How to Change Your SASSA Banking Details (SRD R370, 2026)
Need to update where your SRD R370 grant gets paid? There is exactly one safe way to do it online. This guide walks you through the official "Banking Details Update" flow, the new face-scan step and the 72-hour secure link — plus what to do if you have no bank account.
The only official way to change SRD banking details
You can update your SRD banking details in just two places:
- Online at the official portal — srd.sassa.gov.za ("Banking Details Update")
- In person at your nearest SASSA office
Type the address yourself. Never click a "change banking details" link from an SMS, WhatsApp or social-media post — only addresses ending in .gov.za are genuine. Banking changes cannot be done over WhatsApp.
Step-by-step: change your banking details online
This is the official "Banking Details Update" (SC19) flow on srd.sassa.gov.za.
- 1
Go to the official portal
Type srd.sassa.gov.za directly into your browser. Do not click links from SMS, WhatsApp or social media — those are how scammers steal your details. Look for "Banking Details Update".
- 2
Enter your 13-digit SA ID number
Use the same ID number you applied with. SASSA matches everything against your original SRD application.
- 3
Receive and enter the OTP
SASSA sends a one-time PIN by SMS to the cellphone number registered on your original application. Enter it to continue. If the number is wrong or lost, fix that first (see below) — otherwise you will never receive the OTP.
- 4
Pass identity verification (face-scan)
Since 1 September 2025 SASSA requires a mandatory face-scan / liveness check (e-KYC) for grant updates. Have good lighting and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm you are the real applicant.
- 5
Capture your new bank account details
Enter the bank name, account number and account type. The account MUST be in your own name and match the name and ID on your SRD application — SASSA will not pay into a spouse, relative or friend’s account.
- 6
Action the 72-hour secure link
After you submit, SASSA sends a secure verification link by SMS. You must open and complete it within 72 hours or the request expires and you have to start again.
Remember the 72-hour rule. The secure verification link SASSA sends by SMS expires after 72 hours. Open it as soon as it arrives — if it lapses, you have to restart the whole update.
If your phone number has changed — fix that first
Every step above depends on SASSA being able to reach you: the OTP and the 72-hour secure link are both sent by SMS to the cellphone number on your original application. If that number is wrong, lost or no longer in use, you will never receive them — so you must update your contact details on the portal before you try to change your banking details.
Log in to srd.sassa.gov.za and update your contact (cellphone) details there first. Once your new number receives messages reliably, return to "Banking Details Update" and follow the steps above.
What "Bank Details Pending" means — and how long a change takes
Seeing "Bank Details Pending" is normal and temporary. It means SASSA has your profile but your account or payment method has not yet been verified. It usually appears right after you submit or change your details, or after a payment was returned to SASSA. No action is needed beyond waiting for verification — just make sure the account you captured is correct and in your own name.
| Stage | Typical timing (guidance) |
|---|---|
| Online submission | Immediate |
| Bank verification | Around 5–7 working days |
| Change reflects in payment | Can take until the next monthly pay cycle |
These are typical timelines to set expectations — they are guidance, not a fixed SASSA rule, and can vary month to month.
No bank account? Cardless cash and Postbank options
You do not need a bank account to receive your SRD grant. SASSA offers payment options that work without one:
Cardless cash at retailers
SASSA sends an SMS to your registered cellphone, then you collect cash at major retailers using your ID and registered cellphone number.
Shoprite, Checkers, USave, Pick n Pay and Boxer.
Postbank Black Card
You can collect the new Postbank Black Card free of charge at Postbank points inside those same retailers, then use it to access your grant.
Scam warning — protect your grant
- ✕SASSA never charges a fee to change banking details or to "unlock" a grant.
- ✕SASSA never asks for your PIN, OTP or banking password — never share them with anyone.
- ✕More than 150 fake SASSA look-alike websites exist. Only addresses ending in .gov.za are genuine.
- ✕Do not click "change your banking details" links from SMS or social media — type srd.sassa.gov.za yourself.
Spotted a scam? Report it to [email protected].
Official SASSA channels
- Portal: srd.sassa.gov.za
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553 (status/info only)
- Call centre: 0800 60 10 11 (Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00)
- Report fraud: [email protected]
The SRD grant is R370 per month in 2026 and has been extended to 31 March 2027. The means test requires income under R624 per month.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change my SASSA banking details for the SRD grant? +
Can I change my SASSA banking details on WhatsApp? +
Can SASSA pay into someone else’s bank account? +
What does "Bank Details Pending" mean? +
How long does it take for new banking details to reflect? +
Does SASSA charge a fee to change my banking details? +
Related guides
- Eligibility
SASSA SRD R370 grant explained
Who qualifies, the means test and how to apply for the R370 grant.
- Track
SASSA status check
Check your SRD status online, by USSD, WhatsApp or phone — and what each code means.
- Calendar
2026 SASSA payment dates
When your SRD and other grants are paid each month.
- Declined?
How to appeal a SASSA decision
Lodge a reconsideration if your application was declined.