Ready to get your Mama Money Card? You have three ways to get it: walk into any Pick n Pay in South Africa, visit one of over 5,000 Mama Money agents across the country, or get it delivered to your nearest PEP store. The card costs R99 once-off, and all you need to bring is your passport, South African ID, or asylum document.
This guide walks you through exactly where to go, what to bring, what to do when you get there, and what you get once your account is live.
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Pick n Pay
Any Pick n Pay in South Africa. Walk in, no appointment needed.
Pick n Pay is the fastest and most convenient way to get your card. The Mama Money Card is available at Pick n Pay stores across South Africa, not just in major cities. If there is a Pick n Pay with a Money Market desk near you, you can get your card there today.
Where to go in the store
Head to the Pick n Pay Money Market counter or ask at the customer service desk. Staff there will assist you with the card purchase. While you are in store, you can also use the Pick n Pay cash load service to add money to your card once your account is active. Everything in one trip.
Not sure which Pick n Pay is closest? Use the Mama Money Card locator to find your nearest store or agent.
Step by step: what to do
1
Find your nearest Pick n Pay
Use the card locator at mamamoney.co.za/mama-money-card-locator or search in the Mama Money App. Any Pick n Pay with a Money Market desk carries the Mama Money Card.
2
Download the Mama Money App before you go
You will need to register in the app to activate your card. Downloading it before you leave saves time in store. The app is free on Google Play, Apple App Store, and Huawei AppGallery. If you prefer, you can also register via WhatsApp by messaging +27 60 091 5591.
3
Bring your identity document
You need one valid identity document: a foreign passport, a South African ID, or an asylum or refugee document. That is all. No proof of address, no salary slip, no appointment required.
4
Purchase your card at the Money Market counter
The card costs R99 once-off. You can pay by cash or card at the till. The Pick n Pay staff will process your card purchase and hand you your physical Mama Money Card.
5
Activate your card in the app
Once you have your card, open the Mama Money App and complete your registration. Upload a photo of your identity document and take a selfie for verification. Follow the prompts to activate your card and set your PIN. Your account goes live as soon as your documents are verified.
Tip
Register first, collect your card when it suits you
You do not have to register in store. You can complete your registration and document verification on the app at home before going to Pick n Pay. That way, your account is already verified when you pick up the card and activation is instant.
Buy airtime, data, electricity, vouchers, and DStv for R1 in the app or on WhatsApp
R99 once-off card fee | R29 per month | One of the lowest monthly account fees in South Africa
Mama Money tip
Send money home the same day you get your card
Once your Mama Money Card account is active, you can send money home immediately. Load cash at the Pick n Pay till on the same trip, and send to Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Malawi, India, Ghana, DRC, and 90+ countries more. Low fees. No hidden charges. Mama makes it happen.
Are you an employer? Get Mama Money Cards for your staff
If you employ foreign nationals in South Africa, you already know the challenges around salary payments. Many foreign national employees cannot open a traditional bank account, which means cash handling, delays, and security risks for everyone involved.
The Mama Money Card solves this. Your staff can open an account with their passport or asylum document, receive their salary directly into their account the same day, and manage everything from their phone. No queues, no paperwork, no friction.
For employers
Give your team access to safe, reliable banking
The Mama Money Card is built for foreign nationals in South Africa. Your staff can open an account with any passport or asylum document, receive salary payments for free, and manage their money entirely from the Mama Money App or WhatsApp. Download our employer information guide to learn more about setting up salary payments for your team.
Where can I buy a Mama Money Card in South Africa?
You can get your Mama Money Card at any Pick n Pay in South Africa with a Money Market desk, through any of over 5,000 Mama Money agents nationwide, or delivered to your nearest PEP store. Use the card locator to find your nearest pickup point.
How much does the Mama Money Card cost?
The card costs R99 once-off to purchase. After that, the monthly account fee is R29 per month. There are no hidden costs and no minimum balance requirement. Receiving salary payments and bank transfers into your account is free. A full fee schedule is available on the Mama Money Card page.
What documents do I need to get a Mama Money Card at Pick n Pay?
You need one valid identity document: a foreign passport, a South African ID, or an asylum or refugee document. That is all. You do not need proof of address, a salary slip, a credit check, or an appointment. No South African ID is required.
Can I get a Mama Money Card delivered?
Yes. If you cannot get to a Pick n Pay or Mama Money agent conveniently, you can arrange delivery to your nearest PEP store through the Mama Money App. PEP has over 2,500 stores across South Africa, making this a genuinely national option. Download the Mama Money App to arrange delivery.
How long does it take to activate my Mama Money Card?
Activation typically takes just a few minutes once you have completed registration in the Mama Money App. You will need to upload a photo of your identity document and take a selfie for verification. If you register before going to Pick n Pay to collect your card, your account will be verified and activation will be instant when you pick up your card.
Mama makes it happen.
Your bank account is waiting for you at your nearest Pick n Pay, Mama Money agent, or PEP store. Getting it takes less than 10 minutes.
