The customer centric smart payment card is used to pay USD866.4m for distribution of 16 million grants to 10 million beneficiaries. The biometric enrolment of 21.7 million recipients comprising beneficiaries, children, and procurators (agents) ensured capture of extensive personal data and biometric information such as photograph, fingerprint image and voice print. The card, underwritten by Grindrod Bank and endorsed by MasterCard, has both pin and biometric capability ensuring payment access anywhere, anytime, using multiple channels in the South African National Payment System through 3,300 point of sale devices, 2,700 biometric points of sales, 22,000 ATMs and 10,000 cash pay points. Its technology ensures accessibility and interoperability with mobile and fixed pay points; facilitates identification of cardholders and generates certified proof of the amounts paid.

 

The Europay, MasterCard and Visa (EMV) compliant card operates at merchants with points of sales devices and at ATMs. Its implementation has ensured a standardized payment process, improved data and fraud management, reduced transaction costs and improved beneficiary experience for the previously unbanked and access to payment within the first seven days of the month.