Quick Facts

• Over 95% of South Africans use mobile payment apps in 2025
• Digital banking fraud increased 86% with R1.88 billion lost in 2024
• Many apps offer free transactions under R100
• You need a smartphone and bank account to use most apps
• Never share your banking PIN, OTP, or passwords with anyone

What Are Mobile Payment Apps?

Mobile payment apps let you pay for things using your smartphone. You do not need cash or physical bank cards. Your phone becomes your wallet.

In South Africa in 2025, over 95% of people use some form of mobile payment. These apps are now the most common way to send money and buy things.

Three Main Types of Apps:

1. QR Code Apps: You scan a code to pay. Examples are SnapScan and Zapper.

2. Bank Apps: Your bank’s own app. Examples are FNB App, Capitec App, Standard Bank App.

3. Digital Wallets: You tap your phone to pay. Examples are Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay.

Popular Mobile Payment Apps in South Africa

SnapScan

SnapScan started in 2013 as South Africa’s first QR payment app. It is owned by Standard Bank but works with all SA banks. Over 60,000 stores accept SnapScan.

How it works: You download the app and link your bank card. When paying, you scan a QR code. The money goes straight from your account. It is free for customers to use.

Zapper

Zapper launched in 2011 and focuses on restaurants and cafes. Over 31,000 South African businesses use it. You can also split bills with friends.

How it works: Similar to SnapScan – you scan a QR code to pay. Zapper also offers loyalty rewards and digital vouchers. The basic plan is free for merchants.

PayShap

PayShap is South Africa’s newest payment system. It launched in March 2023. All major banks now support it. By 2025, it has processed over 136 million transactions worth R100 billion.

How it works: You use your phone number instead of an account number. Just type someone’s cell number and send money. It arrives within 60 seconds, 24 hours a day, even on weekends.

Banks with PayShap: Absa, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Capitec, TymeBank, Investec, Discovery Bank, and Sasfin.

FNB eWallet

FNB eWallet lets you send money to anyone with a South African phone number. They do not need a bank account. They get cash at an ATM or retailer.

How it works: You send money through the FNB App. The person gets an SMS with a PIN code. They use it to collect cash at FNB ATMs, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, or Boxer stores.

Capitec App

The Capitec App has 12.4 million active users in 2025. It offers free banking on most networks. You can scan to pay at stores, send cash, and manage your account.

Special feature: “Pay Me” lets you create your own QR code. Other Capitec customers scan it to pay you directly.

Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay

These are digital wallets that work with your bank cards. You add your card once, then tap your phone to pay at any contactless terminal.

Google Pay: Works on Android phones. Over 82% of South Africans use Android, making this the most popular digital wallet.

Apple Pay: Only for iPhone users. Available in South Africa since 2023. More secure than physical cards.

Samsung Pay: For Samsung phones and watches. Works at more terminals because it uses both NFC and MST technology.

How Mobile Payment Apps Work

QR Code Payments (SnapScan, Zapper)

1. The shop shows you a QR code.

2. You open your app and use your camera.

3. You scan the code.

4. You type the amount to pay.

5. You enter your PIN or use your fingerprint.

6. Done! The shop gets paid instantly.

Instant Payments (PayShap)

1. You register your phone number as your “ShapID”.

2. When sending money, you just type the person’s cell number.

3. You enter the amount.

4. You confirm the payment.

5. They get the money in under 60 seconds.

Tap to Pay (Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay)

1. You add your bank card to the wallet app.

2. At the store, you unlock your phone.

3. You hold your phone near the card machine.

4. Your phone beeps or vibrates.

5. Done! Payment complete in 2 seconds.

⚠️ Costs and Fees for Mobile Payment Apps

Most apps are free to download and use. But some charge fees for certain transactions. Here is what you will pay in 2025:

SnapScan Fees

For customers: Free to use. No charges.

For merchants: 2.95% per transaction. No monthly fee. This cost is paid by the shop, not you.

Zapper Fees

For customers: Free to use. No charges.

For merchants – Basic Plan: Free plan available. 2.9% per transaction.

For merchants – Business Plan: R220 per month per store. 2.5% per transaction.

PayShap Fees (Varies by Bank)

Bank	Under R100	R100-R1000	Over R1000
TymeBank	Free	Free	Free
Capitec	Free	R1	R3
Nedbank	Free	R1	R0.65 per R100
FNB	Free	R7	R7
Standard Bank	Free	R7	R27
Absa	R2.50	R7.50	R45

FNB eWallet Fees

To send money: R10.95 per transaction

To withdraw cash: ATM fees apply (around R8-R15)

Maximum per eWallet: R5,000 balance limit

Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay

No extra fees! These apps are completely free. You pay the same as if you used your physical bank card. Your bank may charge normal card fees.

