Capitec does it again, adds Smart ID services to 20 more branches

Capitec has almost single-handedly helped the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) achieve its goal of kitting out at least 100 branches with Smart ID services before the 2025/2026 financial year-end. The bank, which had zero Smart ID branches under its belt three months ago, now has 67 — spread out across South Africa — with a further twenty announced today. As it stands, 102 branches from different banks now offer Smart ID services.

Capitec is one Smart (ID) cookie

Capitec’s super-fast rollout relies on its new in-branch Self-Service Terminals (SSTs), which it claims can set up a customer in less than five minutes. Customers need only bring themselves to apply for a Smart ID, though the service is only available to Capitec customers. Opening a new account? Bring your green ID book.

Other branches, like Absa or Standard Bank, don’t use such terminals and instead rely on employees. It’s still much faster than, say, visiting your local Home Affairs office, which has proven incredibly slow in the past. Eventually, the DHA hopes to offer passport services at all these branches, though no progress has been made.

First, it wants to be rid of the traditional green ID book. It also plans to develop a smart delivery service that will see Smart IDs delivered directly to residents. The DHA hopes to begin developing the system this year or next, with a larger rollout in 2026 or 2027. The grand prize? 1,000 branches involved by 2029.

Capitec customers looking to use one of the SSTs must pay a R150 fee. R140 of that is the standard DHA fee you’d see at any Home Affairs office, with the other R10 covering “logistics” on Capitec’s end. If none of the branches below is near you, worry not. Capitec plans to keep going, with more branches rolling out in phases.