Capitec rapidly expands Smart ID services to 23 more branches

When Capitec said that even more branches would soon be fitted with its new Smart ID self-help terminals, we didn’t think it meant this quickly. Less than a week after its initial announcement, Capitec has equipped 23 more of its branches with the terminals — including two in the North West and Free State.

The move is just another step taken toward achieving the larger goal set by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). In August last year, several of South Africa’s banks committed to ‘upgrading’ their branches with Smart ID and passport application services, no visit to the DHA required. Capitec, like many other banks, is focused on delivering Smart ID services first, with passport applications to follow.

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“While our aim was to have 17 bank branches live this week, #TeamHomeAffairs over-performed by 100% with 34 branches now live across all nine provinces. In just 3 days, we’ve expanded the footprint for Smart ID services by 10%. Much more to come,” said Leon Schreiber, Home Affairs Minister, referring to the many banks partaking in the rather large rollout this week, including FNB and Standard Bank.

Capitec’s Self-Service Terminals (SST) are only available to Capitec customers in-store. The process reportedly takes five minutes or less — a big step up from the average Home Affairs visit. No documents are required, unless you’re opening an account with Capitec, which will require a valid ID.

The bank charges a R150 fee for Smart ID applications — R140 being the standard Home Affairs fee, and the other R10 acting as a service fee. With a branch each in the North West and Free State, Capitec is the only bank to offer the service in those provinces. Previously, residents were forced to visit their local Home Affairs department.

Here are the Capitec branches where you can currently apply for a Smart ID: