Quick Facts

• Cash Send cannot be directly converted to airtime – you must collect it first
• Collection is free at Capitec ATMs and participating stores
• Once collected, buy airtime using the Capitec app or USSD code *120*3279#
• Sender pays R8.50 per transaction, receiver collects for free

Understanding Capitec Cash Send

Capitec Cash Send is a service that lets Capitec customers send money to anyone in South Africa. The person receiving does not need a bank account. They can collect the cash at thousands of locations across the country.

Many people who receive Cash Send actually need airtime or data instead of physical cash. This guide explains exactly how to turn your Cash Send into mobile credit.

How Cash Send Works (Basic Process)

1. Sender uses Capitec app or USSD code *120*3279# to send money
2. Sender creates a 4-digit secret code known only to them and receiver
3. Sender receives an SMS with a reference number
4. Sender shares reference number and secret code with receiver
5. Receiver uses both to collect cash within 30 days

⚠️ The Important Truth About Cash Send and Airtime

Cash Send cannot be directly converted to airtime or data through Capitec’s system.

This is a common misunderstanding. Many people search for ways to “convert” Cash Send to airtime. The truth is you must follow these two separate steps:

Why? Because Cash Send is designed for cash transfers only. It does not connect to mobile operators for direct airtime purchases. Understanding this saves time and prevents frustration.

Where to Collect Your Capitec Cash Send (Free)

You can collect Cash Send for free at thousands of locations across South Africa. Collection is always free no matter where you collect or how much money was sent.

Collection Point	What You Need
Capitec ATMs (3,000+ nationwide)	Reference number + Secret code
Pick n Pay stores	ID + Reference + Secret code
Shoprite, Checkers, Usave	ID + Reference + Secret code
PEP, PEP Home, PEP Cell	SA ID/Passport + Reference + Secret code
Ackermans stores	SA ID/Passport (Required) + Reference + Secret code
Boxer stores	ID + Reference + Secret code

How to Collect at a Capitec ATM

1. Find any Capitec ATM (you do not need a bank card)
2. On the ATM screen, select “Cardless Services”
3. Choose “Capitec Cash Send” or “Cash Send Withdrawal”
4. Enter the reference number from the SMS
5. Enter the 4-digit secret code the sender gave you
6. Collect your cash from the ATM

How to Collect at Stores

1. Visit any participating store listed above
2. Tell the cashier: “I want to collect a Capitec Cash Send”
3. Show your South African ID or valid passport
4. Provide the reference number
5. Give the 4-digit secret code when asked
6. Count your cash before leaving the counter

✅ How to Buy Airtime After Collecting Cash

Once you have collected your cash, you have several options to convert it into airtime. These methods work for all South African networks: Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom Mobile, and Capitec Connect.

Method 1: Use Capitec Banking App (If You Have Account)

This is the fastest way if you have a Capitec account. Deposit the collected cash into your account first, then:

1. Open the Capitec banking app on your phone
2. Log in using your Remote PIN
3. Tap “Transact” at the bottom of the screen
4. Select “Buy” then choose “Airtime”
5. Enter the mobile number to top up
6. Choose your network (MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, Telkom, Capitec Connect)
7. Enter the amount of airtime (minimum R5)
8. Confirm the transaction

Method 2: Use Capitec USSD Code (Free – No Data Needed)

This method works on any phone, even basic phones. You need to be registered for Capitec Mobile Banking:

1. Dial *120*3279# from your phone
2. Select option 2 for “Buy Airtime”
3. Enter the mobile number you want to top up
4. Choose the airtime amount from available options
5. Confirm the transaction with your Mobile Banking PIN
6. You will receive a confirmation SMS

Method 3: Buy at Retail Stores

Use your collected cash to buy airtime vouchers or get direct top-ups at:

• Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Spar
• PEP stores, Ackermans, Mr Price
• Petrol stations nationwide
• Spaza shops with airtime vending machines
• Any store with a Flash or other vending machine

Method 4: Buy at ATMs

If you have a Capitec bank card (or any bank card), you can deposit the cash into your account and then buy airtime directly at the ATM:

1. Insert your bank card at the ATM
2. Enter your PIN
3. Select “Buy Prepaid” or “Value Added Services”
4. Choose “Airtime”
5. Select your network provider
6. Enter the mobile number and amount
7. Confirm the transaction

How to Buy Data Bundles

After collecting your Cash Send and buying airtime, you can use that airtime to purchase data bundles. Each network has its own data bundle options.

For Vodacom Users

Dial *135# and follow the menu to buy data bundles using your airtime.

For MTN Users

Dial *136# and follow the menu to purchase data bundles.

For Cell C Users

Dial *147# to access data bundle options.

For Telkom Mobile Users

Dial *180# to buy data bundles.

For Capitec Connect Users

Dial *147# or use the Capitec app to purchase data bundles. Capitec Connect data is among the cheapest in South Africa at R45 per GB, and data never expires if you use your SIM once every 6 months.

Complete Fee Breakdown (2025 Prices)

Service	Cost	Who Pays
Sending Cash Send (App)	R8.50 per transaction	Sender only
Collecting Cash Send	FREE	No charge to receiver
Buying airtime via Capitec app	R1-R2 transaction fee	Buyer pays
Buying airtime at stores	FREE (just pay for airtime)	No extra charge
Depositing cash into account	FREE at Capitec ATM	No charge

Cash Send Transaction Limits (2025)

• Via Capitec App: R40 minimum, R3,000 maximum per transaction
• Via USSD (*120*3279#): R40 minimum, R1,000 maximum per transaction
• Daily sending limit: R5,000 per day
• Monthly sending limit: R24,990 per month
• Collection deadline: 30 days (money returns to sender if not collected)

🚨 CRITICAL SCAM WARNINGS

South Africa has seen a 40% increase in banking and push payment fraud in 2025. Criminals specifically target people using Cash Send. Read this section carefully to protect yourself.

