Mama Money Help Centre

Explore our FAQ page to find valuable information and solutions related to secure and convenient money transfers worldwide

Mama Money Remittance (Send Money)

Mama Card

Customer Support

Mama Money Story

How do I reset my Mama Money PIN?

To reset your PIN, use the USSD code *134*542#, select Option 9 to go to the next screen and choose option 2 (My account and Security) and then option 1.

How do I access the App if I use WhatsApp or USSD?

- Download the App
- Login if you remember your pin or reset your pin (look above)
- Login in with your new Pin
- Change your Pin to something memorable (look below)

How do I create a recipient in the App?

Follow the Instructions Below

How do I create a recipient in WhatsApp?

Go to the WhatsApp Menu
- Enter option 2 - Send Money
- Enter option 2 - Add Recipients
- Enter the first and last name of the Recipient
- Enter the country you are sending money to
- Enter the phone number of recipient
- Chose how the recipient will receive the money: Cash Pickup, Wallet or Bank Account
- Chose the Partner
- Select the reason for sending money
- Select the relation to recipient
- Confirm the details are correct

How do I create an order in the App? - Cash payment (Pay at a shop)

This is the flow for creating an order whereby you pay for the order at a Shop (Pick'n Pay, Shoprite, Pep etc.)
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First you need to create a recipient in the App (help above)
Instructions Below

How do I create an order in the App? - Bank Transfer (EFT)

This is the flow for creating an order whereby you pay for the order by doing a Bank Transfer (EFT).

Please note: The amount sent has to be exactly correct.
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First you need to create a recipient in the App (help above)
Instructions Below

How do I select Mama Money as a Public Beneficiary for Bank Transfers ?

Create your order in the Mama Money app and select Bank Transfer as your payment method.

Select "Mama Money - Money Transfer" from your online banking’s list of approved beneficiaries.

Use your registered cell phone number as your payment reference.

How do I pay for my Mama Money orders?

Payments can be made via the Mama Money Card, Bank Transfer, or with cash at a shop.
Retail partners (Shops) include: Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Boxer, Pep, Spar, Makro, Game, Flash, Kazang stores.
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For cash payments, use the reference number in the App displayed when finished creating your order. You also recived it via SMS. This is the number you give to the teller to pay for the transfer.

How long does it take for the recipient to receive funds?

This depends:
There are 2 parts to each transaction:
1. You paying Mama Money
2. Mama Money sending that money to your recipient

Depending on how you pay us and how your recipient is receiving the money the timelines change.
Below there are 4 scenarios with different timelines to help you understand your transaction.

What are the sending limits with Mama Money?

Standard Limit: Up to R25,000 per transaction and a limit of R25,000 per month. There are some additional limits to specific countries and partners per day and per transaction.

Upgraded Limit: Up to R50,000 per transaction and R100,000 per month after upgrading your account. Find out more here

How can I upgrade my limit?

There are details here
To upgrade: Select “INCREASE LIMITS” option on the Mama Money app home screen and following the instructions there.
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How do I register for Mama Money?

To register:
1. Download the Mama Money App here or register on WhatsApp: +27 60 091 5591
2. Complete the registration by entering your details and uploading an identification document.
3. For guidance, watch our registration tutorial here.
4. Need assistance? WhatsApp us at +27 648 028 428.

Why can't I create more recipients?

Currently you can only have 8 recipients.
Delete an un-used recipient to add a new one.

Even if it is the same person if the payout method changes, this is a new recipient.

How do I create more than one order at a time?

This is currently not possible but there is a work around:
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The best method for this is:
- If you use the Mama Card as your payment method, as you create the order and pay for it instantly completes.
- You can then create a new order straight away
- Mama Card: One load. Many sends.

What documents are required to register?

You can register using any of the following:
- Passport
- Foreign ID
- South African ID
- Asylum or Refugee Documents

Which countries can I send money to?

With Mama Money, you can send money to over 70 countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Congo (ROC), Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Lesotho, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Asia: Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.

Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Vatican.

What is Mama Money Remittance?

