Capitec Cash Send: Complete Guide for South Africans
Send money instantly without needing a bank account
Last updated: November 2025
Quick Facts
- Send cash using the Capitec app or dial *120*3279#
- Collection is FREE at over 3,000 locations across South Africa
- Send up to R3,000 per transaction via app (R1,000 via USSD)
- Monthly limit: R24,990
- Money available immediately after sending
Table of Contents
What is Capitec Cash Send?
Capitec Cash Send is a banking service that lets you send money to anyone in South Africa instantly. The person receiving the money does not need a bank account or Capitec card. They can collect the cash at over 3,000 locations across the country.
This service is perfect for sending money to:
- Family members in rural areas without bank accounts
- Workers who need emergency cash
- People who need money urgently but don’t have their bank card
- Anyone who prefers collecting cash at shops instead of ATMs
How it works: You send money using your phone. The receiver gets a reference number and secret code via SMS. They use these details to collect the cash at any partner store or Capitec ATM.
✅ How to Send Cash (3 Easy Methods)
Method 1: Using the Capitec App
- Open your Capitec Banking App
- Enter your Remote PIN to log in
- Tap on “Transact” at the bottom of the screen
- Select “Send cash”
- Choose the account you want to send from
- Enter the amount (in multiples of R10)
- Type the recipient’s cellphone number
- Create a 4-digit secret code
- Review the details and tap “Send”
- You will receive an SMS with a reference number
Method 2: Using USSD Code (*120*3279#)
- Dial *120*3279# on your phone
- Reply with “9” to access Cash Send
- Choose which account to send from
- Enter the amount you want to send
- Type the recipient’s cellphone number
- Create a 4-digit secret code
- Enter your Mobile Banking PIN
- You will receive an SMS with a reference number
Method 3: At a Capitec Branch
Visit any Capitec branch and ask a teller to help you send cash. You will need your ID and the recipient’s cellphone number.
Where Can You Collect Cash? (FREE at All Locations)
Collection is FREE at all these places:
| Collection Point | Number of Locations |
|---|---|
| Capitec ATMs | Over 3,000 ATMs nationwide |
| Shoprite / Checkers / Usave | Hundreds of stores (at Money Market counter) |
| Pick n Pay / Boxer | Available at most stores |
| PEP / PEP Home / PEP Cell | Over 2,600 stores across South Africa |
| Ackermans | Most Ackermans stores nationwide |
| Game Stores | Selected Game stores |
| Makro | Selected Makro stores |
| Builders Warehouse | Selected stores |
Remember: There is NO charge to collect the money. Collection is 100% free at all these locations.
💰 Costs and Limits (Valid from October 2025)
Transaction Limits
| Method | Per Transaction | Daily Limit | Monthly Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitec App | Up to R3,000 | R5,000 | R24,990 |
| USSD (*120*3279#) | Up to R1,000 | R1,000 | R24,990 |
Important Information About Fees
- Capitec charges a small fee when you SEND the cash (check your app for current rates)
- Collection is FREE for the person receiving the money
- No extra charges at any of the partner stores or ATMs
- The money must be collected within 30 days, or it returns to your account
✅ How to Collect Your Cash
At a Capitec ATM:
- Go to any Capitec ATM
- Select “Cardless Services” on the screen
- Choose “Capitec Cash Send”
- Enter the reference number (from the SMS)
- Enter the 4-digit secret code
- Confirm the amount
- Collect your cash
At a Partner Store (Shoprite, Pick n Pay, PEP, etc.):
- Go to the cashier or Money Market counter
- Tell them you want to collect a Capitec Cash Send
- Provide the reference number
- Show your ID (South African ID or valid passport)
- Enter the 4-digit secret code when asked
- They may ask you to confirm your name and cellphone number
- Receive your cash immediately
What You Need to Collect:
- Reference number (from SMS)
- 4-digit secret code (given by the sender)
- Your ID (for stores only – not needed at ATMs)
- Your cellphone (to receive messages)
🚨 CRITICAL SCAM WARNINGS
As of 2025, banking scams have increased by 40% in South Africa. Capitec has warned about several dangerous scams targeting Cash Send users.
Common Cash Send Scams:
1. Fake Fraud Department Calls
How it works: Someone calls pretending to be from “Capitec Fraud Department”. They say there is a problem with your account. They ask you to do a Cash Send transaction to “protect your money” or “reverse unauthorised debit orders”.
THIS IS A SCAM! Capitec will NEVER ask you to send cash to stop fraud or reverse transactions.
2. SAPS/ICASA Impersonation Scam
How it works: Scammers call pretending to be police or government officials. They say your ID is linked to crime. They demand you send cash immediately to avoid arrest.