The Fake Police/ICASA Scam

This is the most common Cash Send scam in 2025:

• Someone calls claiming to be from SAPS (police) or ICASA
• They say your ID was used to register a SIM card for criminals
• They pressure you to “verify” your identity by doing Cash Send transactions
• They may use WhatsApp video calls to look more official
• They tell you not to contact your local police station (big red flag!)

The “Money Mule” Job Scam

Criminals advertise “easy work from home” jobs:

• You receive money into your account
• You keep some as “commission” (usually 10%)
• You send the rest using Cash Send to someone else

The Fake “Fraud Department” Call

Scammers call claiming to be from Capitec’s Fraud Clearance Department:

• They tell you about suspicious or unauthorised debit orders
• They may start by saying “never share banking information” (to gain trust)
• Then they ask you to “authorise the refund” by doing a Cash Send
• Or they ask you to sign into online banking to “pay a levy”

How to Protect Yourself

1. Never share your secret code publicly or online
2. Only collect Cash Send from people you know and trust
3. Never do Cash Send transactions because someone on the phone told you to
4. Always verify suspicious calls by hanging up and calling Capitec directly on 0860 10 20 43
5. Never agree to receive money for strangers, even for “commission”
6. Save Capitec’s official number (0860 10 20 43) in your phone
7. Collect your money as soon as possible – don’t wait until day 30

Better Alternatives to Cash Send for Airtime

If someone wants to send you airtime or data instead of cash, there are better options than using Cash Send. These methods are faster and avoid the two-step process of collecting cash first.

1. Direct Airtime Transfer

Most South African networks allow direct airtime transfers between phone numbers:

• Vodacom: Dial *135*010# to transfer airtime to another Vodacom number
• MTN: Dial *136*Recipient number*Amount*PIN# to transfer airtime
• Cell C: Dial *147*03*Recipient number*Amount# to transfer
• Telkom: Dial *180*01*Recipient number*Amount# to transfer

2. Capitec Banking App Direct Airtime Purchase

If the sender has a Capitec account, they can buy airtime directly for your number:

1. Sender opens Capitec app and taps “Transact”
2. They select “Buy Airtime”
3. They enter your mobile number
4. They choose the amount and confirm
5. You receive airtime instantly – no collection needed!

3. Buy Airtime Vouchers at Stores

The sender can buy physical or electronic airtime vouchers at any store and send you the PIN code via SMS. You then load it onto your phone.

4. Capitec Connect Airtime Advance

If you have Capitec Connect and need airtime urgently, you can get an airtime advance:

• Borrow up to R10 in airtime
• Access fee: R1.20 per R10 borrowed
• Repay within 30 days on your next recharge
• Available through Capitec app or dial *147#

5. Vodacom Airtime Advance

Vodacom prepaid customers can borrow airtime if they qualify:

• Must be active on network for 3+ months
• Minimum R29 recharge per month for 3 months
• Access fee: R1.20 per R10 borrowed
• Dial *135*082# to check if you qualify

✅ Quick Step-by-Step Summary

Complete Process: Cash Send → Airtime

1. Receive Cash Send: Get reference number SMS and secret code from sender
2. Collect the Cash: Visit Capitec ATM or participating store (free collection)
3. Choose Your Method:
   • Deposit cash into Capitec account and use app/USSD
   • OR buy airtime directly at store with cash
   • OR deposit into any bank account and use that bank’s services
4. Buy Airtime: Use Capitec app (*120*3279#), store, or ATM
5. Convert to Data (Optional): Use network USSD codes to buy data bundles with your airtime

Your Consumer Rights and Where to Get Help

Problems with Capitec Services

If you experience problems with Cash Send, airtime purchases, or any Capitec service:

Organisation	Contact	What They Help With
Capitec Client Care	0860 10 20 43 clientcare@capitecbank.co.za	First contact for all Capitec issues
National Financial Ombud (NFO)	0860 800 900 info@nfosa.co.za	Banking complaints, free dispute resolution
SABRIC (Fraud Reports)	0860 123 007 www.sabric.co.za	Report banking fraud and scams
Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)	0800 110 443 info@fsca.co.za	Financial services regulation
National Consumer Commission	0860 003 600 complaints@thencc.org.za	Consumer protection issues

Your Rights Under South African Law

• Consumer Protection Act: You have the right to fair, honest service from banks
• POPI Act: Your personal and banking information must be protected
• National Credit Act: Protection against unfair financial practices
• Right to complain: Free dispute resolution through the NFO
• Right to information: Banks must explain fees and services clearly

Frequently Asked Questions

While Capitec Cash Send is excellent for sending physical money, it requires two separate steps to get airtime: collect first, then buy airtime. This takes time and effort.

For faster results: Ask the sender to buy airtime directly for your mobile number using their banking app or at a store. This is instant, costs the same, and you don’t need to collect anything.

Stay safe: Never do Cash Send transactions because someone called you claiming to be from the bank, police, or ICASA. These are scams. Always verify by calling Capitec directly on 0860 10 20 43.

Save money: When buying mobile data, always purchase bundles through your network’s USSD code (like *135# for Vodacom). Bundles are much cheaper than using raw airtime for internet.