Consumers across South Africa are being cautioned about unexpected additional charges when purchasing prepaid electricity through banking applications.
A recent municipal notice has highlighted a broader issue affecting prepaid electricity users nationwide: some customers are paying more than expected when purchasing via digital banking platforms. These extra costs are not linked to electricity providers or municipalities, but are instead set by individual banks as part of their service or transaction fees.
As prepaid electricity remains a widely used system across South Africa, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas, many households rely on the convenience of mobile banking apps to top up their meters. However, the convenience may come at a price if users are unaware of added banking charges.
Authorities stress that municipalities and electricity providers do not control or benefit from these additional fees. Instead, consumers are encouraged to review their bank’s pricing policies or contact their financial institutions directly if they notice discrepancies in the amount charged.
The warning serves as a reminder for South Africans to stay vigilant when using digital payment methods, and to understand the potential costs involved. While banking apps offer speed and accessibility, comparing options such as purchasing electricity through alternative vendors or platforms, may help consumers avoid unnecessary expenses.
As digital transactions continue to grow, transparency around service fees will remain crucial to ensuring that consumers are fully informed and protected.
