Quick Facts

• Send money to anyone with just a cellphone number
• Collect cash at 2,500+ PEP stores across South Africa
• Fees from R9.00 to R15.00 per transaction
• No bank account needed to receive money
• Money available within minutes

1. What Are These Money Transfer Services?

These services let you send cash to anyone with a cellphone number. The person receiving the money does not need a bank account. They can collect the cash at stores or ATMs.

Three Main Services

FNB eWallet: Offered by First National Bank. You send money through the FNB app or online banking. The person collects at FNB ATMs or participating stores like PEP and Pick n Pay.

ABSA CashSend: Offered by ABSA Bank. You send money through the ABSA app or online banking. The person collects at ABSA ATMs, Pick n Pay, or Boxer stores.

Standard Bank Instant Money: Offered by Standard Bank. You send money through the app, online banking, or at Standard Bank ATMs. The person collects at Standard Bank ATMs or stores like PEP, Shoprite, Checkers, and Spar.

How PEP Stores Fit In

PEP stores do not have their own money transfer service. Instead, they partner with banks to help you collect money. You can collect money at any of the 2,500+ PEP stores in South Africa.

PEP stores accept collections from FNB eWallet, Standard Bank Instant Money, ABSA CashSend, and other services. This makes PEP very convenient because there are stores everywhere, even in small towns.

✅ 2. How to Send Money (Step by Step)

Using FNB eWallet

Step 1: Open the FNB Banking App on your phone.

Step 2: Log in with your username and password.

Step 3: Tap on “Send Money” then select “eWallet”.

Step 4: Enter the recipient’s cellphone number.

Step 5: Type the amount you want to send.

Step 6: Confirm the transaction with your PIN.

Step 7: The recipient will get an SMS with collection details.

Using ABSA CashSend

Step 1: Open the ABSA Banking App.

Step 2: Log in to your account.

Step 3: Select “Payments” then “CashSend”.

Step 4: Enter the recipient’s cellphone number.

Step 5: Type the amount to send.

Step 6: Create a 6-digit PIN for collection.

Step 7: Confirm with your password.

Step 8: Share the PIN with the recipient separately (never in the same message as the reference number).

Using Standard Bank Instant Money

Step 1: Open the Standard Bank app or dial *120*212#.

Step 2: Select “Send Money” then “Instant Money”.

Step 3: Enter recipient’s cellphone number.

Step 4: Type the amount.

Step 5: Create a 4-digit PIN.

Step 6: Recipient gets SMS with voucher number and PIN.

3. How to Collect Money at PEP Stores

You need three things to collect money at any PEP, PEP Home, or PEP Cell store:

1. Your South African ID: Bar-coded green ID book or smart ID card.

2. Reference Number: The 10-digit voucher number from the SMS.

3. PIN Number: The 4-digit or 6-digit secret PIN.

Collection Steps at PEP Store

Step 1: Go to any PEP, PEP Home, or PEP Cell store.

Step 2: Go to the till and tell the cashier you want to collect money.

Step 3: Show your bar-coded ID.

Step 4: Give the cashier your voucher number.

Step 5: Enter your PIN on the card machine.

Step 6: Take your cash and receipt.

Step 7: Count your money before leaving the store.

What If You Don’t Have an ID?

You cannot collect money at PEP without a bar-coded South African ID. The cashier needs to scan your ID. If you lost your ID, you must get a temporary ID from Home Affairs before you can collect the money.

4. Cost Comparison: December 2025

Here are the current fees for sending money as of December 2025. These fees are what you pay to send the money. The person receiving the money pays nothing extra when collecting at stores.

Service	Fee to Send	Collection Fee
FNB eWallet	R10 – R15	Free at PEP & FNB ATMs
ABSA CashSend	R9.95 – R15	Free at ABSA ATMs & Pick n Pay
Standard Bank Instant Money	R9.00 – R13.50	Free at Standard Bank ATMs & retailers
PEP CashSend (ABSA)	R9.99	Free at PEP stores

Real Example: Sending R500

You want to send R500 to your mother so she can buy groceries. Here is what each service costs:

FNB eWallet: You pay R510.95 total. Your mother gets R500 in cash.

ABSA CashSend: You pay R509.95 total. Your mother gets R500 in cash.

Standard Bank Instant Money: You pay R509.00 total. Your mother gets R500 in cash.

