Quick Facts

• You can cancel recurring payments you set up yourself through the app
• Debit orders from companies must be cancelled with the company first
• Card subscriptions cannot be cancelled through Capitec – contact the merchant
• Free to dispute unauthorized debit orders under R800 through the app

Understanding Scheduled Payments on Capitec

Scheduled payments are automatic transactions that happen regularly from your Capitec bank account. These can save you time and help you pay bills on time. However, it is important to understand the different types so you know how to cancel them when needed.

Many South Africans get confused about scheduled payments. Some can be cancelled through the Capitec app easily. Others require you to contact the company taking the money. This guide will help you understand the difference and know exactly what to do.

Bottom line: Not all scheduled payments can be stopped the same way. The method depends on who set up the payment and what type it is.

The 3 Main Types of Scheduled Payments

1. Recurring Payments or Stop Orders (You Set These Up)

These are payments YOU create in the Capitec app to pay someone regularly. For example, paying rent to your landlord every month or sending money to family. You control these completely and can cancel them easily in the app.

2. Debit Orders (Companies Set These Up)

These are payments that companies or service providers take from your account after you sign a contract with them. Examples include insurance payments, loan repayments, gym memberships, and cellphone contracts. You gave them permission to debit your account when you signed the agreement.

3. Card Subscriptions (Using Your Card Details)

These are subscriptions where you entered your card details online to pay monthly. Examples include Netflix, Spotify, DSTV Now, Takealot subscriptions, and online services. These use Mastercard’s Automatic Billing Updater system.

✅ How to Cancel Recurring Payments You Set Up

If you set up a recurring payment or stop order yourself through the Capitec app, you can cancel it easily. Follow these simple steps:

Important: Once you cancel a recurring payment you set up, it stops immediately. The person or company will not receive future payments from you. Make sure you arrange another way to pay them if you still need their service.

⚠️ How to Stop Debit Orders from Companies

Debit orders are trickier because the company controls them, not you. There are different types of debit orders and different ways to stop them.

Types of Debit Orders:

The RIGHT Way to Stop a Debit Order:

Dispute Unauthorized Debit Orders (Under R800):

If a debit order is unauthorized or incorrect, you can dispute it through the app:

1. Open the Capitec app and sign in
2. Tap “Transact”
3. Choose “Debit Orders”
4. Enter your Remote PIN
5. Select the debit order from the history
6. Choose a reason for dispute
7. Accept the agreement and submit

Important warning: Only dispute debit orders that are truly unauthorized or incorrect. Disputing a valid debit order can cancel your insurance policy or service, harm your credit score, and cause legal problems. If you simply cannot afford to pay right now, contact the company to make payment arrangements instead of disputing the debit order.

🚨 Card Subscriptions Cannot Be Cancelled Through Capitec

This is very important to understand: Capitec CANNOT cancel subscriptions that you pay for with your card online. These subscriptions use the Mastercard Automatic Billing Updater (ABU) system.

Examples of Card Subscriptions:

• Netflix, Showmax, Disney+
• Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Premium
• DSTV Now, Supersport streaming
• Takealot or Amazon subscriptions
• Gym memberships paid online
• Antivirus software subscriptions
• Online game subscriptions
• Any service where you entered your card number on a website or app

How to Cancel Card Subscriptions:

Cannot find how to cancel? Contact the company’s customer service. They are legally required to let you cancel. Ask them to send you written confirmation that the subscription is cancelled.

Why getting a new card does not help: The ABU system automatically updates your card details with the subscription company when you get a new card. So getting a new card will NOT stop the subscription. You must cancel with the company directly.

Your Consumer Rights Regarding Payments

As a South African consumer, you have strong rights protecting you from unauthorized debit orders and payment problems. These rights come from the National Credit Act and Consumer Protection Act.

Your Rights Include:

• Right to dispute unauthorized debits: You can challenge any debit order that you did not authorize
• Right to accurate information: Companies must tell you clearly how much they will debit and when
• Right to cancel services: You can cancel most services by giving proper notice
• Right to clear contracts: Debit order agreements must be in plain language you can understand
• Right to complain: You can report problems to the Banking Ombudsman or National Credit Regulator
• Right to see your debit orders: You can view all your debit orders in your banking app or statements

Where to Get Help:

🚨 Warning: Debit Order and Payment Scams

Fraudsters in South Africa are using debit orders and payment cancellations to steal money from people. Be aware of these common scams as of 2025:

1. The “Unauthorized Debit Order” Phone Scam

2. The “R99 Debit Order” Scam

3. Fake “Police Officer” Debit Order Scam

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never share your banking PIN or Remote PIN with anyone – not even someone claiming to be from Capitec
• Never share OTPs (one-time PINs) that you receive by SMS
• Only call Capitec on 0860 10 20 43 – the number on the back of your card
• Capitec will never ask you to transfer money to stop fraud or reverse debit orders
• Be suspicious of urgency – scammers create panic to make you act quickly
• Check your statements monthly for any transactions you do not recognize
• Set up bank notifications in your app to get alerts for all transactions
• If something feels wrong, it probably is – hang up and call Capitec directly

When to Get Help from Capitec

You should contact Capitec Customer Care or visit a branch if:

• You cancelled a debit order with the company but it still goes through
• You see debit orders you did not authorize
• You need to dispute a debit order over R800 (cannot do this in app)
• A company refuses to cancel your debit order
• You lost your phone and need to cancel mobile banking
• You are a victim of fraud or a scam
• You need help understanding your statements or debit orders

What to have ready when you call: Your ID number, account number, details of the payment problem, and any reference numbers from the company involved.

Taking control of your scheduled payments protects your money and gives you peace of mind. Check your bank statements every month without fail. Know which payments are leaving your account and why.

Remember the key difference: Recurring payments you set up can be cancelled in the Capitec app easily. Debit orders from companies must be cancelled with the company first. Card subscriptions can only be cancelled through the service provider’s website or app.

Be alert to scams. Capitec will never ask you to transfer money or share your PIN to stop fraud. If you receive such a call, hang up and phone Capitec directly on 0860 10 20 43.

If you face problems cancelling payments, do not give up. Use your consumer rights. Contact the Banking Ombudsman or National Credit Regulator if needed. They are there to help you.