R80 ATM Fee – From 25 July 2025, South African banking customers—especially those using Capitec and FNB—will face a sharp increase in ATM withdrawal charges, with fees reaching up to R80 per transaction in some cases. The sudden spike in banking fees has caught many by surprise, sparking outrage on social media and forcing consumers to re-evaluate their banking habits. The banks have defended these new charges, citing inflation, service upgrades, and fraud protection as key reasons behind the revised fee structure. However, many believe the move is exploitative, especially for grant recipients and low-income earners who rely on frequent ATM withdrawals. This comes at a time when the cost of living is already hitting households hard due to rising fuel prices, food inflation, and load shedding disruptions. Social media has erupted with screenshots of the new ATM fee notices from Capitec and FNB branches, going viral within hours. Customers have expressed anger over not being formally notified in advance and are demanding full transparency and urgent review of the banking cost structure. With this new development, understanding exactly what’s changing, who will be impacted most, and how to avoid these charges is essential. This guide breaks down the full list of revised fees, exemption rules, comparisons with other banks, and strategic tips to reduce your monthly banking expenses.
New R80 ATM Fee from 25 July
Starting 25 July, ATM fees for both Capitec and FNB users are being increased significantly. The hike mainly affects withdrawals made at other bank ATMs and international ATMs.
- Capitec users to pay up to R80 for certain ATM withdrawals
- FNB to charge dynamic fees based on location and ATM type
- Other banks may follow if not already implementing similar changes
Revised R80 ATM Fee by Bank
Below is a comparison table showing the updated ATM withdrawal fees for major banks in South Africa from 25 July 2025:
| Bank | Own ATM Withdrawals | Other Bank ATM | International ATM | Mini Withdrawal (<R500) | Balance Enquiry | Cardless Withdrawal | Monthly Account Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capitec | R8.00 | R80.00 | R120.00 | R5.00 | R2.00 | R10.00 | R7.00 |
| FNB | R10.00 | R70.00 | R110.00 | R5.50 | R2.00 | R8.00 | R10.95 |
| Standard Bank | R9.50 | R65.00 | R100.00 | R4.50 | R1.50 | R9.00 | R12.50 |
| Absa | R10.00 | R68.00 | R105.00 | R6.00 | R2.00 | R10.00 | R11.00 |
| Nedbank | R11.00 | R72.00 | R115.00 | R5.00 | R1.75 | R9.50 | R12.00 |
| TymeBank | Free | R60.00 | R100.00 | Free | Free | Not Available | Free |
| African Bank | R7.00 | R63.00 | R95.00 | R4.00 | R2.00 | R8.00 | R6.50 |
Why Are These R80 ATM Fee Charges Increasing?
Banks have pointed to several key reasons for the new fee structure. However, the explanations haven’t satisfied most customers.
- Rising operational costs for ATM maintenance and upgrades
- Increased fraud risk management
- Inflation adjustment post-2024 economic downturn
- Push towards digital and cardless banking models
- Decline in cash withdrawals due to mobile payment growth
Public Reactions and Complaints
The fee hike has sparked major backlash on platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
- Users call the move “daylight robbery” and “anti-poor”
- Lack of direct SMS or email communication from banks frustrates users
- Grant recipients and elderly most impacted by rising costs
- Many exploring account closure or bank switching
How Capitec and FNB Customers Will Be Affected
Capitec and FNB customers make up a large portion of South Africa’s banking population. Here’s how their daily banking may change:
- ATM withdrawal fees can now consume a larger portion of social grant payouts
- Those who withdraw cash more than 2–3 times a month will see major deductions
- Monthly account management fees remain unchanged but ATM use becomes costly
Tips to Avoid High ATM Fees
To navigate this shift, customers can take strategic steps to minimize the impact.
- Use own-bank ATMs only
- Opt for cardless cash withdrawals via app when cheaper
- Use retail tills for cashback withdrawals when possible
- Switch to mobile wallet transactions (SnapScan, Capitec Pay, etc.)
- Withdraw higher amounts less frequently to avoid repeated charges
What Other Banks Are Charging
Let’s compare what other major South African banks are charging currently and how competitive Capitec and FNB really are:
Current Fees by Bank (Effective July 2025)
| Service | Capitec | FNB | Standard Bank | Absa | Nedbank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | R7.00 | R10.95 | R12.50 | R11.00 | R12.00 |
| Withdrawal at Own ATM | R8.00 | R10.00 | R9.50 | R10.00 | R11.00 |
| Withdrawal at Other ATM | R80.00 | R70.00 | R65.00 | R68.00 | R72.00 |
| Balance Enquiry | R2.00 | R2.00 | R1.50 | R2.00 | R1.75 |
What Does This Mean for Grant Recipients?
Social grant beneficiaries who receive their payments via Capitec or FNB cards may suffer the most from the new ATM charges.
Key Impact Points
- R350, Old Age, and Disability grants will face R80 cuts if withdrawn at other ATMs
- Most grant recipients unaware of exact fee changes
- Card usage at POS terminals remains free—preferable for shopping
Suggested Alternatives
July SASSA Old Age Grant: Unveiling the Complete Payment Schedule and Eligibility Requirements
- Use SASSA card at retailers like Shoprite, Boxer, or Pick n Pay for purchases
- Avoid cash withdrawals unless absolutely necessary
- Consider switching to banks with lower withdrawal costs
New Rules for ATM Fee Notifications
The Reserve Bank and Banking Ombudsman have issued guidelines around banking fee transparency to protect consumers.
Regulatory Guidelines Issued in July 2025
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Fee Notification Mandate | Banks must inform users via SMS or email before any fee hike |
| ATM Fee Breakdown | Must be displayed during ATM transaction preview |
| Complaint Redress Timeline | Must resolve customer fee disputes within 5 working days |
| Fee Review Committee | Panel to evaluate fee structures quarterly |
The introduction of the R80 ATM withdrawal fee has caused significant concern among South African bank customers. While banks insist this is part of broader digital banking modernization, consumers feel blindsided and burdened. Staying informed and shifting towards digital-first banking habits can help reduce unnecessary expenses. Be sure to check with your specific bank for the most updated charges and act before 25 July 2025 to avoid surprise deductions.
FAQs of R80 ATM Fee
Q1: Can I avoid the R80 fee completely?
Yes, by using your bank’s own ATM, mobile banking, or shopping with your card at retail points instead of withdrawing cash.
Q2: Are Capitec and FNB the only banks increasing ATM charges?
As of now, they are leading with the highest fees, but other banks may follow in the coming months.
Q3: Do I need to update my app to see new fees?
Yes, make sure you have the latest version of your banking app to view updated fee structures and alternatives.
Q4: Will grant recipients lose money if they withdraw cash at ATMs?
Yes, a R350 grant could be reduced to R270 if R80 is deducted during withdrawal from other ATMs.
Q5: Are these charges legal?
Yes, as long as banks follow regulatory notice guidelines and transparency mandates from the South African Reserve Bank.
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Q6: Where can I lodge a complaint about unfair fees?
You can contact your bank’s helpline or escalate to the Banking Ombudsman for unresolved disputes.