✅ What You Need to Use Mobile Payment Apps

Basic Requirements (All Apps)

✓ A smartphone (iPhone or Android)

✓ A South African cell phone number

✓ A bank account with a South African bank

✓ A debit or credit card

✓ Internet connection (to download and set up)

✓ Your South African ID number

For SnapScan and Zapper

✓ Your card must be enabled for online shopping

✓ You need to verify your card with your bank

For PayShap

✓ You must register for your bank’s mobile app first

✓ Your bank must support PayShap (most do now)

✓ You create a “ShapID” using your phone number

For Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay

✓ Your phone must support NFC (most modern phones do)

✓ Your bank card must be compatible

✓ You need to set up biometric security (fingerprint or face ID)

✓ For Apple Pay, you need an iPhone 6 or newer

Age Requirements

You must be 18 years or older. You need a valid South African ID. If you are under 18, your parent can add you to their account.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Setting Up SnapScan

Step 1: Go to Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone).

Step 2: Search for “SnapScan” and download the free app.

Step 3: Open the app and tap “Sign Up”.

Step 4: Enter your phone number and email address.

Step 5: Add your debit or credit card details.

Step 6: Verify your card (your bank will send an OTP).

Step 7: Create a 5-digit PIN for payments.

Step 8: Done! You can now scan to pay.

Setting Up PayShap

Step 1: Open your bank’s mobile app (like FNB App or Capitec App).

Step 2: Look for “PayShap” in the menu.

Step 3: Tap “Create ShapID”.

Step 4: Link your phone number to your bank account.

Step 5: Verify with an OTP sent to your phone.

Step 6: Choose which account to use for PayShap.

Step 7: Done! You can now send and receive money using just phone numbers.

Setting Up Google Pay

Step 1: Open the Google Wallet app (pre-installed on most Android phones).

Step 2: Tap “Add card”.

Step 3: Take a photo of your card or type details manually.

Step 4: Your bank will verify the card (usually instant).

Step 5: Set up your phone’s lock screen security.

Step 6: Done! Just unlock and tap to pay.

Setting Up Apple Pay

Step 1: Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap the + button in the top right.

Step 3: Follow the steps to add your card.

Step 4: Your bank will verify (might send SMS code).

Step 5: Set up Face ID or Touch ID.

Step 6: Done! Double-click side button to pay.

✅ Safety and Security Features

How These Apps Protect You

Encryption: Your card details are scrambled. Criminals cannot read them even if they intercept the data.

Tokenisation: Apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay do not send your real card number. They create a fake “token” for each payment. This protects your actual card.

Biometric Security: Your fingerprint or face unlocks payments. Nobody can pay even if they steal your phone.

PIN Protection: Every payment needs your PIN or biometric. The shop never sees this.

Instant Notifications: You get an SMS or push notification for every payment. You will know immediately if something is wrong.

10 Safety Rules to Follow

1. Never share your PIN or password with anyone. Not even bank staff.

2. Never share OTP codes. These are for you only.

3. Lock your phone with a strong password. Do not use 0000 or 1234.

4. Turn on biometric security. Use your fingerprint or face ID.

5. Only download apps from official stores. Use Google Play or Apple App Store.

6. Check payment amounts before confirming. Make sure the number is correct.

7. Do not use public Wi-Fi for payments. Use your own data connection.

8. Check your bank statements weekly. Look for payments you did not make.

9. If your phone is stolen, call your bank immediately. They will block your apps.

10. Enable remote phone wiping. You can delete everything on your phone if it is stolen.

🚨 SCAMS TO AVOID – Read This Carefully!

Digital banking fraud in South Africa increased by 86% in 2024. Over R1.88 billion was stolen. Criminals are getting smarter every day. You must know these scams.

1. Fake Bank Calls (Vishing)

How it works: Someone calls pretending to be from your bank. They say there is a problem with your account. They ask for your PIN, OTP, or banking details. They sound very professional.

The truth: Banks NEVER call and ask for your PIN, password, or OTP. Ever.

What to do: Hang up immediately. Call your bank yourself using the number on your bank card.

2. SIM Swap Fraud

How it works: Criminals get your personal details. They go to a mobile shop and get a new SIM card with your number. They receive all your banking OTPs. They empty your account within minutes.

In 2024-2025, police recovered over 116,000 stolen phones used for this scam. Some criminals even bribe shop workers to help them.

What to do: If your phone suddenly stops working, call your bank immediately. Do not wait. Also call your mobile provider.

3. Fake Banking Apps

How it works: You get a message with a link to “update your banking app”. You download a fake app. It looks exactly like your real bank app. When you log in, criminals steal your details.

One South African lost R6 million to a fake JSE trading app in 2024.

What to do: Only download apps from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Never click links in SMS or WhatsApp messages about banking.

4. AI Voice Cloning Scams (New in 2025)

How it works: This is a new type of scam using artificial intelligence. Criminals record your voice from social media videos or phone calls. They use AI to clone your voice perfectly. They call your family members pretending to be you. They say you need money urgently.

Some scammers even create fake video calls where they look and sound exactly like your boss or family member.

What to do: If someone calls asking for money urgently, hang up. Call them back on their normal number. Ask a personal question only they would know.

5. “Authorize This Payment” Scams

How it works: You get a phone call saying they are from your bank. They say someone is trying to buy something with your card. They ask you to “decline” the transaction by pressing buttons or authorizing a message. Actually, you are approving a payment to them.

