Purchasing airtime using your SASSA card through your mobile phone is simple and convenient. With the advancement of mobile banking technology, SASSA beneficiaries can easily top up airtime without visiting physical stores. In this ultimate guide I’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to buy airtime using a SASSA card directly on your mobile device.
A SASSA card is a South African Social Security Agency card that allows beneficiaries to access social grants and make payments. Airtime refers to purchased credit allowing the usage of cellular network services including calls, SMS, and mobile data.
To purchase airtime with a SASSA card on your phone, you first need to:
Have an active mobile phone network connection
Download a compatible mobile banking app
Register and link your SASSA card details to the app
Locate the airtime purchase feature and select an amount
Confirm the transaction with your SASSA card PIN
Once authorized, the airtime will automatically be credited to your linked mobile phone number.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Airtime using a SASSA Card
Follow these steps to easily purchase airtime directly through your phone using mobile banking:
Step 1: Check Network Connectivity
Ensure your mobile phone has an active internet connection through mobile data or Wi-Fi. A network connection is required to access the mobile banking application for transactions.
Check that you have reliable connectivity and recharge data if needed before proceeding.
Step 2: Download a Mobile Banking Application
Visit your device’s app store to download a compatible mobile banking app. Popular options include:
Capitec App
FNB App
Nedbank App
Absa App
Register for the app that allows transactions with your SASSA card provider. The app should be free to download on Android and iOS devices.
Step 3: Register and Login
Launch the newly installed mobile banking app. Follow the on-screen prompts to register a new account or login to an existing account.
You will need to provide essential personal details like your ID number, contact information, and SASSA card details when registering. Ensure all information entered is accurate.
Step 4: Link Your SASSA Card
Once logged in, go to your profile or settings and look for a “Link Card” or “Add Card” option. Select SASSA card and enter the required information:
SASSA card number
Card expiry date
Security PIN
Follow any additional prompts to successfully link your active SASSA card to enable transactions.
Card Type
Linking Process
SASSA Postbank Card
Add card number and OTP PIN
SASSA Grindrod Card
Use security PIN
Step 5: Locate Airtime Purchase Menu
Once your SASSA card is successfully linked, navigate to the airtime purchase menu. This is usually indicated by “Airtime”, “Recharge”, “Buy Airtime” or similar.
On most banking apps, this option will be visible on the home screen or within the services/payments menu.
Step 6: Select Amount
Choose the amount of airtime you wish to purchase from the displayed or input options:
Set amounts e.g. R10, R20, R50
Custom input to specify an amount
Available values depend on the mobile provider, but often range from R5 upwards.
Step 7: Confirm and Authorize Transaction
Carefully review the purchase details before confirming:
Chosen airtime value
Mobile number receiving airtime
Debit amount from SASSA card
Then authorize the transaction by entering your SASSA card PIN when prompted. This enables secure payment through the linked card.
Step 8: Wait for Confirmation
A processing notification will display while the transaction is verified with your bank.
Wait for the final confirmation message indicating successful airtime purchase before exiting the app. This may take a few minutes.
Step 9: Check Airtime Credit
To confirm, check your new airtime credit using:
The mobile banking app balance display
Dial USSD code – For example, *141# for MTN or *101# for Vodacom
Network provider mobile app
This completes the process of buying airtime with your SASSA card completely through your mobile device!
Key Benefits of Buying Airtime via Mobile App
Purchasing airtime with a SASSA card on your phone offers these key benefits:
Convenience – Buy airtime anytime without visiting physical stores
Easy and fast transactions – Complete purchases in just minutes via app
Secure payments – SASSA PIN protection through banking app
Cashless payments – Airtime debited directly from SASSA card
Self-service – Manage payments independently through phone
With mobile banking, you can now recharge airtime on-the-go with the SASSA social relief card for improved access and connectivity.
Final Thoughts
Using the step-by-step guidance provided, South African SASSA beneficiaries can now easily purchase prepaid airtime without needing to visit external outlets. This allows you to efficiently recharge mobile access as needed through secure mobile banking apps.
With airtime accessible directly via any internet-enabled phone and compatible app, you can focus on staying connected to important services, contacts, information and support using your essential mobile device.
I’m Anele Zulu, a South African social worker dedicated to serving my country’s most vulnerable. With my degree and field expertise, I empower underprivileged communities through compassionate support and tireless advocacy on this website. My goal is simplifying access to services so families can uplift themselves
