New data reveals how Capitec is enabling South African travellers
New data from Capitec highlights that South Africans are spending more money internationally.
Between March and August 2025, Capitec clients made 1.9 million international card payments – a 24% year-on-year increase – and collectively spent R1 billion.
“Most international card activity comes from clients who are at the point in their lives where they can enjoy either group vacations or the high-value trips they’ve been saving up for,” said Francois Viviers, Group Executive: Marketing and Communication at Capitec.
“Currency conversion rates and transaction fees have a massive impact on how people experience their travel abroad.”
Capitec has already helped international shoppers save R25 million over the past six months by not charging currency conversion fees for international point of sale card payments.
As of 1 October 2025, it also charges R0 on international card payments.
“These bold steps remove friction and enable our clients to enjoy their international travel without the worry of hefty fees waiting for them upon their return,” said Viviers.
Spend trends
According to Capitec’s data, South Africans are taking two distinct approaches to travel.
The first is frequent, lower-cost trips within the Southern African region – including Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Of these countries, Botswana features prominently in both transaction frequency, and a total spend of R70 million.
The second approach to travel is to take fewer, high-value trips to countries outside of Africa.
The most popular of these countries to visit include the USA and the UK, where South Africans spent R97 million and R68 million respectively.
Capitec also found that international travel is popular among a broad cross-section of South Africans, although it was particularly popular among those between the ages of 25 and 44.
When making their overseas transactions, there was an almost even split between point-of-sale transactions and ATM withdrawals – and debit cards were used by 96% of clients transacting abroad.
Capitec makes an impact
Capitec’s analysis reveals trend among its clients of having increased access and connection to an integrated regional economy, while also maintaining deliberate and meaningful links to the wider world.
This is powered by Capitec’s world-class banking infrastructure, which supports its clients at all times – whether they are transacting in Johannesburg, Gaborone or New York.
“Quite simply, Capitec offers the best solution in the market for any international traveller, unlocking the wonderful world of exploration and experience,” said Viviers.
Click here to make the switch to Capitec.
When travelling internationally and using a Capitec card, clients pay 0% on currency conversion and 0% on international POS transaction fees, compared to other banks that charge up to 2.75% on each transaction.
This means significant savings for Capitec clients: for example, on a spend of R 10,000, Capitec clients pay nothing, while other banks charge up to R 275.
For frequent travellers or high spenders, these savings can add up quickly, making Capitec a cost-effective choice for global transactions. Below is a table that shows how these fees start stacking up:
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