Your Questions

To help you get the best out of your Unlimited Debit Card and truly experience all the benefits it has to offer, this is the information you need to know.

Tip: You can click on the plus sign to find the answer to your question

Who do I call when I have a query?

Give us a call us on 0861 22 88 99 between 8am & 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am & 1pm on Saturday. For lost or stolen cards, this call centre is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

What can I use my Debit Card for?

You can use The Unlimited Visa Debit Card for just about anything!

  • Make purchases at any till point (that has a PIN pad)
  • Draw cash from any ATM displaying the Visa logo
  • Draw cash at the till at Pick n Pay, Shoprite/Checkers and Clicks, please check with retailer as certain conditions may apply
  • Pay your accounts at retailers displaying the Easy Pay logo
  • Pay for your fuel at service stations that accept debit cards (make sure you ask before you fill up just in case!)

We’re sorry but you can’t: Buy goods over the phone or internet (because you can’t ‘enter’ in your PIN ).

Are there any limits on my card?

It all depends on the documentation we received from you when you opened your account with us – this is where it gets a little technical, so bear with us!
If you have an “Exemption 17″ account there are a few restrictions that apply, such as:

  • No more than R5,000 worth of debit transactions per day, including ATM withdrawals.
  • No more than R25,000 worth of debit transactions per month
  • You cannot have more than R25,000 in your account at any time
  • You can only use your card in South Africa (if you want to use your card outside of the country, you’ll need to upgrade to full FICA)
  • You cannot have more than one card account

If you have an “Exemption 17” account there are a few restrictions that apply, such as:

  • No more than R5,000 worth of debit transactions per day, including ATM withdrawals

Please note: if your transactions exceed these amounts, your transactions will go through but your card will be blocked the next day and you will be contacted by our agents. In accordance with certain laws, you will need to provide us with the necessary documents to convert to full FICA before your card can be unblocked. If we meet you and you provide us with a copy of your ID and documentary proof of your residential address (not older than 3 months), you will have a ‘Full FICA’ account and you’ll have no restrictions on your card at all.

Where can I use my card?

Pretty much anywhere and everywhere! Our cards are Visa approved which means they’re accepted all over the world. Do keep in mind that if you are planning to use your card outside of South Africa, you’ll need to have full FICA status.

How do I put money on my card?

  • Monthly transfer: We’re happy to do a monthly transfer from any of your other bank accounts into your card so you don’t have to remember to! When you call in to activate your card, ask our agents and they will set this up for you.
  • By EFT: You can make payments directly from your bank account straight into your card – it’s quick and easy to do. Select “The Unlimited Debit Card” as your bank approved beneficiary (as you would Telkom or Eskom), and enter your card number as the reference.
  • You can deposit cash or a cheque into your account in a number of ways:
    • At ABSA branches: Fill in the Mercantile account number in the account number section and use your card as a reference. You will find the account number in your welcome pack, otherwise call our call centre and we will provide it to you.
    • South African Post Offices / Easy Pay outlets: Hand your Debit Card to the teller together with the cash or cheque you’re depositing. The teller will load your deposit using the SAPO / Easy Pay number on the back of your card, and give you a deposit slip. Your deposit will reflect in your account the next business day.

Important note!! Please keep in mind that while the amount of a deposited cheque will reflect in your account immediately, there is a 9-day hold while the funds clear.

Where can I withdraw cash?

  • Any ATM
  • Retail till points that offer Visa cash withdrawal. Please check with retailer as certain conditions may apply.

What account type do I choose when swiping or withdrawing money

When swiping with your card, please use ‘Cheque’ or ‘Current’, depending on which is displayed as an option. When withdrawing cash or requesting a mini statement from an ATM please select ‘Credit Card’.

Can I run a debit order off my account?

There are two ways to do this. If you are paying a fixed amount every month, we will set up a recurring payment for you and you won’t need to do anything else. If however the amount will change from month to month, you will need to inform us of the amount you want transferred every month. Please call us on 0861 22 88 99.

How do I check my balance?

At any ATM displaying the Visa logo or by calling our Customer Care team on 0861 22 88 99

What is a minimum balance?

Depending on what card you have, there may be a minimum balance applied which means that this amount must stay in the account and cannot be withdrawn.

Is there a credit limit on my card?

There is no credit! It’s a debit card, so you only spend what you have. Please keep in mind that you won’t be able to draw below your minimum balance if this applies.

What happens if I lose my card, or it gets stolen?

If your card is lost or stolen please call us immediately on 0861 22 88 99. We’ll make sure that your card is cancelled and a new card is sent to you right away. Remember for lost or stolen card calls, we are open 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Can my card balance be overdrawn?

If the amount of your transaction is more than the balance on your card (including the minimum balance and the cost of the fees), your transaction will be declined. Please be careful because if you try to use money you don’t have, you will be charged and this may put you in a negative balance.

What happens if I forget my PIN?

No problem – you simply contact us on 0861 22 88 99  (8am & 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am & 1pm on Saturday ) and we will help you to set up a new PIN.

What fees will I pay?

You’ll find a detailed fee guide in your welcome brochure which will be updated on our website on a regular basis.

Do I earn interest on a positive balance?

Yes you certainly do. You start earning interest as soon as you have money in your account. This interest is calculated annually and paid monthly.

How often do I receive my Cash Back payments?

If you pay your subscriptions, you will qualify for the Cash Back that was due to be paid to you in that month. Your Cash Back will be paid onto your Visa Debit Card, usually in the month after the Cash Backs are earned.

Do you have any branches?

We don’t have any branches, but we do have an awesome team of people who are on hand to help you with any queries you may have or services you need.

What is a secondary card and can I get one?

A secondary card is an additional card that is linked to your main card account. It’s ideal for your spouse or any other person you would like to have access to your account. If you’d like to request a secondary card, please call us on 0861 22 88 99.

How do I get a statement?

We issue one statement per year, but if you’d like to get one monthly, call us on 0861 22 88 99 and we can post or email your statement to you.

Can I buy goods over the internet?

Your card is PIN-based so unfortunately you won’t be able to purchase goods online. We’re sorry about this, but the security of your transacting is important to us!

What do I need to do with the Terms & Conditions?

You will find the full Terms & Conditions in your welcome pack. Please read through these carefully, you will be asked to confirm your acceptance when you call to activate your card.

Where can I receive Deep Cash Back Rewards ?

Great news! You can now benefit with deep cash back rewards by swiping your card at the following retailers:

  1. Shaves Paint & Decor – 2% Cash Back
  2. Rhythmic Beat – 25% Cash Back