Banking & Financial Inclusion
Access the financial tools you need to build stability and grow.
How GDSA Can Help
Guidance on opening bank accounts, accessing financial services, and building credit as a migrant. Our community team provides direct guidance, document preparation support, and referrals to specialist partners. We walk with you through each step of the process.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Obtain a valid South African document (asylum permit, refugee status, or study permit)
- 2
Apply for an account — most major banks accept asylum permits
- 3
FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, and Capitec all have accounts for asylum holders
- 4
Capitec's Global One account is recommended for most migrants
- 5
Bring: original permit, proof of residence (utility bill or affidavit), and your passport/ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with an asylum permit?
Yes. South African law requires banks to accept asylum permits as valid identity documents. If a bank refuses, contact GDSA — this may be unlawful discrimination.
What if I don't have a permanent address?
An affidavit confirming your residential address, signed at a police station, is accepted by most banks in lieu of a utility bill.