Ranking The Most Affordable Card Payment Systems for Small Businesses in South Africa

If you’re running a small business in South Africa, you’ve probably noticed that more and more customers prefer paying with cards, digital wallets, or even their smartwatches.

With this shift toward cashless payments, it's essential for you to have a payment system that’s both affordable and user-friendly.

But don’t worry—you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started.

In this article, we’ll break down some of the most affordable card payment systems available in South Africa, ranking them based on cost, transaction fees, and ease of use.

I'll explain each option in detail, so by the end, you'll know exactly which one suits your business best.

Top Affordable Payment Systems – Ranked

Here’s a quick overview of the payment systems we'll be discussing, ranked from the most affordable to options with more features but higher costs.

1. Capitec – A Rising Player in Card Payment Solutions

2. SnapScan – Best for Cost and Simplicity (No Card Machine Needed)

3. Zapper – Great for Flexible Plans and No Hardware

4. VodaPay Tap on Phone – Cost-Effective and No Upfront Cost

5. Yoco Go Starter – Best Entry-Level Card Machine

6. VodaPay Kwika – Low Fees and Card Machine Included

7. iKhokha – Versatile Card Payment Solutions for Growing Businesses

Now, let’s look a bit deeper into each option, discussing the costs, how they work, and why they might be the right choice for you.

1. Capitec

Capitec has built a strong reputation in South Africa’s banking sector for offering affordable, customer-friendly services, and its card payment solution is no exception.

Recently, Capitec has been gaining traction for providing a cost-effective and easy-to-use card machine option that rivals more established names in the payment processing space.

Upfront Cost: R599 (once-off for the card machine)
Transaction Fee: 2.50% per transaction
Monthly Fees: None

How It Works

1. Purchase the Card Machine

Available directly from Capitec branches or select online platforms for a once-off payment.

2. Connect to Your Account

Link your machine to your business bank account via the Capitec banking app or through their merchant portal.

3. Accept Payments

The card machine supports tap-to-pay, chip-and-PIN, and swipe card payments, and funds from transactions are deposited into your business account within 24 hours.

Why Choose Capitec?

Affordable Machine Cost

At just R599, the upfront cost is one of the lowest on the market for a physical card machine.

Low Transaction Fees

With a flat 2.50% per transaction, it's a competitive option for businesses that want to minimise fees on each sale.

No Monthly Fees

Unlike some other providers, Capitec doesn’t charge a monthly fee, making it perfect for businesses looking to keep ongoing costs low.

Reliable Customer Support

Capitec is known for strong customer service, offering 24/7 support through their banking app, phone, or in-person at branches.

Best For...

Capitec’s card payment solution is ideal for small businesses, especially those that are price-conscious but still need a reliable card machine. Whether you're running a café, retail store, or market stall, Capitec offers a great balance between cost and functionality.

One More Thing

Capitec also provides an all-in-one business account.

By combining your business banking and payment solutions in one place, you can easily manage your transactions, payments, and finances with minimal hassle.

2. SnapScan

If you want to accept card payments without investing in a card machine, SnapScan is a fantastic choice.

It uses QR codes to let customers pay with their smartphones, so there’s no need for extra equipment.

Upfront Cost: R0 (No card machine required)
Transaction Fee: 2.55% to 2.95%
Monthly Fees: None

How It Works

1. Set Up Your Account

Register with SnapScan through their website and set up your merchant profile. This process is straightforward and usually takes just a few minutes.

2. Create a QR Code

Once you’re registered, you’ll get a unique QR code. You can print this and place it near your checkout area or even include it on invoices.

3. Customer Payment

Your customers simply scan the QR code using their SnapScan app to make payments. Funds are deposited into your business account, and you’ll get notified of the payment.

Why Choose SnapScan?

No Upfront Costs

You don't need to buy a card machine, making this perfect for small businesses or those just starting.

Easy to Set Up

The registration and setup process is simple and fast. You can start accepting payments within minutes.

Contactless and Safe

Many customers prefer contactless payment methods. Using QR codes keeps the process touch-free and convenient.

Best For…

Market stalls, food trucks, home-based businesses, and anyone who wants a quick, cost-effective way to accept payments.

3. Zapper

Zapper is another QR code-based payment system, similar to SnapScan but with a few more options depending on your business needs.

It provides both a free plan and a paid plan with lower transaction fees.

Upfront Cost: R0 (No card machine needed)
Free Plan: 2.9% per transaction, with weekly settlements.
Paid Plan: R220/month, with a reduced 2.5% transaction fee and daily settlements.

How It Works

1. Sign Up

Download the Zapper Merchant app and complete the registration process. This is usually quick and easy to navigate.

2. Generate a QR Code

The app lets you generate unique QR codes that customers can scan to pay.

3. Display Your Code

You can print the QR code for your store, display it on your counter, or even include it on your receipts and invoices.

4. Get Paid

Once a customer scans the code and pays, you receive a notification, and the funds are settled into your account based on your plan (daily for the paid plan, weekly for the free one).

Why Choose Zapper?

