Mukuru’s New Account: What It Offers and What You’ll Pay

Mukuru is best known for helping people send money across borders. Founded in Cape Town in 2004, the financial-services company has now expanded its offering with an account for everyday transactions.

Announced on 30 September 2026, the Mukuru Account & Card is available in South Africa, including Johannesburg. It is offered in partnership with Bank Zero, the licensed sponsor bank, and builds on Mukuru’s existing card service.

What can you use it for?

Customers can:

• Receive salaries and incoming bank transfers.

• Pay local bank accounts, including a landlord or family member.

• Shop in stores and online using the card.

• Withdraw cash at ATMs and participating retailers.

• Send money abroad through Mukuru’s international transfer service.

For someone supporting family in another country, this could mean handling wages, rent, groceries and money sent home through one provider.

The card itself currently works only within South Africa. International money transfers are a separate service accessed through Mukuru.

Mukuru fees at a glance

R30 a month · R85 once-off card activation

• Shopping: Free in-store taps and swipes; R1.50 per online purchase.

• Transfers: R5 per standard EFT to a South African bank; R8 per instant payment.

• Cash: R6 cashback at a till; ATM withdrawals cost R15 per R1,000 or part thereof.

Also check: A R5 account load fee is listed separately from free incoming EFTs. Confirm when it applies. Retailer cash-deposit charges vary.

• View the full fee brochure

When comparing accounts, use your usual spending habits. Regular cash withdrawals and transfers will add to the monthly service fee.

Already have a Mukuru card?

The additional features require the new Account & Card. Existing customers can upgrade at a Mukuru branch or agent.

Once the new card is activated, the old card stops working and its balance moves to the new account. Customers who already have Bank Zero–Mukuru EFT details can continue using them.

The new account has a R150,000 monthly spending limit, with separate daily and transaction limits. Outgoing EFTs, for example, are capped at R25,000 a day.

Before moving your salary

A few checks can help you decide whether the account suits you:

• Confirm registration requirements. Ask which identification documents and verification steps apply to you.

• Check your account details. Retrieve them through Mukuru’s official channels before giving them to payroll.

• Allow for payment timing. Confirm when a transfer should arrive, especially for rent or another deadline.

• Compare international transfer costs. Check both what you pay and what your recipient receives.

• Check essential features. If you rely on debit orders or other services, confirm they are supported before replacing your existing account.

• Explore the account and find registration options

The Bottom Line

Mukuru’s account combines everyday payments with access to its international money-transfer services. Whether it suits you depends on the transactions you make and what they cost. Compare a typical month’s fees with your current account, and confirm that the services you rely on are available before moving your salary.