SASSA has made an official announcement regarding the deactivation of Gold Cards. Consequently, there will be no more functioning in ATMs, stores or Post Office branches using those cards. Such a situation will greatly affect the millions of beneficiaries who use the Gold Card for receiving social grants like the old age pension, disability, and child support. So, a quick move on their part is necessary to avoid any payment interruptions.
This is a part of the whole modernization and security check process which will result in the transition of beneficiaries from the old Gold Card way of getting paid to the new and more flexible ways of getting paid.
What is the Reason for Phasing out the Gold Cards?
Gold Cards have been the only method for granting payments through Postbank for years, they are now considered old-fashioned. The key reasons for pulling them off the market are to curb fraud, improve security and offer the customer more choices on how they can get and spend their money.
Besides, SASSA is shifting towards payment methods like personal bank accounts or new Postbank-issued Black Cards which come with a wider range of banking functions plus strengthened safeguards.
Deactivation Schedule & Consequences of Not Switching
The entire Gold Cards will be taken out of service on 20 March 2025, irrespective of the expiry date mentioned on them. After that date, the beneficiaries will not be able to make card-based transactions even with loaded funds.
In case you don’t change your payment method by the deadline, your monthly grant payments may be suspended or delayed indefinitely until you eventually switch over.
Some previous proposals anticipated the deactivation date to be February 28, 2025, but the date was shifted to March to provide beneficiaries with more time.
How to Change to the New Payment Method
Beneficiaries are required to present a valid ID, Gold Card, and proof of residence when they visit a SASSA office or Postbank service point. These are the options available:
- Receive a Postbank Black Card instead of Gold Card
- Open your own bank account (the bank must be in your name and active)
There should not be any charge and the whole process should be quite easy to follow. The new method of payment will be activated immediately after your details are updated.
What Payment Alternatives Will You Have?
The transition will permit beneficiaries to take their grants in several ways:
- Postbank Black Card for ATM and retail access
- Direct deposit into personal bank accounts
- Cash collection points (particularly in areas without banking access)
These options will keep grant payments repeatedly accessible even after the Gold Cards are no longer in use.
Also Read: SASSA Child Grant 2025 Update: New Payment Amounts And Eligibility Rules Revealed