Flexible Plans

Zapper offers both a free option and a paid plan, so you can choose what works best for your business size and cash flow needs.

No Hardware Needed

Like SnapScan, it doesn’t require any card machines, so your startup costs are practically zero.

Ideal for All Types of Businesses

Works well whether you’re a café, a market vendor, or a service provider.

Best For…

Small businesses that want flexibility in their payment processing without investing in hardware.

4. VodaPay Tap on Phone

VodaPay Tap on Phone by Vodacom is perfect if you already have an Android smartphone and want a cashless, machine-free payment solution.

It allows customers to tap their card or smartphone directly on your phone to pay.

Upfront Cost: R0 (No card machine needed)
Transaction Fee: 1.85% to 3% per transaction
Monthly Fees: None

How It Works

1. Download the App

Go to the Google Play Store, download the VodaPay app, and register as a merchant.

2. Set Up Your Phone

The app will guide you through the process to turn your Android smartphone into a payment terminal. Your phone must be NFC-enabled for this to work.

3. Tap and Pay

Customers tap their card or smartphone on your phone to pay. The app processes the payment, and you get notified instantly.

Why Choose VodaPay Tap on Phone?

No Hardware Investment

You can use your existing smartphone to process payments, saving on upfront costs.

Low Transaction Fees

With fees starting at 1.85%, this option is very cost-effective.

Convenience

Perfect for businesses on the go, like delivery services, market vendors, or pop-up shops.

Best For…

Businesses looking for a highly portable and easy-to-set-up payment method without buying new equipment.

5. Yoco Go Starter

Yoco is a popular option for small businesses in South Africa, known for its user-friendly card machines and transparent pricing.

Upfront Cost: R799 (once-off payment for the card machine)
Transaction Fee: 2.95% per transaction, plus R2.50 on days you use the device
Monthly Fees: None

How It Works:

1. Buy the Yoco Go Starter

Purchase the Yoco Go machine either online or from selected retailers.

2. Connect to the App

Download the Yoco app on your smartphone and pair it with the card machine.

3. Accept Payments

You can now accept payments via tap-to-pay cards, smartphones, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Samsung Wallet.

Why Choose Yoco Go Starter?

Reliable and Easy to Use

Its simple setup and use make it an excellent option for first-time card machine users.

No Monthly Costs

You only pay for the device once and then pay a small fee per transaction, keeping costs manageable.

Wide Acceptance

It supports major cards and digital wallets, making it versatile for all customer preferences.

Best For…

Small shops, salons, cafés, and businesses looking for an affordable physical card machine.

6. VodaPay Kwika

If you prefer having a physical card machine but want to keep costs low, VodaPay Kwika is an excellent choice.

Upfront Cost: R799 (once-off for the card machine)
Transaction Fee: 1.85% to 3% per transaction
Monthly Fees: None

How It Works

1. Buy the VodaPay Kwika

Purchase the machine from Vodacom.

2. Connect to Your Phone

Pair the Kwika card machine with your smartphone using the VodaPay app.

3. Accept Payments

It accepts tap-to-pay cards, digital wallets, and chip-and-PIN payments. Funds are settled into your account within 24 hours.

Why Choose VodaPay Kwika?

Low Transaction Fees

With fees starting as low as 1.85%, it's one of the most cost-effective options for physical card machines.

Quick Fund Settlements

Helps keep your cash flow steady with daily settlements.

All-in-One Solution

Accepts all common payment methods, including digital wallets and traditional cards.

Best For…

Retail stores, cafés, and businesses looking for an affordable card machine with competitive fees.

7. iKhokha

iKhokha offers a range of payment solutions tailored to small businesses. One of their popular options is the iK Flyer Lite card machine.

Upfront Cost: R999 (once-off for the card machine)
Transaction Fee: 2.5% per transaction, plus R2.50 on the days you use the device
SIM Card Fee: R75 per month for the device's SIM cards
Monthly Fees: None for the card machine use

How It Works

1. Get the iK Flyer Lite

Buy the machine online or from selected retailers.

2. Pair with Your Phone

Connect the card machine to your smartphone via the iKhokha app.

3. Process Payments

Accepts tap-to-pay cards, digital wallets, and chip-and-PIN payments.

Why Choose iKhokha?

Ideal for Scaling Businesses

Offers more versatile options like mobile card machines and tap-on-phone features.

Low Fees

The 2.5% transaction fee is competitive, and you only pay a small daily fee when you use the device.

Additional Features

Their "Tap on Phone" app allows you to use your NFC-enabled Android phone as a payment terminal, eliminating the need for a machine altogether.

Best For…

Small businesses that are growing and need a flexible, scalable payment solution.

One More Thing to Remember

Something many small businesses overlook is the importance of officially registering your business.

Having an official business registration not only adds credibility to your brand but also allows you to…

open a business bank account
apply for business loans
make it easier to work with payment providers.

If you haven't registered your business yet, it’s a crucial step you need to consider.

The good news is, Govchain offers an easy and convenient online registration service to get your business officially recognized. It’s quick, simple, and takes the stress out of the process.

Ready to make your business official? Register your business online today.