THIS IS A SCAM! Real police never ask for money over the phone. They never use WhatsApp or ask you to send cash.
3. Money Mule Job Scams
How it works: You see a “work from home” job offer. They ask you to receive money in your account. Then you must send some of it via Cash Send and keep some for yourself.
THIS IS ILLEGAL! You could be helping criminals move stolen money. You can be arrested and banned from banking forever. Your name goes on the SAFPS fraud database.
4. Marketplace Scams
How it works: You buy something on Facebook Marketplace or other platforms. The seller asks you to send cash before delivery. After you send, they disappear.
PROTECT YOURSELF: Never send cash to strangers. Always meet in person at a safe public place. Insist on paying cash when you collect the item.
How to Protect Yourself:
- NEVER send cash based on a phone call – even if they sound official
- NEVER share your secret code with anyone except the person collecting
- Capitec will NEVER ask you to:
- Do a Cash Send transaction to stop fraud
- Transfer money to a “safe account”
- Share your PIN, password or secret code
- Install software on your phone during a call
- If someone calls claiming to be Capitec:
- Hang up immediately
- Call Capitec yourself on 0860 10 20 43
- Use the verification feature in your banking app
- Report scams immediately to Capitec and SABRIC
⚠️ Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Wrong Reference Number or Secret Code
Solution: Check the SMS carefully. Make sure you copied the numbers correctly. The reference number and secret code are different – don’t mix them up.
Problem: Money Has Expired
Solution: After 30 days, uncollected money automatically goes back to the sender’s account. The sender must send it again if you still need it.
Problem: ATM or Store System Not Working
Solution: Try a different ATM or store. If problems continue, call Capitec Client Care on 0860 10 20 43.
Problem: Didn’t Receive the SMS
Solution: Ask the sender to check they used the correct cellphone number. The sender can view the transaction details in their app to get the reference number again.
Problem: Store Says They Don’t Offer Cash Send
Solution: Not all branches offer this service. Try the Money Market counter if available. Otherwise, visit a different store or Capitec ATM.
Contact Capitec Client Care Centre:
Phone: 0860 10 20 43 (24/7)
From outside SA: +27 21 440 3580
App: Use in-app calling to speak with agents directly
Other Ways to Send Money
| Method | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Send | People without bank accounts, urgent cash needs | Small fee to send, FREE to collect |
| Capitec Pay (between Capitec accounts) | When both people have Capitec accounts | R1 per transfer |
| PayShap | Sending to other banks, instant transfers | R2 per transfer |
| EFT Transfer | Sending to other banks (not urgent) | R2 per transfer |
| Immediate Payment | Emergency transfers that must arrive instantly | R6 per transfer |
When to Use Cash Send vs Other Methods:
- Use Cash Send when: The receiver doesn’t have a bank account, needs physical cash, or prefers collecting at shops
- Use Capitec Pay when: Both of you have Capitec accounts and want the cheapest option (R1)
- Use PayShap when: Sending to other banks and need money to arrive instantly
- Use EFT when: Sending to other banks and can wait 1-2 hours for it to clear
Our Final Recommendations
Capitec Cash Send is safe, convenient and affordable when used correctly. It’s perfect for sending money to people without bank accounts or when someone needs cash urgently.
Always remember:
- Collection is FREE at over 3,000 locations nationwide
- Send the reference number and secret code separately for safety
- NEVER send cash based on unexpected phone calls
- Capitec will NEVER ask you to send cash to stop fraud
- Money expires after 30 days, so collect promptly
- Keep your secret code private – only share with the person collecting
If you suspect a scam, hang up immediately and call Capitec on their official number: 0860 10 20 43
📞 Important Contact Numbers
| Capitec Client Care: | 0860 10 20 43 (24/7) |
| From outside SA: | +27 21 440 3580 |
| Report fraud to Capitec: | Use app or call above number immediately |
| SABRIC (Banking fraud): | www.sabric.co.za |
| Banking Ombudsman: | 0860 800 900 |
| Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA): | 0800 110 443 / 0800 203 722 |
| South African Police (SAPS): | 10111 (Emergencies) / Visit local station for fraud reports |
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in November 2025. Financial regulations, fees, and requirements may change. Always verify current information with Capitec Bank before making financial decisions.
Capitec Bank Limited is an authorised financial services provider (FSP46669) and registered credit provider (NCRCP13). For the latest fees and terms, visit www.capitecbank.co.za or call 0860 10 20 43.
For banking complaints or disputes, contact the Banking Ombudsman at 0860 800 900 or the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) at 0800 110 443 or visit www.fsca.co.za