Paymentology, the global issuer-processor, has launched a new mobile-first card management platform, dubbed PayoCard, to help digital banks and fintechs in South Africa extend fast, secure, and intuitive card services to their customers.
PayoCard is a cloud-first digital card platform which Paymentology says will simplify mobile card services, which have been historically complex and costly for banks and fintechs. This plug-and-play platform will look to enable issuers to rapidly offer secure, self-managed card features, from real-time balance updates to PIN resets, card freezes, and in-app support, all via a single mobile interface.
For many South Africans, disbursement or loyalty cards are often the first formal payment tool they receive. By giving users access to an intuitive app from day one, PayoCard is looking to provide a mobile-first path to financial services adoption. The platform’s strategy will look to build trust through digital familiarity and prepare cardholders to do more, from everyday transactions to managing more advanced financial products in the future.
“For many cardholders, accessing basic card functions still means standing in a queue or waiting on hold, a far cry from what a digital card experience should be,” said Shahez Shawana, group product manager at Paymentology. “With PayoCard, we’re helping digital banks and fintechs offer a truly mobile-first experience that gives customers control, confidence, and convenience.”
In March, Paymentology expanded its collaboration with payments giant Mastercard, as part of a shared commitment to increasing access to digital payments in South Africa. Through this partnership, the two companies are enabling banks, fintechs, and retailers to issue fully compliant physical and virtual cards at speed, particularly in underserved communities.
Setting new standards in South Africa
South Africa’s card payments market is projected to reach $206.2billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.7 per cent, creating significant opportunity for digital banks and fintechs to scale. With 91 per cent of South Africans owning a mobile phone and rising demand for real-time digital services, Paymentology’s PayoCard solution aims to give issuers a compliant, and mobile-first way to connect with customers – directly through their devices.
For banks and fintechs, PayoCard will also offer a faster path to market with reduced complexity, by enabling rapid rollout, simplifying integration with existing systems, and ensuring full PCI DSS compliance.
For cardholders, PayoCard enables users to manage their cards directly from their phones, instantly checking balances, updating settings, and accessing support whenever they need it.
The launch also follows Paymentology’s ongoing expansion in South Africa, including the relocation of its regional headquarters to Sandton, Johannesburg, and an expanding portfolio of local partnerships. Founded in South Africa, Paymentology powers card programmes for institutions including Standard Bank, Old Mutual Bank, Mukuru, Altech, Adumo, Liberty Group, and Tyme.
“From our enhanced Johannesburg base, we’re investing in the people, partnerships, and platforms that help our clients succeed,” added Drisha Kirkman, head of programme management and sustainability at Paymentology.
“Whether it’s through local roadshows or next-gen product rollouts, such as PayoCard, our goal is to empower banks and fintechs to launch impactful card programmes faster, and reach the customers who need them most. We aim to set new standards for mobile-first payment experiences, ensuring that both issuers and end-users benefit from smarter, more inclusive technology.”
