Capitec Bank uses daily limits as a security measure to help protect your money from fraud and unauthorised transactions. These limits apply to cash withdrawals, card machine purchases, online transactions, and EFT transfers. Knowing how to adjust these limits when you need to make a large purchase or withdraw a significant amount of cash is essential.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about increasing your limits using the Capitec App, USSD, Self-Service Terminals (SSTs) inside branches, and branch consultants. It also explains the differences between permanent and temporary limits, provides troubleshooting tips, and offers safer alternatives for large payments.
How to Increase Limit on Capitec App, USSD, and ATM
Part 1: Understanding Your Capitec Limits
Before changing your limits, it helps to know what the maximum thresholds are. Capitec offers two types of limit adjustments: permanent daily limits and temporary limits that expire after a set period.
Permanent Daily Limits
These are your standard everyday limits. They remain in effect until you change them again.
Transaction Type: Cash Withdrawals (ATM or counter)
Maximum Daily Limit: R5,000
Transaction Type: Card Machine Purchases (Tap, Swipe, or Insert)
Maximum Daily Limit: R50,000
Transaction Type: Online Purchases (card-not-present transactions)
Maximum Daily Limit: R50,000
Transaction Type: Scan to Pay (QR code payments)
Maximum Daily Limit: R50,000
Transaction Type: EFT Payments via App (Immediate)
Maximum Daily Limit: Generally higher than card limits, varies by account profile
Transaction Type: Cash Send via USSD
Maximum Daily Limit: R1,000 (hard limit; cannot be increased)
Temporary Daily Limits (Valid for 3 Days)
If you need to make a large, once-off payment, such as buying furniture, electronics, or paying for a wedding service, you can request a temporary limit increase that lasts for 3 days. After 3 days, your limits automatically revert to your permanent settings.
Transaction Type: Cash Withdrawals (via App or Branch)
Temporary Limit: R10,000 (valid for 3 days)
Transaction Type: Cash Withdrawals (via SST only)
Temporary Limit: R30,000 (valid only until midnight of the same day)
Transaction Type: Card Machine Purchases
Temporary Limit: R1,000,000 (R1 million) (valid for 3 days)
Transaction Type: Online Purchases
Temporary Limit: R1,000,000 (R1 million) (valid for 3 days)
Important Notes on Limits
The USSD service has a hard limit. You can only send up to R1,000 per transaction, with a daily limit of R1,000 and a monthly limit of R24,990 for cash send. This limit cannot be increased through any channel.
It is risky to draw and carry large amounts of cash. If you need to pay a large sum, consider using the app to do an immediate EFT payment to the recipients bank account instead. This is safer and often has higher limits.
Part 2: How to Check Your Current Limits
Before you increase your limits, you should check what they are currently set at. This helps you decide how much of an increase you need.
Using the Capitec App
Open the Capitec App and log in using your fingerprint, face ID, or Remote PIN. Navigate to the Cards section in the bottom menu or main dashboard. Select the specific card you want to check. Look for an option called View Limits or Card Limits. Your current daily limits for cash withdrawals, card purchases, and online transactions will be displayed.
Using the Self-Service Terminal (SST)
Insert your card into any Capitec SST inside a branch. Verify your identity using your fingerprint. Navigate to Card Settings or View Limits. The screen will show your current limits.
Using a Branch Consultant
Visit any Capitec branch and ask a consultant to check your current limits. You will need to present your ID and card. This method costs R6.00 convenience fee.
Using USSD
Dial 1203279#. You cannot view your card limits via USSD. The USSD service only shows your balance and last few transactions.
Part 3: How to Increase Your Limit Using the Capitec App
The Capitec App is the quickest and easiest method. Changes made here often take effect immediately. This method is also completely free.
Step-by-Step Guide
Open the Capitec App on your smartphone. Log in using your fingerprint (biometrics), face ID, or Remote PIN.
In the bottom menu or main dashboard, select the Cards section. This shows all your Capitec cards.
Select the specific card you want to adjust. If you have only one card, it will be selected by default.
Click on Update Limits or Change Limits. You may see options for Permanent Limit and Temporary Limit.
Choose whether you want to change your permanent daily limit or set a temporary limit. If you are making a one-time large purchase, choose Temporary Limit. Temporary limits for card purchases can go up to R1 million and last for 3 days.
Enter the new amount for each transaction type. You can set different limits for cash withdrawals, card machine purchases, and online purchases separately.
If you are setting a temporary limit, you may need to select the start date. Most often, you can select Today.
Confirm the change by entering your Remote PIN. This is the secret PIN you use for app transactions, not your card PIN.
