The verdict in three sentences
The aggregator lets you cover cards, EFT, and SnapScan with one integration for a margin of 2.5 to 3.5 % + R2 per transaction. Direct integration costs R6,000 to R16,000 per rail to build but lowers the unit cost afterward. The 2026 switch point sits around 500 to 1,000 transactions a month: below it the aggregator wins; above it, direct becomes profitable.
Aggregator or direct: the two logics
The aggregator is a technical middleman: one API, one dashboard, all rails. Direct means integrating each rail separately, with no middleman margin, but with as many technical projects as rails.
| Criterion | Aggregator | Direct integration |
|---|---|---|
| Setup cost | Low (1 integration) | R6,000-16,000 / rail |
| Cost per transaction | 2.5 to 3.5 % + R2 | Rail fees only (1-2 %) |
| Time to launch | 1 to 2 weeks | 4 to 10 weeks |
| Rails covered | Several at once | 1 per integration |
| Maintenance | Delegated | On you |
| Fits from | Launch | High volume |
To launch fast in South Africa and cover cards + EFT + SnapScan from day one, the aggregator is unbeatable. Direct becomes attractive when volume makes the 2.5 to 3.5 % margin cost more than maintaining several integrations. Note that card settlement typically lands at T+2 to T+3.
The switch-threshold math in 2026
The threshold depends on average basket and volume. Here is a comparison on an average basket of R450 and a 3 % aggregator margin, against a direct integration amortized over 12 months (average cost R36,000 for two rails) plus 1.5 % rail fees.
| Transactions / month | Aggregator cost (3 %) | Direct cost (amortized + 1.5 %) | Optimal choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | R1,350 | R3,675 | Aggregator |
| 300 | R4,050 | R5,025 | Aggregator |
| 500 | R6,750 | R6,375 | Switch |
| 1,000 | R13,500 | R9,750 | Direct |
| 2,000 | R27,000 | R16,500 | Direct |
Around 500 transactions a month, the two curves cross. Below it, the aggregator margin stays cheaper than amortizing direct; above 1,000, direct clearly makes money.
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Mini case study
Sipho runs an electronics shop in Johannesburg. He handles 420 transactions a month at a R450 average basket. With a 3 % aggregator he pays R5,670 in fees a month.
Going direct, he would invest R36,000 (two rails) then pay 1.5 % fees, about R2,835/month plus R3,000/month amortization, total R5,835. At his current volume the aggregator stays slightly cheaper; but past 500 transactions/month, direct wins and he saves about R3,750/month at 1,000 transactions.
FAQ
What is the real advantage of an aggregator? Covering several rails with one integration in 1 to 2 weeks, without maintaining multiple connections. The trade-off is a 2.5 to 3.5 % + R2 margin per transaction.
When does direct integration pay off? Around 500 to 1,000 transactions a month. Below that, amortizing the R6,000 to R16,000 per rail costs more than the aggregator margin.
Can you start on an aggregator then switch to direct? Yes, that is the recommended strategy: launch fast on the aggregator, measure real volume, then integrate directly the rails that weigh most once you cross the threshold.
How much is a direct integration per rail? Count R6,000 to R16,000 per rail depending on complexity (webhooks, refunds, split). It is a one-off cost, amortized over the shop's lifetime.
What about settlement timing? Card settlement in 2026 typically lands at T+2 to T+3, so plan working capital accordingly; instant EFT variants can shorten this at a slightly higher fee.
Let's talk about your project. We compute your real switch threshold and pick aggregator or direct based on your 2026 volume. 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.
