Buy Airtime With Your SASSA Card

Buying airtime for your cell phone might seem complicated, especially if you’re not used to using technology.

If you receive your SASSA grant payments, you can easily top up your airtime using your SASSA card.

All you need is your phone and your bank’s special app.

This guide will break down exactly how to buy airtime using your SASSA card in simple, easy-to-follow steps.

Let me show you how this is done:

What you need to know before we start:

SASSA Card: This is the special card the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gives you to receive your social grant payments.
Your Bank: Your SASSA card works like a normal bank card, so it’s linked to a specific bank. You might have gotten it from the Post Office, but it’s actually connected to one of the bigger banks.
Airtime: This is the “minutes” you use to make calls or send SMSs on your cell phone.
Mobile Banking App: This is a special program (like a little website) you download to your phone to do banking without going to the branch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buy Airtime with SASSA Card

Step 1: Make Sure You Have Internet

Your phone needs to be connected to the internet to use the banking app. If you use WiFi, check it’s working.

If you use data, make sure you have enough data loaded.

Step 2: Find the Right App

Find out the name of your bank linked to your SASSA card. If you’re not sure, call the SASSA helpline or ask at a Post Office.

Go to your phone’s app store (Play Store for Androids, App Store for iPhones).

Search for your bank’s name and the words “mobile banking app”. (Examples: “FNB banking app”, “Capitec banking app”)

Download the official app for your bank.

Step 3: Get Signed Up on the App

Open the app once it’s downloaded.
It will ask you to create a new account if this is your first time using it.
Carefully fill in your details: name, ID number, phone number, and create a password you’ll remember.

Step 4: Link Your SASSA Card to the App

Look for an option called “Link Card” or “Add Card” in the app’s menu.

Fill in your SASSA card number, the expiry date printed on the card, and the CVV number (that’s the 3-digit code on the back).

Step 5: Find Where to Buy Airtime

Each bank’s app looks a bit different, but look for words like “Buy”, “Pay”, “Recharge” or “Airtime”.

Tap on the right option.

Step 6: Select Your Airtime Amount

Choose the amount of airtime you want to buy. There might be ready-made bundles (like R50 airtime) or you can put in your own amount.

Enter the cell phone number that you want the airtime to go to.

Step 7: Double-Check and Pay

VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure the amount of airtime and the cellphone number are correct.

The app will ask for your banking PIN or to scan your fingerprint to confirm you want to pay.

Step 8: Hooray! You Did It

You should get an SMS saying you bought airtime.

To double-check, dial a special code on your phone to see your balance:

Important Things to Remember

Your bank might charge a small fee for buying airtime through their app.

Keep your banking PIN safe and NEVER share it with anyone.

If you’re stuck, call your bank’s help number or visit a branch for assistance.