Quick Facts

• Cancel debit orders in minutes using your phone
• No need to visit a branch or call the bank
• Debit orders under R800 can be disputed through the app
• DebiCheck system gives you control over new debit orders
• Free to dispute unauthorised debit orders

Why You Might Need to Cancel a Debit Order

Many South Africans find unwanted debit orders taking money from their bank accounts every month. These debit orders can cause stress and financial problems. Here are common reasons why people cancel debit orders:

• You cancelled a service but the debit order keeps going
• The company is taking more money than agreed
• You see debit orders you never signed up for
• Small amounts (like R99) you don’t recognise
• You no longer need the service or product
• The debit order comes off at the wrong time of the month

The good news is that Capitec makes it easy to stop these debit orders. You can do it from your phone in just a few minutes. No need to queue at a branch or wait on hold with customer service.

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Cancel a Debit Order on the Capitec App

Follow these simple steps to cancel an unwanted debit order using your Capitec banking app:

Understanding DebiCheck: Extra Protection for Your Money

DebiCheck is a system that helps protect you from unauthorised debit orders. It was introduced by the South African Reserve Bank and the Payments Association of South Africa in 2017. As of 2025, it is the main way debit orders work in South Africa.

How DebiCheck Works

When a company wants to set up a new debit order on your account, you must approve it first. Here’s how it works:

1. You sign up for a service or product that needs a debit order
2. Capitec sends you a request in the app or by SMS
3. You see all the details: who will take the money, how much, and when
4. You can accept or reject the debit order
5. Only approved debit orders can take money from your account

Why DebiCheck is Good for You

• You are in control: No debit order can start without your permission
• You see everything clearly: All details are shown before you approve
• You get notifications: Capitec tells you about new debit order requests
• Protection from fraud: Criminals cannot set up secret debit orders
• Safer payments: Companies can only take the agreed amount on the agreed dates

How to Check Your Debit Orders Regularly

It is important to check your debit orders every month. This helps you spot problems early and avoid losing money to unauthorised payments.

Steps to View Your Debit Orders

1. Open your Capitec app and log in
2. Tap on “Transact”
3. Select “Debit Orders”
4. Look through all the debit orders listed
5. Check that you know what each one is for

What to Look For

• Company names you don’t recognise
• Amounts that are different from what you agreed to
• Debit orders for services you cancelled
• Small amounts under R100 (common in R99 scams)
• Debit orders that happen more than once a month

💰 Costs and Fees (As of October 2025)

Capitec introduced a new simple fee structure in 2025. Here is what you need to know about debit order costs:

Service	Cost
Setting up a debit order (company pays)	R3.00
Cancelling a debit order through app	Free
Disputing unauthorised debit order	Free
Monthly account fee (minimum balance R30)	R7.50

Important Things to Know

• It is free to cancel or dispute debit orders through the Capitec app
• The R3 debit order fee is usually paid by the company taking the money, not you
• Capitec has one of the lowest monthly fees in South Africa at R7.50
• You can only dispute debit orders under R800 through the app
• For debit orders over R800, contact Capitec directly on 0860 10 20 43

🚨 Warning: Common Debit Order Scams in South Africa

Criminals use debit orders to steal money from bank accounts. Here are scams you need to watch out for in 2025:

The R99 Scam

This is the most common debit order scam in South Africa. Criminals set up debit orders for small amounts (usually under R100). They hope you won’t notice these small amounts. The money adds up over time.

• How it works: Criminals get your bank details through data breaches or dishonest bank workers
• What they do: Set up debit orders for amounts like R49, R79, or R99
• Why it works: Small amounts are easy to miss in your statement
• The damage: If not stopped, they take money every month for years

Fake Company Debit Orders

Scammers create fake companies and set up debit orders using stolen information. The company names look real but they provide no service.

Phishing Scams Leading to Debit Orders

Criminals send fake SMS or email messages pretending to be from Capitec or other companies. They trick you into:

• Clicking on dangerous links
• Sharing your banking details
• Giving them your PIN or password
• Approving debit orders you didn’t request

How to Protect Yourself

Your Rights as a Consumer in South Africa

South African law protects you from unfair debit orders. You have important rights under the National Credit Act and Consumer Protection Act. Here’s what the law says:

You Have the Right To:

• Approve all debit orders before they start – Companies need your permission
• Know exactly what you are paying for – All details must be clear
• Cancel debit orders at any time – You can stop them when you want
• Dispute unauthorised debit orders – Banks must help you get your money back
• Receive notification of new debit orders – Banks must tell you about DebiCheck requests
• Get your money back if a debit order was unauthorised – Banks must reverse fraudulent transactions
• Complain if companies break the rules – You can report them to authorities

Important Rules for Companies (As of 2025)

In March 2025, new rules came into effect to protect consumers even more:

• All debit orders must use the Registered Mandate system
• Companies cannot change debit order amounts without your permission
• Companies must get your approval for any changes to debit orders
• Banks must keep records of all debit order approvals

What Companies Cannot Do

• Set up debit orders without your permission
• Continue taking money after you cancel
• Take more money than you agreed to
• Change the date or amount without telling you
• Make it difficult for you to cancel

📞 Where to Get Help

If you have problems with debit orders or need help, here are the numbers to call:

Organisation	Contact Details	When to Use
Capitec Client Care	0860 10 20 43 (24 hours) WhatsApp: 067 418 9565	First contact for all Capitec issues
Banking Ombudsman	0860 800 900 www.obssa.co.za	Complaints about banks
National Credit Regulator	0860 627 627 www.ncr.org.za	Credit-related problems
SABRIC (Banking Fraud)	www.sabric.co.za	Report banking scams and fraud
National Consumer Commission	0860 003 600	General consumer complaints
SAFPS (ID Theft)	011 867 2234 www.safps.org.za	Report ID theft and fraud

Steps to Take When You Need Help

1. First, try to solve it with the company – Contact the company taking the debit order
2. If that doesn’t work, contact Capitec – Call or WhatsApp them for help
3. Keep records of everything – Save emails, SMS messages, and take screenshots
4. Write down dates and times – Note when you made calls or cancelled orders
5. If still not solved, contact the Ombudsman – They can help settle disputes
6. Report scams to SABRIC and SAPS – Help stop criminals from hurting others

Cancelling unwanted debit orders is your right, and Capitec makes it simple to do from your phone. The most important things to remember are:

• Check your bank statement every month for debit orders you don’t recognise
• Use the Capitec app to cancel unwanted debit orders quickly and easily
• Always check DebiCheck requests carefully before approving them
• Keep your banking details private and never share your PIN
• Report suspicious debit orders immediately to stop fraud
• Know your rights – companies must have your permission for debit orders
• Keep records of all cancellations in case you need proof later

Taking control of your debit orders is an important part of managing your money well. The Capitec app puts you in charge, making it easy to see what’s happening with your money and stop payments you don’t want. Stay alert, check regularly, and don’t be afraid to cancel debit orders that don’t serve you.