A confirmation message will appear. Your new limits are now active.
Temporary Limits via the App
The Capitec App allows you to set a temporary cash withdrawal limit of up to R10,000 for 3 days. For card machine purchases and online purchases, you can set a temporary limit of up to R1 million for 3 days. This is the only digital method that allows a R1 million limit.
Troubleshooting App Issues
If the app is not responding, check that you have the latest version of the Capitec App installed. Update it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Check your internet connection. The app requires a stable data or WiFi connection. Restart the app or your phone. If you have forgotten your Remote PIN, you will need to reset it at a branch or using the Forgot PIN option in the app.
Part 4: How to Increase Your Limit Using Self-Service Terminal (SST) / ATM
If you cannot access the app or prefer to use a machine, you can change your limits at a Capitec branch using the Self-Service Terminals (SSTs). These look like ATMs but are located inside the branch. This method is also free.
Step-by-Step Guide
Visit a Capitec branch during operating hours. Locate the Self-Service Terminal (SST) kiosk. Insert your Capitec debit card into the machine. For security, the machine will scan your fingerprint to confirm your identity.
Navigate to Card Settings or Limit Adjustment. Select the option for Cash Withdrawal Limit. This is the primary limit you can change at the SST.
Enter the new cash withdrawal limit. Note that the SST specifically allows you to increase your cash withdrawal limit to R30,000 for that day only. This limit expires at midnight.
Confirm the change. The machine will dispense a receipt confirming the limit change.
Important: The SST is the ONLY way to get a cash withdrawal limit of R30,000 (valid until midnight). The app and other methods cap cash at R10,000. Use this method if you need a large amount of physical cash in a single day.
Part 5: Can You Increase Limits via USSD (1203279)?
No, you cannot increase your daily transaction or purchase limits using USSD.
The USSD service (1203279) is primarily designed for basic banking. You can use it to check your balance, buy airtime and data, send cash (up to R1,000 per transaction), and view your last few transactions. However, it does not have the security verification level required to change monetary limits.
The send cash limit via USSD is fixed at R1,000 per transaction, with a daily limit of R1,000 and a monthly limit of R24,990. This limit cannot be increased through any channel.
If you need to send more than R1,000 to someone, use the Capitec App instead. The app allows you to send money to any Capitec user using their cellphone number, with higher limits.
Part 6: How to Increase Your Limit at a Branch Consultant
If you encounter issues updating your limit via the app or SST, or if you have lost access to your phone or forgotten all your PINs, you will need to visit a branch and speak to a consultant.
Step-by-Step Guide
Visit any Capitec branch. Take your ID book or card and your Capitec debit card with you. Ask to speak to a service consultant. Tell them you want to increase your daily card or withdrawal limit.
Verification: You will need to present your ID and card for verification. The consultant may also ask for your phone number and other security questions.
The consultant will update your limits on their system. You can request either permanent or temporary increases.
The change will take effect immediately or within a few minutes.
Cost: Doing this in the branch will cost you a convenience fee. As of 2025, this fee is R6.00. The app and SST are free.
Note: If you want a temporary cash withdrawal limit of R30,000, you must use the SST, not a branch consultant. The consultant can only set the same limits as the app (R10,000 for temporary cash).
Part 7: Safer Alternatives for Large Payments
If you need to move a large amount of money (e.g., R50,000 or more) but do not want to increase your card limit, consider these safer alternatives.
Alternative 1: Immediate EFT via the App (PayShap)
Instead of using your card for a purchase, you can use the Pay function in the app to do an immediate payment (PayShap) to the recipients bank account. The money typically reflects within seconds or minutes in the recipients account.
Capitec to Capitec transfers cost R1.00. Capitec to other banks cost R2.00.
The limit for immediate EFTs is generally higher than card limits. You can check your specific EFT limit in the app under Limits.
This method is safer than carrying cash because you do not need to withdraw physical money.
Alternative 2: Standard EFT at the Branch (For Non-urgent Payments)
If the payment is not urgent (e.g., a car purchase that will take a few days to finalise), ask a branch consultant to do an Electronic Funds Transfer. Processing time takes 1 to 2 working days. The limit is high and suitable for large sums like buying a car or paying a deposit on a house.
Alternative 3: Send Cash via Cellphone Number
You can send money to any Capitec user using their cellphone number instantly. The recipient can withdraw the cash at any Capitec ATM or SST using a code sent to their phone. This method has limits, but it is useful for sending money to family or friends.
