South Africans Ditch Using Cash and Cards: Rise of Digital Payments in 2025

How Mobile Apps, Digital Wallets, and Crypto Are Transforming Everyday Payments in South Africa

A seismic shift in consumer behaviour is sweeping the nation as more South Africans leave behind cash and cards in favour of sleek, mobile-first digital payment options. According to the 2025 State of Consumer Payments in South Africa report by fintech firm Stitch, more than 90% of surveyed individuals experimented with new payment methods beyond traditional cash and cards in the past year.

This isn’t just a tech trend — it’s a nationwide financial evolution.

Digital Payment Adoption Surges: What the Numbers Say

Conducted in collaboration with research firm Censuswide, Stitch’s study sampled approximately 2,000 South Africans and uncovered compelling insights. A remarkable 9 out of 10 respondents confirmed they had used at least one alternative payment method recently.

Leading the pack? Pay-by-bank platforms — which include scan-to-pay and instant EFTs — are gaining major ground. These systems bypass cards entirely, favouring direct, real-time bank-to-bank transactions via mobile apps. Consumers are embracing the speed, convenience, and security these methods offer.

The Big Names Dominating the Space

The digital wallet race is heating up, with the following apps leading the charge:

• Google Pay – Used by 37% of respondents
• Samsung Pay – 21%
• Apple Pay – 18%

These wallets allow users to store card details digitally on their smartphones, watches, or computers, enabling seamless payments with a simple tap or scan.

Capitec Pay, a local favourite, is also seeing a rise in preference across retail and service sectors, reflecting growing trust in domestic digital banking tools.

Crypto Payments: From Novelty to Normal

Not to be outdone, cryptocurrency is making its way into daily commerce. Major retailers like Pick n Pay now accept crypto payments via the Moneybadger platform, supporting wallets such as Bitcoin Lightning, Binance, VALR, and Luno Pay.

Luno Pay has integrated with Zapper, expanding crypto payment options to multiple retailers across South Africa. As of July 2025, the Luno Pay ecosystem has facilitated over R20 million in transactions since its launch in late 2024 — a clear signal that crypto is no longer on the fringes.

Where Cards and Cash Still Hold Power

Despite these gains, traditional payment methods still dominate some daily transactions. Grocery and food purchases, in particular, remain cash-heavy. Here’s how South Africans paid for groceries in the last year:

• 41% used a physical debit or credit card
• 26% paid with cash
• 18% used pay-by-bank or Capitec Pay
• Only 8% used digital wallets like Google Pay or Apple Pay

This shows that while digital payments are rising, cash and cards still have a stronghold in high-frequency, essential purchases.

The Resistance to Going Fully Cashless

Attempts to push digital payments too aggressively can backfire. Stitch and DataEQ’s analysis of Woolworths Café’s cashless initiative found that nearly 75% of public sentiment was negative. Concerns included:

• Accessibility for the unbanked
• Staff tip distribution without cash
• Data security and fraud fears

In fact, 23% of South Africans who haven’t used digital payments say it’s simply because they prefer the feel and control of cash.

Security Still a Key Concern

Although digital wallets are generally more secure than carrying physical cards, fear of fraud, identity theft, and cyberattacks continue to deter some consumers. Fintech firms now face a twofold challenge: continuing to innovate while building deeper trust through education and transparency.

A Hybrid Financial Future

South Africa is undeniably on the path to a cash-light society, but the journey must be inclusive and measured. While major urban centres are embracing the digital age at pace, rural and underserved communities must not be left behind. A balanced approach that preserves consumer choice while enabling innovation will be key.

As digital tools like Capitec Pay, scan-to-pay, and crypto wallets continue to rise, the writing is on the wall: the future of money in South Africa is mobile, real-time, and borderless.

Quick Snapshot: South Africa’s 2025 Digital Payment Landscape

Digital payments are not just a passing trend in South Africa — they’re becoming a new way of life. But for all the innovation, inclusion and consumer trust must remain at the heart of progress. Whether you’re scanning to pay for your latte or transferring crypto for groceries, 2025 is officially the year South Africans begin to ditch cash and cards — one tap at a time.

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