5. Sending Limits & Requirements

Transaction Limits for 2025

Service	Per Transaction	Daily Limit	Monthly Limit
FNB eWallet	R1,500	R3,000	R25,000
ABSA CashSend	R1,500	R5,000	R25,000
Standard Bank Instant Money	R2,000	R3,000	R25,000

What You Need to Send Money

1. A bank account with FNB, ABSA, or Standard Bank

2. Banking app or access to online banking

3. Recipient’s cellphone number (must be active)

4. Enough money in your account to cover the amount plus fees

Important Time Limits

All three services have a 30-day expiry period. If the person does not collect the money within 30 days, it automatically goes back to your account. You will not lose the money, but you may need to send it again.

✅ 6. Where to Collect Your Money

FNB eWallet Collection Points

• All FNB ATMs (free withdrawal)

• PEP, PEP Home, PEP Cell stores (free)

• Pick n Pay stores (free)

• Spar retailers (selected stores)

• Other banks’ ATMs (withdrawal fees apply – R11+)

ABSA CashSend Collection Points

• All ABSA ATMs (free withdrawal)

• Pick n Pay stores (free)

• Boxer stores (free)

• Other banks’ ATMs (fees may apply)

Standard Bank Instant Money Collection Points

• Standard Bank ATMs (free withdrawal)

• PEP, PEP Home, PEP Cell stores (free)

• Shoprite stores (free)

• Checkers stores (free)

• Spar stores (free)

• Usave stores (free)

• Boxer stores (free)

⚠️ 7. Common Problems & How to Fix Them

Problem 1: Wrong PIN Entered Too Many Times

Solution: The transaction gets blocked for security. Contact your bank immediately. For FNB, call 087 575 9405. For ABSA, call 0860 111 515. For Standard Bank, call 0860 466 639. They can reset the PIN.

Problem 2: Money Not Collected in 30 Days

Solution: The money automatically returns to your account. You can send it again. Check your bank statement to confirm the money came back.

Problem 3: Lost the SMS with Reference Number

Solution: Log into your banking app. Go to “Manage” or “View Transactions” for your eWallet/CashSend/Instant Money. You can resend the SMS to the recipient’s phone. Some banks let you view the reference number in the app.

Problem 4: Sent Money to Wrong Number

Solution: Act immediately! Call your bank’s fraud line right away. If the money has not been collected yet, they can reverse the transaction. The faster you call, the better your chances. Do not wait. Once the money is collected, it is very difficult to get back.

Problem 5: Recipient Cannot Find a Collection Point

Solution: Use the bank’s store locator on their website. For PEP stores, visit www.pepstores.com and use the store finder. There are over 2,500 PEP stores across South Africa, including in small towns.

🚨 8. Scams & Safety Warnings – December 2025

Scammers in South Africa are using new technology to steal money through these services. You must know how to protect yourself.

Scam 1: SIM Swap Fraud

How it works: Criminals steal your personal information. They use it to get a new SIM card with your number. They then receive all your SMS messages, including money transfer codes.

Warning signs: Your phone suddenly has no signal. You cannot make calls or send messages. You get messages about SIM card changes you did not request.

Protection: If your phone loses signal, contact your network provider immediately. Call MTN (083 173), Vodacom (082 135), Cell C (084 140), or Telkom (081 180). Block your SIM card. Contact your bank and tell them about the SIM swap. Change all your banking PINs and passwords.

Scam 2: Fake Police or Bank Officials

How it works: Someone calls pretending to be from SAPS, SARS, or your bank. They say you owe money or your account is compromised. They demand you send money via eWallet or CashSend to “fix” the problem.

New in 2025: Scammers now use AI voice technology to clone voices perfectly. The person on the phone sounds exactly like a real bank employee or police officer.

Protection: Real police and banks NEVER ask for money via eWallet, CashSend, or Instant Money. Real banks NEVER ask you to move money to a “safe account”. Hang up immediately. Call the bank directly using the number on their website or your bank card.

Scam 3: “Stranded Relative” Emergency

How it works: You get a WhatsApp message from someone claiming to be your relative. They say they lost their phone and are using a friend’s phone. They need emergency money. They give you a cellphone number to send eWallet or CashSend.

Protection: Call the person’s real number to verify. Ask questions only the real person would know. Never send money based only on WhatsApp messages. Scammers hack WhatsApp accounts and pretend to be the owner.

