Your SASSA gold card will stop working on March 20, 2025. You must get the new Postbank Black Card to keep receiving your grants. The switch is free and takes only a few minutes at your local retailer.
This new card protects your money better than the old gold card. It has fingerprint security and works at all ATMs across South Africa.
What is SASSA Black Card
SASSA Black Card is the new payment card from Postbank that replaces your old gold SASSA card. The card looks different – it’s black instead of gold and has better security features built inside.
Your old gold card had problems with fraud and theft. The new black card fixes these problems with fingerprint checks and special chip technology. You can use it immediately after collecting it from participating retailers.
Postbank made this card specially for SASSA grant beneficiaries. It works the same as your old card but protects your money much better.
SASSA Black Card Features
Biometric Security Protection
Your new black card uses your fingerprint to keep your money safe. This means only you can use your card, even if someone steals it. The old gold cards didn’t have this protection.
When you withdraw money or buy something, the card checks your fingerprint. If it’s not your finger, the card won’t work. This stops criminals from using your card if they get hold of it.
No Monthly Fees
You pay nothing each month to have this card. The old cards sometimes charged fees, but the new black card is completely free to use every month.
You also get these free services:
- One free cash withdrawal at Post Office branches monthly
- Three free withdrawals at shops like Shoprite monthly
- First balance check at ATMs free monthly
- Free mini statement at Post Office monthly
Works Everywhere
Your black card works at every ATM in South Africa, not just specific ones. You can also use it at any shop that takes Visa or Mastercard payments.
The card starts working immediately when you collect it. You don’t wait for activation like some bank cards.
Contactless Payments
Touch your card on the payment machine for small purchases without entering your PIN. This makes buying things faster and easier, especially for amounts under R200.
How to Apply for SASSA Black Card
Documents You Need
Bring your green ID book or smart card ID to collect your black card. If you lost your ID, get a temporary ID certificate from Home Affairs first.
People collecting cards for family members need a SASSA proxy letter plus their own ID. Asylum seekers must bring their official SASSA approval letter.
Find Your Collection Point
Dial *120*218*3# on any phone. Press 1 when it asks you to continue. Choose your province number from the list. You’ll get SMS with nearest collection points.
Most collection happens at these shops:
- Shoprite stores nationwide
- Checkers stores nationwide
- Pick n Pay stores (Gauteng only)
- Boxer stores nationwide
- Usave stores nationwide
Collection Process
Go to your chosen retailer during business hours. Find the Postbank desk inside the store. Show your ID to the Postbank officer.
They’ll give you your new black card for free. Keep your old gold card – they might ask for it. The whole process takes about 10 minutes if there’s no queue.
Card Activation
Take your new card to any Postbank ATM or participating retailer. Put the card in the machine and follow the instructions on screen. Create a 4-digit PIN that only you know.
Never share your PIN with anyone, not even family members. Write it down and keep it safe at home if you struggle to remember numbers.
SASSA Black Card vs Gold Card
| Feature | Gold Card | Black Card |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fees | Sometimes charged | Always free |
| Security | Basic only | Fingerprint + PIN |
| Where it works | Limited ATMs | All ATMs in SA |
| Contactless payments | No | Yes |
| Fraud protection | Weak | Very strong |
| Expires | March 20, 2025 | No expiry planned |
Important Deadlines You Must Know
March 20, 2025 Final Deadline
All gold cards stop working completely on March 20, 2025. This date won’t change again. After this date, you cannot use your gold card anywhere.
If you don’t get your black card by then, you must go to Post Office branches to collect your grant money. This is much more difficult than using ATMs.
Your Grants Continue
SASSA will still pay your grants even if you miss the deadline. But you’ll only access your money at Post Office branches, not ATMs or shops.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Shops get very busy closer to the deadline, and you might wait in long queues.
Protect Yourself from Black Card Scams
Never Give Your Card to Strangers
Criminals come to people’s homes pretending to be SASSA or Postbank officials. They say your card needs “fixing” and ask for your card and PIN.
Real SASSA and Postbank workers never visit homes to collect cards. They never ask for your PIN. Only give your card to official staff at registered collection points.
Only Collect Cards from Registered Places
Get your card only from official retailers like Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer, or Usave. Don’t trust people offering cards at taxi ranks or markets.
Use the *120*218*3# number to find real collection points. Fake collection points can steal your personal information.
Keep Your PIN Secret
Never tell anyone your PIN, even if they claim to help you. SASSA staff, bank workers, and police never need to know your PIN.
If someone asks for your PIN, they’re trying to steal your money. Walk away and report them to the police.
Why SASSA Changed from Gold to Black Cards
Gold Cards Had Too Many Problems
The old gold cards were easy for criminals to copy and use. Many beneficiaries lost money through fraud and illegal withdrawals.
Technical problems also made gold cards stop working at certain ATMs. This left people without access to their grant money when they needed it most.
