Postbank announced that the replacement of the remaining Sassa (South African Social Security Agency) gold cards with new Postbank black cards will begin on 29 April, with beneficiaries encouraged to switch before the 31 August 2026 deadline.
The bank said social grant recipients who are still using gold cards must migrate to the new black cards before the cut-off date or risk losing access to their grant payments, as the old cards will stop working after that date.
The replacement programme forms part of Postbank’s wider card migration process launched in September 2024.
Postbank chief commercial officer Thamsanqa Cele said in a statement that beneficiaries who had not yet changed cards should act urgently.
“Starting from this month, we are intensifying the final stages of the Sassa Gold Cards replacement process. This is a direct call to action for customers who have not yet migrated — please act as soon as possible,” he said.
Cele said the deadline would not be extended and warned that customers who miss it could face interruptions to grant payments.
Marecia Damons 1 Apr 2026 Postbank said beneficiaries who have already received their black cards do not need to take any further action. The cards remain valid and continue to offer benefits such as three free withdrawals, one free card replacement and a free monthly statement.
The bank said black card accounts are protected against unauthorised deductions and misuse of personal information.
New black cards can be collected free of charge at Postbank service points located inside selected retailers, including Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer and Spar.
Beneficiaries only need to present a valid South African ID or temporary ID document.
No forms are required, and cards can be collected in any province, regardless of where the grant was approved.
Postbank said balances currently on gold cards would automatically transfer to the new black cards, which can be used immediately after collection.
Recipients can find their nearest replacement site by dialling 120355# on any mobile phone. The same centres will also assist with lost cards and PIN resets.
The bank urged beneficiaries to be alert to scams. Any card not branded with “Postbank” on the front or that requires forms to be completed to work is not an official Postbank black card.
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