Scam 4: Online Purchase Fraud

How it works: You see something for sale on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. The seller says they only accept eWallet or CashSend payment. You send the money. They disappear. You never receive the item.

Protection: Never pay for items you have not seen in person. Meet sellers in public places during daylight. Only use eWallet/CashSend for people you know and trust. For online purchases, use payment methods with buyer protection like PayFast or bank transfers where you can trace the recipient.

Scam 5: Fake Banking Apps

How it works: Criminals create fake banking apps that look real. You download the fake app. You enter your banking details. They steal your information and empty your account.

Protection: Only download apps from official app stores (Google Play Store or Apple App Store). Check the developer name before installing. The real FNB app is by “FNB South Africa”. The real ABSA app is by “Absa Group Limited”. The real Standard Bank app is by “Standard Bank South Africa”.

Where to Report Scams

Your Bank: Call immediately if you suspect fraud.

SABRIC (South African Banking Risk Information Centre): 0860 000 272

SAFPS (South African Fraud Prevention Service): 011 867 2234

SAPS (South African Police Service): 10111 or your nearest police station

FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority): 0800 110 443

9. Which Service Should You Choose?

Best for Low Costs

Standard Bank Instant Money is generally cheapest. For amounts under R500, you pay only R9.00. For amounts between R501 and R1,000, you pay R11.50. For amounts over R1,000, you pay R13.50.

Best for Convenience

Standard Bank Instant Money has the most collection points. You can collect at PEP, Shoprite, Checkers, Spar, Usave, and Boxer. This is perfect if you live in a small town or rural area.

Best for Quick Payments

All three services work the same for speed. Money is available within minutes. The person can collect immediately after you send.

Best for Larger Amounts

Standard Bank Instant Money allows R2,000 per transaction. FNB eWallet and ABSA CashSend only allow R1,500 per transaction. However, ABSA CashSend has a higher daily limit of R5,000.

Best if You Already Bank There

Use your own bank’s service. It is easier because you already have the app. Your bank may also give you lower fees or rewards points.

Feature	Winner	Why
Lowest Fees	Standard Bank	From R9.00 per transaction
Most Collection Points	Standard Bank	7 different retailers plus ATMs
Highest Daily Limit	ABSA CashSend	R5,000 per day
Highest Per Transaction	Standard Bank	R2,000 per send
Longest Storage Time	Standard Bank	Up to 3 years with Instant Money Wallet

✅ 10. Our Final Recommendations for December 2025

For Most People

Use Standard Bank Instant Money. It has the lowest fees, most collection points, and highest per-transaction limit. Even if you do not bank with Standard Bank, the recipient benefits from more collection options.

If You Bank with ABSA

Use ABSA CashSend. It works well with your existing account. The R5,000 daily limit is useful if you need to send money multiple times per day. Collection at Pick n Pay is very convenient.

If You Bank with FNB

Use FNB eWallet. The fees are competitive. You can link the eWallet to your FNB account for easy transfers. The service is reliable and well-established.

For Sending to Rural Areas

Use Standard Bank Instant Money. They partner with more retailers. Even small towns have Shoprite, Spar, or PEP stores. This makes it easier for people to collect their money.

For Regular Payments

Consider a regular bank transfer instead. If you send money to the same person every month, it is cheaper to use a free bank transfer. These services are best for one-time or emergency payments.

Remember These Important Points

1. All three services are safe when used correctly.

2. Never send money to strangers or people you cannot verify.

3. Collection is free at participating stores – you only pay the sending fee.

4. Money expires after 30 days if not collected.

5. Keep your PIN secret – never share it with anyone except the recipient.

6. If something feels wrong, do not send the money.

7. Contact your bank immediately if you sent money by mistake.

PEP stores are a convenient way to collect money sent through bank instant money services. Standard Bank Instant Money offers the best value with lowest fees and most collection points. ABSA CashSend is good for higher daily limits. FNB eWallet works well for FNB customers.

The most important thing is safety. Only send money to people you know and trust. Be very careful of scams, especially SIM swap fraud and fake police calls. These scams are increasing in South Africa during 2025.

If you are unsure about anything, contact your bank directly using the official phone number on their website. Never send money if you feel pressured or rushed. Legitimate requests can wait.