Postbank urges SASSA beneficiaries to replace gold cards before August deadline

Postbank has announced the start of the long-awaited replacement of SASSA Gold Card with new Black Cards, urging beneficiaries to act before the 31 August 2026 deadline.

The rollout will officially begin on 29 April 2026 as part of Postbank’s broader card migration programme, which started in September 2024. This phase targets social grant beneficiaries who are still using Gold Cards.

Postbank has warned that Gold Cards will stop working after the deadline. Beneficiaries who have not switched to the new Postbank Black Card by then will not be able to access their grant payments.

Those who have already migrated to Black Cards do not need to take any further action. Their cards remain valid and offer benefits such as three free withdrawals, one free card replacement, and a free monthly statement. The accounts are also protected against unauthorised deductions and safeguard personal information.

Postbank Chief Commercial Officer Thamsanqa Cele has urged beneficiaries not to delay. He emphasised that the deadline will not be extended and warned that failure to migrate in time could result in interrupted grant payments.

Black Cards can be collected for free at Postbank service points located in selected retailers, including Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer and SPAR stores nationwide.

Beneficiaries only need to present a valid South African ID or temporary ID to collect their new cards. No forms are required, and cards can be collected in any province, regardless of where the grant was approved. Funds from the old Gold Card will automatically reflect on the new card, which works immediately upon activation.

To locate the nearest collection site, beneficiaries can dial 120355# on their mobile phones. Assistance is also available for lost cards and PIN resets. For enquiries, Postbank can be reached at 0800 53 54 55.

Postbank has also warned beneficiaries to be vigilant against fraud. Any card that does not clearly display “Postbank” on the front or requires forms to activate is not legitimate.

Beneficiaries who previously moved away from Postbank and wish to return are advised to wait for further announcements on how to switch back.