When Do You Need to Update?
You should update your banking details on the SRD portal if:
- You opened a new bank account and want payments there instead
- You closed your old bank account
- You want to switch from CashSend to direct bank deposit (or the other way around)
- Your previous payment bounced because of wrong details
- You entered a wrong branch code or account number when you first applied
The account must be in YOUR name. SASSA will not pay into someone else's account. Not a friend, not a family member, not a spouse. The account must be registered to the same person as the ID on the SRD application.
How to Update Your Details
2
Submit your ID number
Enter your 13-digit South African ID number.
3
Receive and enter the SMS link or OTP
SASSA will send a verification code to your registered phone number. Enter it to prove it is you.
4
Enter your new bank details
Fill in your bank name, branch code, account number, and account type. Double-check every digit before submitting.
5
Wait for verification
National Treasury will verify the new account. This takes 7 to 14 business days. Your status may show "Bank Details Pending" during this period.
Which Payment Method Is Fastest?
| Payment Method | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct bank deposit | Fastest (same day to 2 days) | Money goes straight into your account. Capitec and TymeBank are usually same-day. |
| CashSend | Slower (1-3 days for voucher SMS) | You receive an SMS with a voucher code. Withdraw at any ATM. No bank account needed. |
| Retail collection | Available on pay date | Collect at Shoprite, Pick n Pay, or Boxer with your ID. Requires a physical visit. |
If you have a bank account in your name, direct deposit is the best option. It is the fastest and you do not need to go anywhere to collect your money.
Common Errors When Updating
- Wrong branch code: Most banks now use a single universal branch code. Using an old branch-specific code can cause verification to fail. Check your bank's website for the universal code.
- Account not in your name: This is the number one reason banking verification fails. The name on the account must match your ID.
- Closed account: If you closed the old account before the payment arrived, the money bounces back. Make sure the old account stays open until you confirm the switch.
- Wrong account type: Selecting "Cheque" when your account is "Savings" (or the other way around) can cause a mismatch.
After updating your banking details, you may be asked to complete biometric facial verification as a security step. This is normal.