More than 1.8 million SASSA social grant beneficiaries have successfully migrated from their old gold cards to Postbank's new black cards.
Postbank says more than 80% of its targeted card migrations have now been completed ahead of the 31 August 2026 deadline.
In a statement issued on Friday, Postbank said the migration process was progressing smoothly, with no significant challenges reported.
The bank said beneficiaries who have already switched to the black cards are experiencing greater convenience and benefiting from the new card features.
The availability of card replacement sites at retailers where beneficiaries regularly shop has also helped make the migration process more accessible.
This has been particularly useful for beneficiaries in rural communities, who can complete the card migration process as part of their normal shopping trips.
SASSA Black Card Migration Continues
Postbank said the transition from SASSA gold cards to black cards was supported by extensive operational preparations and a public awareness campaign.
The campaign was designed to ensure social grant beneficiaries understood the changes and the importance of completing the migration within the stipulated period.
According to Postbank, provinces that initially recorded lower migration numbers, including the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, recorded increased migration volumes during the week.
The bank said beneficiaries receiving Child Support Grants account for up to 90% of those who have not yet migrated to the new black cards.
These beneficiaries are typically younger and more mobile mothers.
Postbank Chief Commercial Officer Thami Cele said the bank's migration plan remains on track.
“The Postbank’s established card migration plan remains on track and is being implemented as planned. We are encouraged by the latest visible strong response from beneficiaries and the progress we have made.
“As a state-owned bank, our priority is always to ensure that every social grant beneficiary makes a transition to the new cards and does not experience any inconvenience. We are particularly pleased that most of the elderly and disability grants category groups have completed their migrations, and we now urge all beneficiaries who have not yet migrated to take advantage of the remaining time and complete the process without further delay,” Cele said.
Postbank Extends Black Card Replacement Hours
Postbank will extend the operating days of its card replacement sites to include Saturday and Sunday from 09H00.
Beneficiaries who have not yet completed their migration are encouraged to use the additional operating days to switch to the new Postbank black card before the deadline.
However, Postbank has confirmed that missing the 31 August deadline will not stop beneficiaries from receiving their social grants.
Beneficiaries' accounts will remain active after the deadline, and Postbank will continue operating card replacement sites after 31 August to assist those who have not yet completed the migration.
The bank is nevertheless urging beneficiaries not to delay the process and to make use of the extended weekend operating hours.
Where To Get A Postbank Black Card
SASSA beneficiaries can complete their black card migration at Postbank card replacement sites located inside selected retail stores.
These include:
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Shoprite
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Checkers
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Usave
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Pick n Pay
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Boxer
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Spar
Beneficiaries can dial *120*355# from any cellphone to find their nearest card migration site.
The migration process is free of charge. Beneficiaries only need to present a valid South African ID or temporary ID, and no forms are required.
SASSA Black Card Migration FAQs
Can I collect my black card in another province?
Yes. Beneficiaries can collect their new Postbank black card from any province, regardless of the province where their SASSA grant was originally approved.
Does the black card work immediately?
Yes. The new black card works immediately after it is issued, and beneficiaries do not need to visit a SASSA office to activate it.
What happens to money on my SASSA gold card?
Postbank said that any balance available on a beneficiary's gold card will automatically be reflected and remain accessible after migration.
What happens if I miss the 31 August deadline?
Beneficiaries who have not migrated by 31 August will continue receiving their social grants, and their accounts will remain active. Postbank will also continue assisting beneficiaries with the migration after the deadline.
However, beneficiaries are encouraged to complete the migration as soon as possible rather than waiting until after the deadline.
For more information about the SASSA black card migration process, beneficiaries can contact Postbank on 0800 5354 55.
