Finance · South Africa
New Debit Order Rules Give Consumers 60 Days to Dispute Payments
Moneyweb · 2026/02/24
Summary
South Africa has introduced new rules giving consumers 60 days to dispute debit order payments. This change aims to protect people from unauthorised or incorrect deductions from their bank accounts. Previously, customers had less time to challenge these payments, which sometimes caused financial stress. With this new rule, individuals have more time to spot errors and request refunds from their banks. The policy is part of broader efforts to make the country’s financial system fairer and support consumer rights. For businesses, especially small companies, this means they must ensure clear communication with clients about debit orders to avoid disputes. The longer dispute period also encourages financial institutions to handle complaints promptly and fairly.
OnABudget takeaway: Consumers now have more time to protect their money from wrong payments, giving peace of mind and better control over their finances. Small businesses should clearly inform clients about debit orders to maintain trust and avoid costly disputes.