Capitec and other banks warn this is now the most common scam in 2025.

What to do: Never approve anything during a phone call. Open your banking app yourself. Check if there is really a problem.

6. WhatsApp “Mom, I Lost My Phone” Scam

How it works: You get a WhatsApp message from a new number. “Hi Mom/Dad, this is my new number. Can you please send me R2000 for something urgent?” The message sounds exactly like your child.

What to do: Call your child on their old number first. Do not send money to new numbers without confirming.

7. Fake QR Codes

How it works: Criminals stick their own QR code over the real one at a restaurant or shop. When you scan and pay, the money goes to them, not the business.

What to do: Always check who you are paying. Look at the name on your app before confirming. If it looks suspicious, ask the shop to show you their official QR code.

8. Virtual Card Fraud (Very Common Now)

How it works: Criminals trick you into giving them access to your banking app. They create a virtual card in your name. They use it to buy things or withdraw money. You do not realize until later.

The National Financial Ombud reported a 73% increase in virtual card fraud cases from 2024 to 2025. One victim lost R500,000.

What to do: Check your app regularly for virtual cards you did not create. Never approve authentication messages during phone calls.

Which Mobile Payment App Is Best For You?

For Daily Small Payments (Under R100)

Best choice: PayShap with TymeBank or Capitec. Why? It is completely free for amounts under R100. You can send money 24/7, even on weekends.

For Paying at Restaurants and Shops

Best choice: SnapScan or Zapper. Why? Over 60,000 stores accept them. They are free for you to use. Very easy – just scan and pay.

For Quick Tap-to-Pay

Best choice: Google Pay or Apple Pay. Why? Super fast – payment takes 2 seconds. No extra fees. Works everywhere with contactless terminals. More secure than physical cards.

For Sending Money to People Without Bank Accounts

Best choice: FNB eWallet. Why? The recipient does not need a bank account. They can collect cash at ATMs or shops. Available at Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Boxer.

For Emergency Fast Payments

Best choice: PayShap. Why? Money arrives in under 60 seconds. Works 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. No waiting for banks to open.

For Maximum Security

Best choice: Apple Pay. Why? It uses advanced tokenisation. Your real card number is never shared. Biometric security (Face ID or Touch ID). Even if criminals steal your phone, they cannot use it.

✅ Your Consumer Rights and Where to Get Help

Your Rights Under South African Law

✓ You have the right to safe and secure payment systems.

✓ Banks must protect your money and personal information.

✓ You must be informed about all fees before paying.

✓ If fraud happens, you may get your money back if you followed security rules.

✓ You can complain if a bank treats you unfairly.

If You Are a Victim of Fraud

Step 1: Call your bank immediately. Tell them to block your account and cards.

Step 2: Report it to your bank’s fraud department within 24 hours.

Step 3: Go to a police station. Open a case. Get a case number.

Step 4: Report it to SABRIC (see contact details below).

Step 5: Keep all evidence: SMS messages, call logs, bank statements.

Important Contact Numbers (Save These Now)

Organization	Phone Number	What They Help With
SABRIC	www.sabric.co.za	Banking fraud and scams
FSCA	0800 110 443	Financial sector complaints
Banking Ombud	0860 800 900	Bank disputes and complaints
SAFPS	011 867 2234	Fraud prevention and identity theft
SAPS	10111	Report crime and fraud

What FSCA and SABRIC Are Doing to Protect You

In 2025, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) are working together to fight fraud.

They share real-time fraud data between banks. They work with police to catch criminals. They run public education campaigns to warn about new scams.

The FSCA issued over 107 public warnings about scams in 2024. They are constantly monitoring for fake apps and fraudulent websites.

Mobile payment apps are safe when you use them correctly. Over 95% of South Africans now use them. They are faster, cheaper, and more secure than carrying cash.

The biggest risk is not the technology – it is scammers tricking you. Remember: your bank will never call and ask for your PIN, OTP, or password. If someone does this, it is a scam. Hang up immediately.

Start with what you already have. If you bank with FNB, Capitec, Standard Bank, Nedbank, or Absa, you already have access to PayShap. Just open your banking app and set it up. It takes 5 minutes.

For maximum savings, use TymeBank with PayShap. All PayShap transactions are free. No monthly fees. No transaction fees. This is the cheapest option in South Africa in 2025.

For maximum security, use Apple Pay or Google Pay. These apps never share your real card number. Even if criminals hack the shop’s system, they only get a useless token. Your actual card stays safe.

Check your bank statements every week. Set a reminder on your phone for Sunday evenings. Look for any payments you do not recognize. The faster you spot fraud, the better your chances of getting your money back.

If something goes wrong, act fast. Call your bank immediately. Report to SABRIC. Open a police case. Do not wait. The first 24 hours are crucial.

Stay alert but do not be afraid. Millions of South Africans use these apps safely every day. Follow the security rules. Never share your PIN or OTP. Think before you click. You will be fine.

The future of money in South Africa is mobile. Cash is becoming less common. More shops only accept cards and apps now. Learning to use mobile payments safely is an important skill for 2025 and beyond.