When you can get Capitec Smart ID services – and how it will work
Capitec has confirmed that it will start rolling out Smart ID and passport services at select branches from October, starting with 10, and expanding to 100 in early 2026.
The bank confirmed the rollout after Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber announced that it, and FNB, had signed on to partner with the department’s digital transformation plan.
Speaking to BusinessTech, the bank said that the services will initially only be in-branch, but services will be added to the bank’s app in the future, along with home delivery.
In terms of locations, it said that it will roll out services to branches that are currently underserved by the DHA and other banks.
Most of the bank branches currently offering Smart ID services are focused on urban areas in the major metros. However, this is expected to change as hundreds more branches come online.
New Capitec CEO Graham Lee said that this is part of a “shared vision” the bank has with the government.
“This partnership is the first proof point of our commitment to work closely with the government and the public sector to resolve real problems,” he said.
“By combining our technology, branch network and client-first approach with the DHA’s mandate, we are making essential services faster.”
Offering Smart ID services represents a major u-turn for Capitec, which has historically shied away from joining the other banks in running the DHA’s pilot.
The bank told BusinessTech that the DHA’s “strong modernisation” strategy is what changed its mind.
This strategy “allowed us to integrate the service into our branches and ensure that we deliver it consistently in minutes and in line with our unique Capitec experience,” it said.
Previously, the bank Capitec said that the old pilot system was not an integrated one, and would have required its branch consultants to be split between serving banking customers and DHA customers.
However, with the DHA’s new digital-first approach and integration into banking apps and systems, the new model of the service can side-step these issues.
Capitec outlined how the Smart ID process will work at its select branches from October:
- Photo capture: if the DHA does not have a suitable ID photo on file, clients will be able to visit a special Smart ID terminal in select Capitec branches.
- Biometric verification: Clients enter their ID number, have their photo taken, and the system verifies their identity against the DHA database in real time.
- Collection: The Smart ID will be available for collection at the same branch within weeks.
- Future expansion: Functionality through the Capitec App and home delivery will be added in the future. Passport renewal will be added “soon”.
The bank said that more details will be shared in the coming days.
Loading ...