Black Cards Solve These Problems
The new cards use modern technology that’s much harder for criminals to break. The fingerprint security means only you can use your card.
Better chip technology makes the cards work at more places. You have more options for withdrawing money and making purchases.
Special Help for Vulnerable Beneficiaries
Home Visits for Sick People
If you’re too sick to travel or bedridden, Postbank can bring your card to your home. Contact your local SASSA office to arrange a home visit.
This service helps elderly people and those with disabilities who can’t get to collection points. Family members can also arrange home visits for their relatives.
Mobile Units for Rural Areas
Postbank sends mobile units to rural areas where there are no participating retailers. These units visit small towns and villages on specific dates.
Check with your local SASSA office for mobile unit schedules in your area. They usually announce visits on local radio stations.
What Happens if You Lose Your Black Card
Block Your Card Immediately
Phone Postbank on 0800 53 54 55 as soon as you notice your card is missing. They’ll block it immediately so nobody can use it.
Don’t wait to see if you can find the card. Block it first, then look for it. If you find it later, they can unblock it for you.
Get a Replacement Card
Visit any Postbank branch with your ID to get a new card. The first replacement each year is free. You’ll need to create a new PIN for the replacement card.
Keep your card safe by not carrying it unnecessarily. Only take it when you plan to withdraw money or make purchases.
How Does SASSA Status Check Work with Black Cards
Check Your Payment Status
You can still check your SRD status online using the same methods as before. Your new black card doesn’t change how you track payments.
Use your ID number and phone number to check when your next payment will be available. The status check system works the same for both gold and black card users.
Payment Dates Stay the Same
Your SASSA payment dates don’t change when you switch cards. You still get paid on the same dates each month.
The only difference is that you’ll use your new black card to withdraw the money instead of your old gold card.
Common Problems with SASSA Black Card Applications
Long Queues at Collection Points
Many people wait until the last minute to get their cards. This creates long queues at popular retailers like Shoprite and Checkers.
Go early in the morning or try smaller Usave or Boxer stores. These places often have shorter queues than the big retailers.
Temporary ID Problems
Some collection points don’t accept temporary IDs even though they should. If this happens, ask to speak to a manager or try a different retailer.
Always carry your temporary ID certificate, not just the receipt. The certificate is the official document that proves your identity.
Rural Access Issues
People in rural areas struggle to reach collection points because most are in towns and cities. Mobile units help, but they don’t visit every village.
Ask family members in towns to collect your card if you have a proxy letter from SASSA. This saves you the cost and time of traveling to town.
When to Get Help with Your Black Card
Card Not Working at ATMs
If your new card doesn’t work at ATMs, check that you’ve activated it properly. Go back to a Postbank ATM and try the activation process again.
Sometimes the magnetic strip gets damaged. Take your card to a Postbank branch for them to check if it needs replacement.
Forgotten PIN Problems
If you forget your PIN, go to any Post Office branch for a free PIN reset. Bring your ID and your black card. They’ll help you create a new PIN.
You can also get PIN resets at SASSA offices, but Post Offices are usually faster and have shorter queues.
Balance and Transaction Problems
If your balance looks wrong or you see transactions you didn’t make, contact Postbank immediately on 0800 53 54 55 . They’ll investigate and help fix the problem.
Keep receipts from all your transactions to help prove which withdrawals and purchases you actually made.
Can You Still Use Gold Cards After the Deadline
No, gold cards become completely useless after March 20, 2025. The cards won’t work at any ATM, shop, or Post Office branch after this date.
Even if your gold card shows an expiry date in 2026 or later, it will still stop working on March 20, 2025. The deadline applies to all gold cards regardless of what’s printed on them.
You cannot extend this deadline or get special permission to keep using your gold card. Every beneficiary must switch to the black card to keep accessing their grants easily.
Why Some People Avoid Getting Black Cards
Fear of New Technology
Some elderly beneficiaries worry about fingerprint scanners and new security features. They think the new cards are too complicated to use.
The black card actually works exactly like the old gold card for basic transactions. You still put it in the ATM, enter your PIN, and withdraw money the same way.
Worried About Traveling to Collection Points
People in rural areas worry about the cost and time needed to travel to retailers in towns. They think it’s too expensive or difficult.
Remember that mobile units visit rural areas, and family members can collect cards with proper authorization. You don’t always have to travel yourself.
Scared of Scams and Fraud
Some people heard about scams and now don’t trust anyone offering to help with cards. This fear stops them from getting legitimate help at official collection points.
Only trust collection points you find using the *120*218*3# USSD code. Don’t trust people who approach you at home or in public places.
What to Do if Collection Points Are Closed
Try Different Retailers
If Shoprite is closed or too busy, try Checkers, Boxer, or Usave. Not all retailers are busy at the same times.
Some smaller Boxer and Usave stores have shorter queues than big Shoprite and Checkers stores. Ask around your area to find which places are less busy.
