South Africa remains a cash-based society, despite rapid advancements in digital payment technology. Over 80% of South Africans use cash for everyday transactions and 98% of customers use cash for payments within a three-month period. Regardless of this clear consumer need, four out of the five major banks in the country are downsizing their ATM networks. Over the past five years, they’ve closed down 8 500 ATMs.

As the dominant access point to withdraw cash, the decline of ATMs has a direct impact on consumers for whom cash remains a trusted way for daily transactions.

Pay@ Payout at Pick n Pay tills

Pay@ Payout flips the script, transforming Pay@’s trusted bill payment model into a secure, convenient payout system. Now organisations such as insurers, lenders, and gaming platforms can disburse funds using the same reliable platform.

Launched in August 2025 in partnership with Pick n Pay, the new Pay@ Payout solution allows customers to effortlessly withdraw up to R5 000 in cash at over 500 Pick n Pay stores nationwide. It makes it easy for customers to immediately spend their cash on groceries and essentials, turning one quick stop into a seamless “withdraw and shop” experience.

How Pay@ Payout works for customers

Getting cash through Pay@ Payout at Pick n Pay is quick, secure, and familiar:

1. Receive a unique Pay@ reference number and one-time PIN from the business paying you (e.g., loan, claim, refund, or winnings).
2. Go to any Pick n Pay Supermarket till and ask for a Pay@ Payout.
3. Give your reference number to the cashier and enter your one-time PIN on the keypad.
4. Receive your cash immediately, along with a receipt confirming the payout.

Tip: Always ask for a Pay@ Payout at the till to ensure the transaction is processed correctly and always keep your PIN safe and secure.

A solution that works for businesses too

For billers and retailers, Pay@ Payout creates a new cash disbursement channel that’s fast, secure, and doesn't rely on traditional bank infrastructure. It’s ideal for:

• Insurance companies issuing claim payments
• Lenders disbursing approved loans
• Gaming and betting platforms paying out winnings
• Companies refunding security deposits or issuing reimbursements
• Government grant payouts

With Pay@’s secure API integration, payouts can be automated, tracked, and reconciled seamlessly. The first such integration, with Interchange RSA, already enables cross-border payment disbursements through local Pick n Pay stores.

A platform built for growth

Pick n Pay is the first retail partner to go live, but not the last. As transaction volumes grow, Pay@ Payout will expand to additional retail locations, extending reach and  convenience to more South Africans. This model offers businesses a cost-efficient, secure, and seamless way to serve customers while making cash access simpler and smarter for consumers and shoppers.

Give your customers more choice

As South Africa’s financial landscape evolves, Pay@ Payout ensures that no one is left behind. It’s a practical innovation that blends technology with trust, enabling cash-based consumers to access funds when and where they need them, while giving businesses new, convenient ways to serve their customers.

Pay@ Payout is one of the many ways that Pay@ is providing innovative payment solutions to South Africans and across its borders. If your business requires a cash disbursement option and you want to offer your customers a seamless, convenient and secure cash-based payment solution, contact the Pay@ team on 021 886 5557 or e-mail info@payat.co.za.