninterrupted access to social grants.
Why Beneficiaries Must Act Now
Earlier this year, SASSA and Postbank announced that the existing gold cards will cease functioning on February 28, 2025.
This means that the last social grant payments using these cards will take place between March 4 and March 6, 2025. Beyond this date, beneficiaries will not be able to use gold cards for any transactions.
New Postbank Black Cards: Features & Benefits
The Postbank Black Cards are designed to enhance the user experience by offering seamless compatibility with the National Payment System.
These cards enable users to complete transactions at ATMs, retail point-of-sale (POS) systems, and other banking channels immediately upon issuance, with no waiting period.
Key Benefits of the Postbank Black Card
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| No waiting period | Cards are active immediately upon issuance. |
| Free card replacement | One free replacement per year. |
| Free withdrawals | Up to three free store withdrawals per month. |
| Free monthly statements | One free over-the-counter statement each month. |
SASSA reassures that switching to the new card will not impact any existing benefits beneficiaries receive with the gold cards.
Upcoming Social Grant Payment Dates
Beneficiaries should prepare for the March 2025 social grant payments, scheduled as follows:
- Tuesday, March 4, 2025 – Old Age Grant
- Wednesday, March 5, 2025 – Disability Grant
- Thursday, March 6, 2025 – Child Grant
Where to Get Your Postbank Black Card
To ease the replacement process, Postbank has expanded its service network by increasing the number of available tellers and adding more collection points nationwide. Beneficiaries can now collect their new Postbank Black Cards at major retailers such as:
- Pick n Pay
- Boxer
- Usave
- Shoprite
- Checkers
- Spar (at 234 additional locations)
How to Locate Your Nearest Card Replacement Site
SASSA has also introduced a shortened USSD number to help beneficiaries find the nearest location to replace their gold cards. Simply:
- Dial 120355# on your phone
- Follow the on-screen prompts
- Get details on the nearest replacement sites
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Beneficiaries who fail to replace their gold cards before March 20, 2025, will still have access to their funds via dedicated Postbank grant accounts.
However, to avoid any payment disruptions, securing a new black card as soon as possible is strongly recommended.
Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe reassured beneficiaries, stating:
“We assure you… everything possible will be done to enable all beneficiaries to access their grant payments after the gold cards are deactivated.”
SASSA Reaffirms Free Services
SASSA also stressed that all its services are free, and there are no charges associated with any transactions or card replacements.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to take advantage of free withdrawals and transactions for improved financial accessibility.
The transition from SASSA Gold Cards to Postbank Black Cards is essential for all beneficiaries to continue receiving their social grants without disruption. With the deadline fast approaching, it is crucial to act now.
To ensure a smooth transition, beneficiaries should:
- Replace their gold cards before March 20, 2025
- Collect their new Postbank Black Card from authorized retailers
- Use the USSD service (120355#) to locate replacement sites
- Avoid waiting until the last minute to complete the process
For more information or assistance, beneficiaries can contact:
- SASSA Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
- Postbank Customer Support: 0800 53 54 55
FAQs
When will SASSA Gold Cards stop working?
Gold Cards will be deactivated on February 28, 2025, meaning they can no longer be used for transactions after this date.
Where can I get my Postbank Black Card?
You can collect your new Postbank Black Card from major retailers like Pick n Pay, Boxer, Usave, Shoprite, Checkers, and Spar.
How can I find the nearest location to replace my gold card?
Dial 120355#, follow the prompts, and you will receive details on the nearest card replacement sites.
Are finger prints being retaken to receive the new card?