Mama Money is a leading international money transfer service providing an affordable, safe, and convenient way to send money from South Africa to over 70 countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe.

How does Mama Money work?

Mama Money operates through a mobile app and WhatsApp that facilitates online and cash-based international money transfers to destinations like Zimbabwe, Malawi, Lesotho, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ghana and 70 other countries.

How do I activate my Mama Money Card

Activating your Mama Money card is easy, simply follow the steps below:
App
1. Open the App
2. Click on Banking (top right)
3. Click on Activate Card
4. Enter the 7-digit code from your card envelope.

WhatsApp
1. Go to the Mama Money Card on WhatsApp: +27 60 091 5591
2. Choose option 1️⃣ - Mama Money Card
3. Pick 5️⃣ - Activate card
4. Type the 7-digit code from your card envelope.

Your card will be activated. If you need help, reach out to our Mama Money Customer Care team.

How do I change my Mama Card Pin?

App
1. Select Banking
2. Select Card Security
3. Select Change Card Pin and Set a new PIN for Card
4. Or Select Forgot Card Pin and follow the PIN update steps

WhatsApp
Home Menu
1. Pick 1️⃣- Mama Money CardPick
2. 8️⃣ - Card Security
3. pick 1️⃣ and then Set new PIN for Card
4. 2️⃣ - Forgot Card PIN and follow the PIN update steps

How do I see my account details

App
1. Select Banking
2. Select Account Details
3. Share them easily

WhatsApp
Home Menu
1. Select 1️⃣ Mama Money Card
2. Select 3️⃣Account details
Your account details will be displayed, and you can easily forward these to someone for payment.

How long does it take for an EFT to arrive in my account?

It depends on the day of the week and the bank used to send the money:
- EFTs sent on weekdays normally arrive in hours but can take 1–2 business days to arrive, depending on the sender's bank and what time it was sent.
- EFTs sent on weekends or public holidays will arrive on the next business day.
- If the EFT makes the amount that has been received into your account that month or your balance more than R25,000, the transaction will fail and the money will be sent back to the sender.

What does it cost to use the Mama Money Card?

The card itself costs R99.
There is a monthly account cost of R25 and additional transactional fees.
There fees are detailed out there.
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What is the limit on the account?

Currently only R25,000 can pass through your account per month.

How do I access the App if I use WhatsApp for Mama Card?

- Download the App
- Login if you remember your pin or reset your pin
- Login in with your new Pin
- Change your Pin to something memorable
- Start using the App

How can I get a Mama Money Card?

The card is available for a one-time fee of R99 and can be bought at Pick n Pay stores or through Mama Money's extensive network of over 2,000 agents. It can also be delivered to your nearest PEP store (order on WhatsApp)

You can get your Mama Money Card by downloading the Mama Money App and registering with just your Passport, Asylum Document, or South African ID. Foreign ID holders cannot access the Card.
Activate your account in the App or on WhatsApp

You can also register on WhatsApp: +27 60 091 5591.

What is the Mama Money Card?

The Mama Money Card is an innovative product from Mama Money that simplifies managing your finances. It is designed especially for individuals, including immigrants, to facilitate easy, secure, and affordable cross-border payments as well the ability for you to have an account to be paid into, save and transact online.

What are the benefits of using the Mama Money Card?

The Mama Money Card offers several benefits:
‍Manage: Manage your account and perform transactions like sending money via Cash Send, buying electricity, or purchasing airtime.
Spend: Shop online or on your favourite app and tap to pay at all stores.
Save: Have your salary paid into your account, the money arrives in hours, not days. You can then save safely and withdraw or spend when you need to.
Send: Send money to over 70 countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe or locally within South Africa with Cash Send.

Is the Mama Money Card safe to use?

Yes, the Mama Money Card uses advanced security protocols, including encryption, PIN verification, and OTP systems, to ensure every transaction is secure and your money is protected.

Who is Access Bank and why are they involved with the Mama Money Card?

