The Ithala Card account is designed to combine technologically advanced banking services with an ordinary savings account. This provides you with the convenience of 24-hour Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) transactions anywhere in South Africa and access to point-of-sale terminals at numerous retail outlets country-wide. In addition, you enjoy the peace of mind of financial security.

The Ithala Card account is a debit card-based account specifically catering for increased levels of client mobility and aimed at those requiring quick and easy transactions on a daily basis.

The debit card may be used at ATMs situated at Ithala branches or at Saswitch-linked ATMs anywhere in South Africa, as well as within any retail store displaying VISA Electron signage.

•  The convenience of 24-hour banking anywhere in South Africa;
•  The ability to deposit money into your Ithala Card account through any branch of ABSA country-wide;
• The convenience and added security of using a debit card for purchases from retail outlets displaying VISA Electron signage;
• The provision of stop order and debit order facilities;
  Direct deposits of your salary by your employer and your immediate access to such funds;
• Enhanced personal safety associated with carrying a debit card instead of cash;
• Password-based (PIN number) account, ensuring that you are the only person able to access your account for transaction and statement purposes;
• Convenience of purchasing pre-paid cell-phone airtime and Telkom pre-paid; and
  Ability to make municipal account payments, such as for water and electricity.

To open an Ithala Card account, you need to visit any branch of Ithala and provide:

•  A minimum opening deposit of R20-00;
•  Your valid identification document; and
    Proof of your residential address.

Please ask your Ithala representative for a copy of the debit card cost brochure, as it is important that you are aware of the per transaction costs involved.

For further information and assistance in this regard, please contact Ithala’s toll-free number
0801 331 130.

You should ensure that you:

• Keep your PIN number secret. Memorise it or, if you do write it down, do not keep it in your wallet, purse or with your debit card;
• Always retain your transaction receipts and check them against your mini-statements;
• Never leave your debit card in or on an ATM;
• Always make sure that your debit card is returned to you after making purchases in retail outlets;
• Keep your debit card in a safe place and ensure that it is not damaged in any way.

In the event of your debit card being lost or stolen, you should:

Immediately contact your nearest branch or Ithala’s 24-hour toll-free number 0801 331 130; and insist on being given a reference number and the name of the Ithala representative to whom you speak when reporting a lost or stolen debit card.  Please remember that you will be responsible for any transactions and/or purchases made before your debit card is reported as lost or stolen.

You may use your Ithala debit card to transact at any Ithala ATM or at any other ATM in South Africa displaying the Saswitch signage.

• Insert your card into the machine, as indicated;
• Key in your personal and secret PIN number;
• Remove your card from the machine when prompted by the ATM to do so;
• Put your card away safely and then continue;
• Key in the type of account from which you wish to withdraw money;
• Select an amount, or key in the amount of your choice;
• Remove your cash from the machine; and
•  Take your receipt.

Check that you have your Ithala debit card before leaving the ATM.

You may use your Ithala debit card to make purchases at any shop in South Africa displaying the VISA Electron signage.

• Always ensure that you have sufficient funds in your Ithala Card account to cover the cost of your purchases;
• Present your card to the cashier who will ‘swipe’ it and key in the transaction details;
• Key in your own personal and secret PIN number. Do not give your PIN number to the cashier;
• Ensure that your card is returned to you, together with a receipt for your purchases;
   The cost of your purchases will be automatically deducted from your Ithala Card account.

For detailed information about all Ithala products and services, please visit your nearest branch of Ithala, or contact us on the toll-free number 0801 331 130.