The verdict in three sentences
In South Africa, cards (Visa/Mastercard) cost 2.6% to 3%, while instant EFT clears at just 1% with immediate settlement and local options like Ozow and SnapScan sit at 1.5-2.5%. Cards remain the priciest local channel but win for international and card-first customers. The 2026 decision: instant EFT or a local rail by default, cards for international and card-loyal shoppers.
South Africa fees in 2026
Cost depends on the channel and the customer's preference. Here are 2026 orders of magnitude for a verified merchant, in South African rand (ZAR).
| Channel | Fee | Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard card | 2.6% to 3% | T+1 to T+2 |
| Instant EFT | 1% | Instant |
| Ozow | 1.5% to 2% | T+1 |
| SnapScan | 1.5% to 2.5% | T+1 |
Cards stay the most expensive local channel but are the only one universally accepted by international shoppers without a local account.
Gabon fees in 2026 (regional reference)
For contrast, Gabon shows mobile money undercutting cards just as instant EFT does in South Africa. Amounts are in West African CFA francs (FCFA).
| Channel | Fee | Fixed fee | Settlement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard card | 2.5% to 3.5% | 100 FCFA | T+2 to T+3 |
| Airtel Money | 1.5% | 100 FCFA | T+1 |
| Moov Money | 1.8% | 100 FCFA | T+2 |
Where South Africa's instant EFT halves the card cost, Gabon's mobile money plays the same role — a local rail beating the card by roughly half.
Cost by channel and basket in South Africa
| Basket | Card (~3%) | Instant EFT (1%) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| R200 | R6.00 | R2.00 | R4.00 |
| R500 | R15.00 | R5.00 | R10.00 |
| R1,000 | R30.00 | R10.00 | R20.00 |
| R3,000 | R90.00 | R30.00 | R60.00 |
| R10,000 | R300.00 | R100.00 | R200.00 |
Instant EFT costs about a third of the card on every tier, which is why it should be the default and cards reserved for those who need them.
Mini case study
Sylvie, who runs a decor shop in Johannesburg, does R150,000 per month, of which 20% is from international shoppers. Pushing the 80% local sales to instant EFT (1%) and keeping cards (3%) only for international, her fees drop from about R4,500 (all-card) to about R2,700, saving roughly R1,800 per month and R21,600 a year.
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Know merchants bleeding money on payment fees? Become a Kolonell referral partner (apporteur d'affaires) and earn a commission on every project you send our way. The 2026 scale is clear and stacks with a recurring cut.
| Project type | Referral commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase website | 15% | 5% |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% |
| Marketplace | 10% | — |
| Institutional | 8% | — |
On a 2,000,000 FCFA e-commerce build, that is 240,000 FCFA in referral commission, plus 5% recurring on maintenance. A single referred project can cover several months of your own payment fees.
FAQ
Are cards always pricier than local rails in South Africa?
Locally, yes: 2.6-3% versus 1% for instant EFT. Cards only justify their cost for international shoppers or those who insist on paying by card.
When should I favour cards despite the cost?
For any international customer without a local account, and for shoppers who prefer a card debit. The premium is the price of universal acceptance.
How much does a Kolonell referral partner earn?
From 8% (institutional) to 15% (showcase site) of the project value, plus 5% recurring on showcase and e-commerce. On a 2,000,000 FCFA project, that is 240,000 to 300,000 FCFA.
Should I offer both channels at checkout?
Yes. Local rail by default to minimise fees, card as an option so you never lose an international sale — the mix that maximises both conversion and margin.
Is card settlement slower?
Yes: T+1 to T+2 for cards versus instant for EFT. On tight cash flow, that delay is one more reason to default to the local rail.
Let's talk about your project. We integrate cards, instant EFT and local rails at your South African checkout, and explain the referral program. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