Check Operating Hours
Collection points operate during normal shop hours, usually 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays. Some close earlier on Saturdays and most are closed on Sundays.
Call the store first to check if their Postbank desk is operating that day. Sometimes the Postbank officer is sick or the system is down for maintenance.
Ask About Mobile Units
Contact your local SASSA office to ask when mobile units will visit your area. They often visit monthly or quarterly depending on how rural your location is.
Mobile units usually park at community halls, churches, or schools. Local councillors and traditional leaders often know the schedules.
How Black Cards Help with SRD R370 Grants
Same Payment Process
Your SRD R370 grant payments work exactly the same with the black card as they did with the gold card. You still need to check your SRD status regularly.
The card doesn’t change your approval status or payment dates. It just gives you a safer way to access your money once it’s paid.
Better Security for Small Amounts
Many SRD beneficiaries are young people who use ATMs frequently. The black card’s security features protect these small but important payments better.
Contactless payments also make it easier to buy airtime, food, and other essentials without always needing to enter your PIN.
How to Help Family Members Get Black Cards
Collecting Cards for Others
You can collect cards for family members if you have a SASSA proxy letter and your own ID. The proxy letter must be official – you get it from SASSA offices.
Don’t try to collect someone else’s card without proper authorization. Collection points will refuse to give you the card, and you might get in trouble.
Helping Elderly Relatives
Many elderly people need help understanding the new card system. Explain that the black card works the same as the old card for basic transactions.
Offer to accompany them to collection points or help them arrange home visits if they’re too sick to travel.
Teaching Card Safety
Help family members understand how to keep their cards and PINs safe. Make sure they know never to give their PIN to anyone, including family.
Teach them to block their cards immediately if they lose them. Write down the Postbank number 0800 53 54 55 and keep it somewhere safe at home.
Where Will You Use Your Black Card Most
ATM Withdrawals
Most beneficiaries use their cards primarily for ATM withdrawals. The black card works at all ATMs in South Africa, giving you more options than the gold card.
Standard ATM fees still apply, but you get your first balance inquiry free each month. Check your balance before withdrawing to avoid overdraft problems.
Shop Purchases
You can use your black card to buy groceries, clothes, and other items at shops that accept card payments. This is safer than carrying large amounts of cash.
Remember that contactless payments work for purchases under R200. Just tap your card on the payment machine without entering your PIN.
Post Office Services
Post Offices remain important for many beneficiaries, especially in rural areas. Your black card works at all Post Office branches for withdrawals and balance checks.
You also get free services at Post Offices, including mini statements and PIN resets when needed.
FAQs about SASSA Black Card
How much does the SASSA Black Card cost to get?
Getting your SASSA Black Card is completely free. You don’t pay anything to collect it from retailers like Shoprite, Checkers, or Pick n Pay. There are also no monthly fees to keep the card.
Can I still get a Black Card after March 20, 2025 deadline?
Yes, you can still apply for and collect your Black Card after March 20, 2025. The deadline only means your gold card stops working, not that you can’t get a new card. However, you’ll have to visit Post Office branches to access your money until you get the black card.
What happens to my grant money if I don’t get the Black Card?
Your grants will continue being paid as usual even if you don’t get the black card. However, you’ll only be able to access your money at Post Office branches, not at ATMs or shops. This makes it much less convenient to get your money.
Can someone else collect my SASSA Black Card for me?
Yes, but they need an official SASSA proxy letter and their own ID. You get the proxy letter from your nearest SASSA office. The person collecting must show both documents at the collection point.
Why is SASSA forcing everyone to change from gold to black cards?
The old gold cards had serious security problems that made it easy for criminals to steal beneficiaries’ money. The new black cards have fingerprint security and better chip technology that protects your money much better.
What should I do if my Black Card gets stolen or lost?
Phone Postbank immediately on 0800 53 54 55 to block your card so nobody can use it. Then visit any Postbank branch with your ID to get a replacement card. The first replacement each year is free.
Can I use my Black Card to check my SASSA payment status?
No, the card itself doesn’t show your payment status. You still need to use the online system at srd.sassa.gov.za or phone SASSA to check when your next payment will be available. The card is only for accessing money that’s already been paid.
Will my SASSA payment dates change with the new Black Card?
No, your payment dates stay exactly the same. The new card doesn’t change when you get paid, only how you access the money once it’s been deposited.
Conclusion
Getting your SASSA Black Card before March 20, 2025 is not optional – it’s essential. Your old gold card will stop working completely after this date, leaving you with limited options to access your grants.
The switch is free and takes only minutes at participating retailers. Use *120*218*3# to find your nearest collection point and go as soon as possible to avoid last-minute queues.
Your new black card offers better security, no monthly fees, and works everywhere in South Africa. Don’t let fear or delays prevent you from getting this important upgrade to protect your grant money.
