South Africa’s ATM Withdrawals – From May 30, 2025, South Africans will begin paying higher ATM withdrawal fees, as several major banks have revised their transaction charges in response to rising operational costs and regulatory changes. The updates affect not only standard ATM transactions but also interbank withdrawals, where users withdraw money from a bank other than their own.
These changes could particularly impact low-income earners, grant recipients, and those who rely on physical cash withdrawals. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the new ATM fee structures, affected banks, and how to minimize costs.
Why South Africa’s ATM Withdrawals Fees Are Increasing?
The increase in ATM transaction charges is part of an annual review by South African banks, typically conducted in line with inflation, infrastructure costs, and interbank agreements. This year, banks are also factoring in the higher cost of cash handling and digital fraud prevention.
Key reasons for the fee hike include:
- Maintenance and security upgrades at ATMs
- Cross-bank network usage charges
- Increased operational expenses
- Greater emphasis on promoting digital banking
Impact groups include:
- SASSA grant beneficiaries
- Pensioners and rural residents
- Small businesses that use cash
- Low-income workers who withdraw small amounts frequently
New ATM Withdrawal Fees by Bank (Effective May 30, 2025)
Here’s a comparison of ATM withdrawal fees charged by leading South African banks:
| Bank | Own ATM Withdrawal Fee | Other Bank ATM Fee | International ATM Fee | Balance Enquiry Fee | Mini Statement Fee | Daily Withdrawal Limit | Cash Deposit Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABSA | R8.00 per R1,000 | R12.50 + R2.00/1000 | R75 + 2.75% of amount | R3.00 | R6.00 | R5,000/day | R1.50 per R100 |
| FNB | R7.50 per R1,000 | R10.95 + R2.20/100 | R65 + 2.75% of amount | R1.60 | R5.00 | R4,000/day | Free up to R500 |
| Standard Bank | R9.00 flat fee | R11.00 + R1.75/100 | R70 + 2.5% of amount | R2.50 | R5.50 | R6,000/day | R1.25 per R100 |
| Nedbank | R8.00 flat | R12.00 + R2/100 | R70 + 2.75% of amount | R2.00 | R6.50 | R5,000/day | R1.20 per R100 |
| Capitec | R6.50 per R1,000 | R9.75 + R1.50/1000 | R65 + 2.5% of amount | R1.00 | R3.00 | R3,000/day | Free at Capitec ATMs |
Note: Fees listed are for standard personal accounts and may vary depending on account type or usage tier.
Ways to Reduce ATM Charges in South Africa
- Use your own bank’s ATM to avoid interbank charges.
- Withdraw larger sums less frequently instead of many small withdrawals.
- Use cash-back at retailers like Pick n Pay, Checkers, or Spar.
- Switch to digital or card-based payments for groceries, utilities, and transport.
- Check for zero-fee withdrawal options under SASSA, child grants, or pension support.
How These Changes Affect SASSA and Grant Recipients
SASSA grant recipients who use Postbank cards or withdraw from other banks’ ATMs will need to pay closer attention to deductions and charges.
Important details for grant beneficiaries:
- SASSA/Postbank ATMs may offer limited fee-free withdrawals
- Using other bank ATMs may incur R10 to R15 per transaction
- SASSA advises checking balances via USSD or App to avoid fees
- Beneficiaries should ensure they withdraw only when necessary to limit charges
FAQs – South Africa’s ATM Withdrawals
Q1. Will all banks apply these fee increases from May 30?
Yes, most banks confirmed fee changes will reflect in their updated fee schedules effective May 30, 2025.
Q2. Are SASSA beneficiaries exempted from these charges?
Only under specific conditions — such as using Postbank ATMs or making withdrawals at selected retailers offering free services.
Q3. How can I check the fees for my specific account?
Visit your bank’s official website or check your monthly account statement for the latest fee guide.
Q4. Are there penalties for multiple withdrawals in a day?
There are no penalties, but cumulative fees add up quickly, especially when withdrawing from third-party ATMs.
Q5. Can I avoid these fees completely?
You can avoid fees by opting for digital transactions, bank app transfers, and in-store purchases using your card.
Contact Details for Bank-Specific Fee Queries
| Bank | Customer Service Number | Website |
|---|---|---|
| ABSA | 08600 08600 | https://www.absa.co.za/ |
| FNB | 087 575 9404 | https://www.fnb.co.za/ |
| Standard Bank | 0860 123 000 | https://www.standardbank.co.za/ |
| Nedbank | 0800 555 111 | https://www.nedbank.co.za/ |
| Capitec | 0860 10 20 43 | https://www.capitecbank.co.za/ |
| SASSA | 0800 60 10 11 | https://www.sassa.gov.za/ |
Conclusion – South Africa’s ATM Withdrawals
With the new ATM withdrawal fee structure rolling out from May 30, South Africans need to adjust their cash handling habits and banking methods. Being informed about your bank’s specific charges and taking proactive steps to reduce unnecessary ATM visits can help you save money each month. As always, consider exploring digital banking options or planning cash use more strategically.