Quick Answer

Most EFTs between major SA banks take 1-2 business days. Same-bank transfers are usually instant. PayShap instant payments (up to R3,000) clear in under 10 seconds between participating banks.

Complete Bank-to-Bank EFT Transfer Times

This table shows standard EFT processing times between all major South African banks. Times assume the transfer was initiated before the daily cut-off time on a business day.

Same-Bank Transfers

Transfers between accounts at the same bank are processed instantly in most cases. This includes:

• Between your own accounts (savings to cheque, etc.)
• To another person at the same bank
• Between linked accounts

Exception: Large amounts (typically over R5 million) may take longer due to additional verification requirements.

PayShap: The Fastest Way to Transfer Money

PayShap is South Africa’s instant payment system, launched by the SARB (South African Reserve Bank). It clears payments in under 10 seconds, 24/7, including weekends and public holidays.

Feature	PayShap	Standard EFT
Speed	Under 10 seconds	1-2 business days
Available	24/7 including weekends	Business days only
Limit	Up to R3,000 per transaction	Varies by bank (R1m+)
Cost	R0 to R4 depending on bank	R0 to R50+ depending on bank
Uses phone number	Yes (ShapID)	No (needs account number)

Banks supporting PayShap: Capitec, FNB, Absa, Standard Bank, Nedbank, TymeBank, Discovery Bank, and Bank Zero.

Weekend and Public Holiday Transfers

Standard EFTs made on weekends or public holidays are not processed until the next business day. Here is what to expect:

• Friday after cut-off: Processed Monday morning (or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday)
• Saturday or Sunday: Processed Monday morning
• Public holidays: Processed the next business day

Tip: If you need money to arrive over a weekend, use PayShap (up to R3,000), eWallet/CashSend, or an immediate payment option, these work 24/7.

For full weekend banking details, see our Weekend Banking Transfer Times guide.

How to Speed Up Your Transfer

1. Use “immediate” or “real-time” payment instead of standard EFT. Most banking apps offer this, it costs a few rand more but arrives same day.
2. Transfer before the cut-off time (see below). Transfers after cut-off roll to the next business day.
3. Use PayShap for small amounts (under R3,000). It is instant and often cheaper than an immediate payment.
4. Double-check account details. Incorrect details cause delays as the payment bounces back and needs to be resent.
5. Avoid Fridays after 3pm. These transfers will only process on Monday.

Daily EFT Cut-Off Times

Each bank has a daily cut-off time. Transfers submitted after this time are processed the next business day.

Bank	Standard EFT Cut-Off	Immediate Payment
Capitec	No fixed cut-off (batched)	Available 24/7
FNB	15:00 weekdays	Available 24/7
Absa	15:30 weekdays	Available 24/7
Standard Bank	15:00 weekdays	Available 24/7
Nedbank	15:30 weekdays	Available 24/7
TymeBank	15:00 weekdays	Available 24/7

How to Track Your EFT

If your transfer seems delayed, here is how to check:

• Check your transaction history in your banking app for the payment status (pending, processing, completed)
• Look for a proof of payment with a reference number you can share with the recipient
• Ask the recipient to check their account, some banks show pending incoming EFTs before they clear
• Contact your bank if the payment has not arrived after 2 full business days

For a detailed guide, see How to Track a Pending EFT Payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my EFT taking so long?

The most common reasons are: you transferred after the daily cut-off, it is a weekend or public holiday, the recipient’s account details are incorrect, or there is a security hold on the transaction. If it has been more than 2 business days, contact your bank.

Is an immediate payment the same as an EFT?

No. A standard EFT is batched and processed in cycles (1-2 days). An immediate or real-time payment is sent directly and arrives within hours or minutes. Immediate payments cost more but are much faster.

Can I send money instantly over weekends?

Yes, using PayShap (up to R3,000), eWallet/CashSend, or your bank’s immediate payment option. Standard EFTs do not process over weekends.

Do transfers between Capitec and other banks take longer?

No. Capitec uses the same national payment system (BankservAfrica) as all other major banks. Transfer times are the same regardless of which two banks are involved.

What is the maximum amount I can EFT?

This varies by bank and account type. Most personal accounts allow R1 million to R5 million per day via standard EFT. Contact your bank to increase limits if needed.