This article explains how the TymeBank card came about, how it works, what it costs and how you can apply online.
TymeBank has become one of South Africa’s best-known fully digital banks, offering a low-fee account that you can open from your phone in a few minutes.
Instead of visiting a branch, you use the app or a self-service kiosk in major retail stores to get started.
TymeBank Card: How It Works
Unlike traditional banks, TymeBank does not run branches.
You manage your money through internet banking, the mobile app and in-store kiosks and retail partners across the country.
When you open an Everyday account, you receive a Visa debit card that you can use in South Africa and internationally for purchases.
Also for ATM withdrawals and online payments. The card is free to issue and is printed instantly at a kiosk once your profile is verified.
What else can you do with the card
The Everyday account is linked to several digital features in the app.
You can use SendMoney to transfer funds to someone using only their South African cellphone number, manage debit orders, and buy and pay.
For shoppers who frequent Pick’n Pay, the TymeBank card also integrates with the Smart Shopper loyalty programme.
Interest and Fees
TymeBank’s Everyday account is built around a pay-as-you-use model with no fixed monthly account fee.
Many everyday transactions, such as card swipes and local EFTs, are free, while other services carry small charges.
Cash withdrawals at South African ATMs, international ATM withdrawals and certain cash deposits normally attract specific fees.
You should always confirm the latest tariff guide on TymeBank’s website before you rely on exact rand values.
How to Apply for a TymeBank Card
You can apply for a TymeBank Everyday account and card either via the app or online, or at a kiosk in partner stores.
In both cases, you generally need a valid South African ID number and an active South African mobile number
Apply via the TymeBank App or Website
Find the TymeBank app on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or start from the bank’s secure online registration site.
- Enter your personal details: Provide your ID number, mobile number and other requested data. TymeBank uses digital FICA processes, so in many cases, you do not have to submit paper documents.
- Complete biometric or identity verification: The app may ask you to take a selfie or answer security questions to confirm your identity. This step links your profile to official records and helps the bank comply with regulations.
- Activate your digital account: Once approved, you receive your new account number and can start transacting digitally using the app and online banking, even before you have a physical card.
- Collect your physical card: To get the actual Visa debit card, visit any TymeBank kiosk in selected Pick n Pay, Boxer or TFG stores and follow the on-screen prompts to print your personalized card.
2. Apply Directly at a TymeBank Kiosk
Find a TymeBank kiosk inside a Pick n Pay, Boxer or TFG store near you. Store staff or TymeBank ambassadors can point you in the right direction.
- Start a new application: Choose the option to open an account, enter your South African ID number and confirm your cellphone number so the system can send a one-time PIN.
- Scan your fingerprints: The kiosk captures your thumbprints and checks them against the Home Affairs database. Once verified, your Everyday account is fully active.
- Print and collect your card: The machine prints a personalized TymeBank Visa debit card immediately, which you can start using in-store and online as soon as you set your PIN.
Competitors
Here’s a simple comparison putting the TymeBank card next to a few similar low-fee accounts in South Africa.
| Feature | TymeBank EveryDay (Visa debit) | Capitec Global One (debit card) | FNB Easy Zero (debit card) | Standard Bank MyMo (debit card) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly account fee | R0 monthly account fee. | R7.50 per month for the transactional account. | R0 monthly account fee. | R7.50 per month. |
| Local card purchases (in-store & online) | Local card purchases and local online purchases are free. | Card purchases and most online card payments are free. | Unlimited card swipes at no fee. | Free, unlimited card swipes. |
| Rewards / extras | Double Pick n Pay Smart Shopper points when you swipe at PnP; EarlyPay (salary a day early if conditions met); PayShap instant payments; wide cash-out network via retailers and spaza partners. | No major in-house rewards programme, but Capitec often runs partner deals and supports Scan-to-Pay and virtual cards for secure QR payments. | Zero monthly fee, unlimited swipes, some low-cost value-adds (like prepaid purchases). Rewards are mainly via the broader FNB ecosystem, not Easy Zero specifically. | Low monthly fee, free card swipes, Instant Money, and access to Standard Bank’s UCount rewards (if you choose to pay the separate UCount fee). |
| Best suited for… | You want no monthly fee, free card swipes and are happy with a branch-less, digital-first bank that uses kiosks and retail partners instead of branches. | You are okay paying a small monthly fee for a big branch network and simple fee structure, and you like keeping everything (transactions, savings, credit) under one bank. | You want a big-bank brand with zero monthly fee, don’t need debit orders, and are comfortable using the FNB app and ATM network plus retailer tills for cash. | You prefer a traditional bank with branches, but still want a relatively low monthly fee, free card swipes and strong app support. |
Bank Contact Info and Address
Public records and TymeBank’s official contact details list the following core information:
- Registered name: Tyme Bank Limited
- Head office address: 2nd Floor, 30 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
- Customer care number (South Africa): 0860 999 119
- Email for general queries: [email protected]
- Official website: tymebank.co.za
For lost or stolen cards, suspicious transactions or fraud concerns, you should contact the customer care line or use the in-app options as soon as possible.
Always confirm contact details on the official website or in the app before calling or sharing personal information.
Conclusion
TymeBank’s online application and kiosk-based onboarding make it simple to open an Everyday account and collect a Visa debit card without visiting a branch.
The mix of no monthly fee, rewards on everyday spending and a high-interest savings feature has turned it into a strong option.
Before you sign up, compare the current fees, limits and interest rates with your personal needs.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice or a product recommendation. TymeBank’s fees, limits, interest rates, eligibility criteria and contact details may change at any time, so you must always verify the latest information directly with the bank through its official channels before acting.
