Capitec accelerates Smart ID service rollout to 47 branches nationwide

Capitec is really flying toward its goal of offering Smart ID services at more than 100 of its branches before 2027, huh? It was only a few weeks ago that the bank upgraded thirty of its branches with its new self-service terminals across Gauteng, North West, and the Free State. Today, it has added seventeen more branches to the already impressive figure, bringing the total up to a whopping 47 branches.

For now, the bank’s powers are limited to Smart ID applications. The ability to apply for or renew a passport is expected to come later down the line. Not just at Capitec, but at most bank branches in the country.

A feather in your Capitec

This is just the first phase of the Department of Home Affairs’ larger goal to see all of South Africa’s banks expand Smart ID and passport services nationwide. Previously, only a handful of bank branches under Absa, FNB, and others had the necessary technology and training to handle these requests.

Residents without access to these branches were left with little choice but to visit their local home affairs office — a slow-moving process. In just a few short months since the initiative was announced, several banks have taken their first steps toward that future, though none quite as large as Capitec.

Capitec has the added benefit of using self-service terminals, which it claims can help any customer apply for or renew their Smart ID in five minutes or less. Other branches are still reliant on employees’ skills. This has proved an advantage for Capitec, with minimal terminal upkeep allowing it to penetrate as many as seven provinces and greatly expand access for all. The terminals reportedly capture the customer’s biometrics in person.