To check your SASSA card balance, use an ATM (choose Balance Enquiry), ask at the till of a participating store such as Shoprite, Pick n Pay or Boxer, or send an SMS to Postbank: type BAL and the last four digits of your account number to 32302 from your registered cellphone (R1 per SMS). If your grant is paid into your own bank account, use your bank’s app, USSD code or SMS alerts instead. The old SASSA gold card was replaced by the Postbank black card in 2026.
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Postbank SMS | BAL + last 4 digits of your account number to 32302 (R1) |
| ATM | Insert card, enter PIN, choose Balance Enquiry |
| Stores | Ask at the till before you enter your PIN |
| Own bank account | Use your bank’s app, USSD or SMS alerts |
| Gold card | Replaced by the Postbank black card. Swap deadline was 31 August 2026 |
| Postbank help | 0800 53 54 55 |
| SASSA help | 0800 60 10 11 |
On this page: All ways to check · Postbank SMS · ATM · At a store · Own bank account · Black card · Balance looks wrong · Stay safe · FAQ
All ways to check your SASSA card balance
| Method | How | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Postbank SMS | SMS BAL + last 4 account digits to 32302 | R1 per SMS |
| ATM | Card, PIN, Balance Enquiry | Can be free or charged, depending on the ATM |
| Participating store | Ask the cashier for a balance check | Depends on the store |
| Bank app or USSD | Log in or dial your bank’s code | Usually free, apart from data |
| Postbank call centre | 0800 53 54 55 | Free from landlines |
Your SASSA card balance is different from your SRD status. The SRD status check shows whether a month was approved and its pay date. The balance shows how much money is actually in your account.
Check your balance by SMS (Postbank)
- Use the cellphone number that Postbank has on your account.
- Type BAL, a space, and the last four digits of your account number (not your card number).
- Send it to 32302.
- You’ll get an SMS with your balance. It costs R1.
According to Postbank, no registration is needed, but if your cellphone number doesn’t match the one on your account you’ll get an “invalid cell number” reply. Update your number at Postbank if that happens.
Check your balance at an ATM
- Insert your Postbank black card (or your bank card).
- Enter your PIN, covering the keypad with your hand.
- Choose Balance Enquiry. Some ATMs offer a mini statement too.
- Take your card and slip before you leave.
Postbank says the black card account includes three free withdrawals, one free card replacement and a free monthly statement (Bizcommunity, April 2026). Balance enquiries at other banks’ ATMs can be charged, so check the fee on screen before you continue.
Check your balance at a store
Many supermarkets that pay out grants, such as Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer and Spar, can also show your balance at the till. Ask the cashier before you enter your PIN, and check whether there’s a fee. Buying something and drawing cash at the till at the same time is often the cheapest way to get money out.
If your grant goes into your own bank account
- Banking app: the quickest and usually free.
- USSD: each bank has its own code, printed on the back of your card or on the bank’s website.
- SMS alerts: switch on deposit notifications to get an SMS when SASSA pays in.
- Bank statement: look for the SASSA deposit on your pay day.
Want to move your SRD grant to your own bank account? See our guide to updating SRD banking details. For permanent grants, changes are made at a SASSA office.
The Postbank black card (gold card replacement)
The SASSA gold card was phased out in 2026. Postbank set 31 August 2026 as the deadline to swap to a black card and said gold cards would stop working after that (SAnews, August 2026). Any money on your gold card moved across to the black card automatically.
- If you still have a gold card, call Postbank on 0800 53 54 55.
- Dial *120*355# to find the nearest card replacement site. The same sites help with lost cards and PIN resets.
- Take your ID or temporary ID. No forms are needed, and the card is free.
- A real card has “Postbank” on the front.
Why your SASSA balance looks wrong
- It isn’t your pay day yet. Older persons, disability and children’s grants are paid on different days. See our SASSA payment dates.
- A deduction was taken. Some beneficiaries have funeral policies deducted. If you didn’t agree to a deduction, report it to SASSA on 0800 60 10 11.
- Your grant is under review. If you were paid on the fourth payment day or not at all, see our grant review guide.
- The amount changed. Grants went up in April 2026. Check the new figures on our SASSA grant amounts page.
- SRD approved but no money. See approved but no pay date.
Keep your SASSA card and PIN safe
- Never tell anyone your PIN, including people offering to help at an ATM.
- Don’t use the “SASSA card balance” USSD codes shared on social media. We couldn’t confirm any of them as official.
- Never give your card or ID to someone who promises to “fix” your grant.
- Report a lost or stolen card to Postbank immediately.
For every official number, see our SASSA contact details page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my SASSA card balance by SMS?
Send BAL and the last four digits of your account number to 32302 from the cellphone number registered with Postbank. It costs R1.
Is there a USSD code for SASSA balance?
We could not confirm an official SASSA USSD balance code. Use the Postbank SMS, an ATM, a store till or your bank’s own USSD code.
Can I check my SASSA balance at Shoprite or Pick n Pay?
Yes. Many stores that pay out grants can check your balance at the till. Ask the cashier first and check for fees.
Does my old SASSA gold card still work?
Gold cards were replaced by Postbank black cards, with a deadline of 31 August 2026. Call Postbank on 0800 53 54 55 if you still have one.
Is checking my SASSA balance free?
The Postbank SMS costs R1. ATM and store balance checks may be free or charged, depending on where you check.
Why is my SASSA balance zero?
Your pay day may not have arrived, your grant may be under review, or a payment may have failed. Check the payment dates, then call SASSA on 0800 60 10 11.
Can I check my SRD R370 balance with a SASSA card?
The SRD grant is paid into your own bank account, a Postbank account or by Cash Send. Check it the same way as that account.
About this guide
Written and checked by N Chris, for SASSA Status Check Help. This guide was checked against Postbank’s own SMS balance page, SAnews and Bizcommunity reporting on the black card, and SASSA contact details. We are not SASSA or Postbank. Read how we verify information.