Cash vs. cards: which works best in South Africa?

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Cash is king but cards are royalty. Photo: Canva
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When it comes to spending money in South Africa, the debate between cash and cards often pops up. While cash has its old-school charm, I’ve happily embraced the digital life. My wallet barely sees cash these days and for good reason.

First off, South Africa has made huge strides in digital payments. With contactless cards and mobile wallets like Zapper, SnapScan, and even Apple Pay, paying is faster and smoother than ever. No digging around for change at Woolworths or scrambling to count coins at the petrol station. Just tap, scan or swipe and you’re good to go!

Security is another major factor. Cash can easily disappear if lost or stolen. On the other hand, if your card goes missing, you can block it immediately via apps like those from Capitec or FNB. And let’s not forget the ease of tracking your spending – no need to remember where your last R200 went!

Cards also bring perks. Many South African banks offer rewards programmes. For example, Absa Rewards or Standard Bank’s UCount can give you cashback or discounts on groceries, fuel or even travel. Why carry paper money when your card could help you save on your next Spar run or Checkers grocery shop?

That said, there’s still a case for cash in SA. For informal markets, like buying mielies on the side of the road or grabbing a bunny chow from your favourite local vendor, cash is king. But even here, things are shifting – many small businesses now accept card payments via Yoco or similar devices.

For me, cards win every time. They’re safer, more convenient and keep my pockets free of those heavy R5 coins. What’s your preference? Let’s tap into this conversation – pun intended!

Read: Explore Cape Town’s Nature Reserves with easy digital payments

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