Business Report

From cash to cards: A new era for migrant banking

Partnered Content|Updated
Mama Money relaunches its card with a simple promise: “Now You Can”.

Mama Money relaunches its card with a simple promise: “Now You Can”.

Image: Supplied

Mama Money is relaunching the Mama Money Card with a renewed focus on helping migrants and workers in South Africa simplify everyday banking and daily life.

Built for people who often face barriers to traditional banking, the Mama Money Card combines accessible banking, payments, and money transfer services into one practical solution designed around real customer needs.

While the card has already been in the market, the relaunch introduces a refreshed positioning under the new tagline, “Now You Can” — highlighting the everyday possibilities that become easier when customers have access to affordable and accessible banking tools.

With the Mama Money Card, customers can:

  • Receive salaries directly into their their unique accounts with a R100 000 monthly limit
  • Do local bank transfers to South African Bank accounts
  • Shop online on platforms like Temu, SHEIN, TakeAlot, & more
  • Buy groceries and pay in-store nationwide
  • Send money across borders globally, from Africa to Asia, the USA & Europe
  • Withdraw cash safely at ATMs
  • Buy airtime, electricity, data and vouchers
  • Manage money through the Mama Money app and WhatsApp banking features

The card is available through participating Pick n Pay stores nationwide, making it easier for customers to access banking services in familiar retail locations close to where they live and work.

For many migrants and workers in South Africa, access to simple banking remains a daily challenge. Cash-based living can create risks and inconvenience, from long ATM queues and theft concerns to difficulties shopping online or managing monthly expenses.

Mama Money says the relaunch focuses on making everyday financial services more accessible and practical for real communities — including African and Asian migrants, workers, entrepreneurs, and families living in South Africa. From paying a gardener or nanny to supporting workers on-site, the Mama Money Card is helping make everyday payments simpler, safer and more convenient for South Africans and migrants alike. 

“‘Now You Can’ is about opening up everyday possibilities for our customers,” says Mama Money. “Whether it’s receiving a salary safely, shopping online for your family, sending money home, or simply paying for daily essentials more conveniently, we want banking to feel simple and accessible.”

Customers can register using passports or asylum documentation, helping reduce many of the traditional barriers associated with opening bank accounts.

The relaunch also reflects the growing shift toward digital payments and everyday banking tools that fit naturally into modern life. As more consumers move beyond cash, accessible financial products are becoming increasingly important for communities that have historically been underserved by traditional banking systems.

With the Mama Money Card now available nationally through Pick n Pay stores, the company hopes to bring everyday banking closer to the people who need it most — helping more customers move confidently from cash to cards.

What started as a trusted remittance service is now evolving into a full everyday financial partner for migrants, workers and families across South Africa. www.mamamoney.co.za/mama-money-card 

Cards are available at Pick n Pay and  Mama Money Agents nationally

For more information on "Now You Can"  bank, visit: Save, Send and Spend with the new Mama Money Card!