Access Bank is a prominent financial institution offering a range of banking services to individual and corporate clients across twelve African countries, the UAE, and the UK. Their commitment to global banking accessibility makes them an ideal partner for launching the Mama Money Card, helping to broaden financial services to underserved communities.

How does the Mama Money Card support migrants?

The card addresses significant challenges faced by migrants, such as shared bank accounts and the requirement for documentation like proof of address. It provides a secure alternative to carrying cash, which can pose safety risks, particularly in high-crime areas.

Can the Mama Money Card be used internationally?

The Mama Money Card can be used to send money internationally to over 70 countries.

Customers can only receive payments into their account from within South Africa. Customers can only receive money and spend at shops, ATM's, or online within South Africa.

How do I reset my Mama Money PIN?

To reset your PIN, use the USSD code *134*542#, select Option 9 to go to the next screen and choose option 2 (My account and Security) and then option 1.

How do I change my pin in the App to something I remember and enable Biometrics?

In Mama Money App
- On the home screen click on the Security Button
- Click Change App Pin
- Click Manage Biometric Login

How do I update my cellphone number?

Update your number via the Mama Money App
- Click on the My Profile button on the home screen (scroll down)
- Enter a new cellphone number
- Click: Update Cellphone Number

If you have never used the App (you use WhatsApp or USSD):
- Download the app
- login if you remember your pin or reset your pin (look above)
- follow the instructions below

How can I contact Mama Money customer support?

You can reach Mama Money's customer support through several channels:

WhatsApp: For real-time responses, start a chat here. +27 648 028 428.

Social Media: Message us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Email: Send your inquiries to mama@mamamoney.co.za for detailed responses.

What should I prepare before contacting Mama Money customer support?

For a smooth experience, please have your Mama Money number and any relevant transaction information. This will help us assist you more efficiently.

How long does it take to resolve an issue with Mama Money?

Immediate Support: Issues handled over WhatsApp or phone are often resolved in real time.

Email Inquiries: Expect a response within 24-48 hours.

Complex Issues: More intricate issues may take longer, but we ensure to keep you updated throughout the process.

What can I expect from Mama Money's customer service?

At Mama Money, we are committed to high-quality service. Our team is trained to handle your inquiries with care and professionalism. We value your feedback and use it to continuously improve our services.

How do I provide feedback on Mama Money's customer service?

After each interaction, you may be prompted to provide feedback through our various communication channels. This feedback helps us refine our services and enhance your experience with Mama Money.For further assistance or more details about our services, please don't hesitate to reach out to our customer support team through any of the available channels. We're here to help make your financial transactions as smooth and secure as possible.

What is Mama Money?

Mama Money is a South African fintech company launched in 2013, focusing on providing low-cost money transfer services. It aims to offer affordable and accessible financial services to underbanked communities, fostering financial inclusion across borders.

What inspired the founding of Mama Money?

Mama Money was founded by Mathieu Coquillon and Raphael Grojnowski, who were motivated by the high costs and inefficiencies in traditional remittance markets. They started by facilitating money transfers to Zimbabwe and have expanded to several other countries since then.

How does Mama Money build trust with its customers?

Initially, Mama Money engaged directly with communities and partnered with local agents to build trust among its target customers. This grassroots approach helped the company gain significant traction in the remittance market.

What services does Mama Money offer?

Mama Money offers international money transfers with competitive exchange rates and minimal fees. The company is known for its transparent fee structure and has a user-friendly mobile app that allows customers to manage transactions and access customer support.

What awards has Mama Money received?

Mama Money has been recognised with several awards, including:Best Fintech Startup in South Africa (2019)Top 3 for Best Financial Solution App in South Africa (2019)

What is the impact of Mama Money’s services?

Mama Money has significantly lowered the cost of remittances, increasing the disposable income of recipients who often invest in crucial areas like education and healthcare. The company's services have had a profound impact on the economic well-being of communities across Africa and beyond.

What social initiatives does Mama Money engage in?

Mama Money is actively involved in projects that enhance financial literacy and support community development. Notably, it has collaborated with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to leverage remittances for economic development in Southern Africa.