R45 ATM Withdrawal Fee – In a concerning update for millions of South Africans, SASSA grant beneficiaries are now facing a new R45 fee for ATM withdrawals using their SASSA cards. This change has taken many by surprise and could have a serious impact on low-income households relying on monthly grants for survival. With inflation rising and the cost of living hitting hard, every rand counts — and this new fee means less money in hand for those who need it the most. The R45 ATM withdrawal charge is now being applied when SASSA beneficiaries use their gold SASSA/Postbank cards at non-Postbank ATMs. The policy is part of new banking rules introduced recently, but many grant recipients were not adequately informed about the update. As a result, countless people have unknowingly lost part of their grant money to avoidable bank charges. Fortunately, there are simple strategies that can help beneficiaries keep every cent of their SASSA money. In this article, we’ll explain who is affected, when the charges apply, what Postbank and SASSA have said, and most importantly, what you can do to avoid this unnecessary cost. Tables with full charge breakdowns, official timelines, and tips for safer, smarter withdrawals are also provided below. If you’re a SASSA card user, or know someone who is, this guide will help you make informed decisions to protect your grant payments.
What Is the R45 ATM Withdrawal Fee and Who Is Affected?
This section explains the background of the new withdrawal fee and identifies the categories of people most impacted by it.
- The R45 fee applies when using a SASSA/Postbank card at any bank ATM except Postbank.
- This fee is charged per withdrawal, regardless of the amount withdrawn.
- It applies to all types of SASSA grants – Old Age, Child Support, Disability, Foster Care, and SRD R350.
- The policy started becoming effective from mid-July 2025.
- Postbank says the charge is meant to reduce abuse and recover ATM service costs.
- Beneficiaries using SASSA cards at supermarkets or Post Offices are not charged this fee.
Grant Types Impacted by the R45 ATM Withdrawal Fee
Different grant holders will be equally affected if they use the wrong ATMs.
- Old Age Pension Grant
- Disability Grant
- Child Support Grant
- Foster Care Grant
- War Veterans Grant
- Grant-in-Aid
- SRD R350 Grant
Full R45 ATM Withdrawal Fee Breakdown – Where R45 Is Applied
A detailed table showing where the R45 applies, and where it’s still free to withdraw your SASSA money.
| Withdrawal Location | Fee Charged | Free Withdrawal Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postbank ATM | R0 | Yes | Only if using SASSA/Postbank card |
| Shoprite/Checkers tillpoint | R0 | Yes | Requires in-store purchase |
| Boxer tillpoint | R0 | Yes | Available at selected locations |
| Spar tillpoint | R0 | Yes | May vary by region |
| Standard Bank ATM | R45 | No | Full R45 per withdrawal |
| ABSA ATM | R45 | No | Fee applies for every transaction |
| Nedbank ATM | R45 | No | Fee charged even if partial amount withdrawn |
| FNB ATM | R45 | No | No exemptions reported |
Why Is This R45 ATM Withdrawal Fee Being Charged Now?
SASSA and Postbank have issued official responses about this change.
- Postbank claims it’s to prevent abuse by private ATM owners who charge additional handling fees.
- The bank says this aligns with cost-recovery models used globally for financial services.
- According to SASSA, the fee was previously absorbed by the government but will now be passed on.
- Lack of awareness campaigns has led to backlash and panic withdrawals by confused beneficiaries.
Statement by Postbank
Postbank emphasized that the change is “necessary to maintain sustainable grant distribution” and urged people to use retail stores or Postbank channels to avoid charges.
- Postbank ATM: Free
- Non-Postbank ATM: R45 fee
- Supermarket withdrawal: Free with purchase
- Post Office: Still an option, but delays are possible
Simple Ways to Avoid the R45 Fee and Save Your Grant
If you want to receive your full grant without deductions, here are safe, smart tips to help.
- Withdraw only at Postbank ATMs – zero fees, even without purchases.
- Use tillpoints at Shoprite, Checkers, Boxer, Spar – ask for “cash back” at checkout.
- Avoid banks like ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank ATMs – each withdrawal will cost R45.
- Switch to bank account payments if you’re eligible and use fee-free debit cards.
- Do not withdraw in multiple small amounts – it multiplies the fee.
Comparison: Safe vs Risky Withdrawal Methods
| Method Used | Fee | Risk Level | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postbank ATM | R0 | Low | Yes |
| Shoprite/Boxer tillpoints | R0 | Low | Yes |
| Post Office | R0 | Medium | Only if nearby |
| ABSA/FNB/Nedbank ATM | R45 | High | No |
| Cash send/mobile withdrawal | Variable | High | No |
Common Mistakes That Lead to Charges
Many grant recipients fall into fee traps unknowingly. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Using the nearest ATM without checking if it’s a Postbank machine.
- Letting a family member withdraw from a bank ATM “for convenience”.
- Assuming Spar, Boxer, or Shoprite ATMs are Postbank-affiliated (they are not).
- Believing small withdrawals (e.g., R100) will result in smaller fees – the R45 applies regardless.
What You Should Always Double-Check
- ATM branding – must show Postbank logo
- Supermarket tillpoint – not the ATM section
- Your card – confirm it is a valid SASSA/Postbank gold card
- Ask staff if unsure – they’re trained to guide grant holders
Future Changes and How to Stay Updated
SASSA and Postbank may revise the rule in coming months, but for now, these steps are necessary.
- Monitor SASSA’s official website and social media.
- Visit your nearest Post Office for printed notices.
- SMS alerts and grant balance checks will soon include fee details.
- Watch for changes especially around payment dates and ATM maintenance.
Key Dates and Resources to Watch
| Update Source | How Often to Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| SASSA Twitter/X | Weekly | Fee announcements, scam alerts |
| Postbank Website | Monthly | Branch info, ATM locations |
| Local newspapers | Monthly | Regional updates, strike warnings |
| Community WhatsApp groups | Ongoing | First-hand tips from other grantees |
Contact Details for SASSA and Postbank
For any confusion, incorrect charges, or help finding free withdrawal points, contact below:
SASSA National Call Centre
Toll-Free: 0800 60 10 11
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
Postbank Customer Service
Phone: 0860 111 502
Email: postbank@postoffice.co.za
Website: www.postbank.co.za
SASSA Regional Office (Head Office)
SASSA House, 501 Prodinsa Building, Pretoria
General Enquiries: 012 400 2322
In-Person Help
Visit your local Post Office or SASSA branch
Bring your ID and SASSA card for assistance
The introduction of the R45 ATM withdrawal fee has created financial strain for many SASSA grant recipients. But with awareness and the right withdrawal habits, this cost can be avoided entirely. Always choose Postbank ATMs or supermarket tillpoints, and spread the word in your community so that no one loses out on their much-needed grant money.
FAQs of R45 ATM Withdrawal Fee
1. Can I still get my full grant without paying the R45 fee?
Yes, if you withdraw only at Postbank ATMs or retailer tillpoints like Shoprite.
2. Is the R45 fee charged every time I withdraw?
Yes, if you use a bank ATM like FNB, ABSA, or Nedbank. It’s R45 per transaction.
3. What if I only withdraw R100 – will the fee still be R45?
Yes. The R45 is a flat fee, regardless of the withdrawal amount.
4. Can I check my balance without being charged?
Yes. Balance inquiries at Postbank ATMs and SASSA channels are still free.
5. Can I switch to a bank account instead of using a SASSA card?
Yes. Visit your SASSA office to request a bank payment option with valid documents.