Alternative 4: Capitec Pay (Scan to Pay)
For in-store purchases at participating retailers, you can use Scan to Pay via the Capitec App. This uses your daily purchase limit but is more secure than swiping your card because your card details are not shared with the merchant.
Part 8: Security Best Practices
When increasing your limits, follow these security best practices to protect your money.
Only increase your limits when you need to make a specific purchase. After the purchase, lower your limits back to your standard daily amounts. This reduces your risk if your card is lost or stolen.
Never share your Remote PIN, card PIN, or online banking password with anyone. Capitec will never ask you for these details.
Be aware of your surroundings when withdrawing large amounts of cash from an ATM or SST. If possible, bring someone with you.
Set up transaction notifications in the Capitec App. You will receive an alert every time money is spent from your account. This helps you spot unauthorised transactions immediately.
If you lose your card, immediately block it using the Capitec App or by calling the Capitec call centre. You can unblock it later if you find it, or request a replacement.
Part 9: Comparison Table of All Methods
| Method | Capabilities | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitec App | Increase permanent limits; increase temporary limits (up to R1,000,000 for purchases, R10,000 for cash) | Free | Most users, all situations |
| SST (Branch ATM) | Increase cash withdrawal to R30,000 (temporary, same day) | Free | Getting a large amount of physical cash in one day |
| Branch Consultant | Any limit change | R6.00 | When app and SST are not accessible, or you need personal assistance |
| USSD (1203279) | Not possible | N/A | Basic banking only (balance checks, airtime purchases) |
| Immediate EFT (App) | Alternative to card limit (send directly to another bank account) | R1.00 – R2.00 | Safer alternative to increasing card limits for large payments |
| Cash Send (USSD) | R1,000 per transaction max | Transaction fee applies | Quick transfers with strict limits; cannot increase this limit |
Part 10: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does a temporary limit increase last?
A temporary limit increase for card purchases and online purchases lasts for 3 days. After 3 days, your limits automatically revert to your permanent settings. A temporary cash withdrawal limit via the SST lasts only until midnight of the same day.
Q2: Can I increase my limit permanently to R1 million?
No. The R1 million limit is only available as a temporary increase for card purchases and online purchases. Your permanent daily limit for purchases is R50,000.
Q3: Why is my limit increase not working?
Possible reasons include: you have reached your account’s maximum allowable limit, you have a hold or block on your account (e.g., overdue fees), you have entered your Remote PIN incorrectly multiple times, or you have an outdated version of the Capitec App. Contact the Capitec call centre or visit a branch for assistance.
Q4: Does increasing my limit cost money?
Increasing your limits on the Capitec App or SST is free. Increasing your limits through a branch consultant costs R6.00.
Q5: Can I increase my USSD cash send limit?
No. The USSD cash send limit is fixed at R1,000 per transaction, with a daily limit of R1,000 and a monthly limit of R24,990. This cannot be increased through any channel.
Q6: What is the maximum cash withdrawal per day at an ATM?
Your standard permanent daily cash withdrawal limit is R5,000. You can temporarily increase this to R10,000 via the app (for 3 days) or to R30,000 via the SST (valid until midnight).
Q7: Can I set different limits for different cards?
Yes. If you have multiple Capitec cards (e.g., a primary card and a secondary card), you can set different limits for each card in the app under the Cards section.
Q8: What should I do if I forget my Remote PIN?
Open the Capitec App and click on Forgot Remote PIN. You will need to verify your identity using your fingerprint or face ID. Alternatively, visit a branch with your ID to reset your Remote PIN.
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Conclusion:
Knowing how to increase your limits on the Capitec App, USSD, and ATM gives you control over your finances when you need to make large purchases or withdraw significant amounts of cash.
The Capitec App is the quickest, most flexible, and free method. You can set permanent limits of R50,000 for purchases and temporary limits of R1 million for purchases or R10,000 for cash withdrawals (valid for 3 days).
The SST (Self-Service Terminal) inside branches is the only way to get a cash withdrawal limit of R30,000 for a single day. This is useful if you need a large amount of physical cash urgently.
USSD (1203279) cannot be used to increase any limits. It is only for basic banking and has a fixed R1,000 cash send limit.
If you need to make a large payment, consider using the app to do an immediate EFT directly to the recipients bank account. This is safer than carrying cash and often has higher limits.
Always remember to lower your limits back to your standard amounts after making a large purchase to protect yourself from potential fraud.
Disclaimer: Fees and limits mentioned in this guide are subject to change. Always check the latest information on the official Capitec website or in the Capitec App before making transactions. For the most current fee structures and limit policies, contact Capitec directly.