Which bank account is best for a domestic worker?

The most affordable bank accounts for domestic workers

The cheapest bank accounts for a domestic worker are TymeBank EveryDay and Bank Zero, which both charge no monthly fee, followed by Capitec Global One at R7 a month and FNB Easy PayU and Standard Bank MyMo at R7.50. All five come with a free card, free card swipes and a banking app, and you can open one with only an ID and a cellphone number. A proper account is safer than cash and gives your worker proof of income she can use to rent a home, borrow or buy on credit.

Why many domestic workers still get paid in cash

Many domestic workers are still paid in cash or through send-money codes like FNB eWallet or Standard Bank Instant Money. This is legal, but it has real downsides.

Cash is easy to lose and easy to steal, and it leaves no record that your worker earns anything. It also means she misses out on the interest, safety and everyday tools that only come with a proper bank account.

The most affordable bank accounts for a domestic worker

All five of these accounts are cheap to run, come with a free card, and let your worker bank from a phone.

TymeBank EveryDay Account

Monthly fee: R0
Free debit card, with no charge for card swipes
ATM withdrawals: R10 per R1,000 at Pick n Pay or Boxer stores
Everything is done digitally, so there are no branch queues

Good for workers who prefer mobile banking and low fees.

Bank Zero Account

Monthly fee: R0
Card swipes: free
ATM withdrawals: from R9 per R1,000
Instant transfers between Bank Zero users, with a good app

Good for anyone who wants simple, digital banking with no extras.

Capitec Global One

Monthly fee: R7
ATM withdrawals: R9 per R1,000
Free app transfers, debit orders and digital statements

Still the most popular low-cost bank in South Africa, with physical branches you can walk into.

FNB Easy PayU

Monthly fee: R7.50
Free digital payments and card swipes
ATM withdrawals: R8 per R1,000

A solid choice if your worker already uses FNB send-money services like eWallet.

Standard Bank MyMo

Monthly fee: R7.50
Card swipes: free
Free transfers between MyMo accounts through the app
ATM withdrawals: R8.50 per R1,000

A simple, reliable option for anyone who prefers a big, familiar bank.

Bank account comparison

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Bank fees change from time to time, so check the current fee with the bank before opening an account.

Why having a bank account matters

A bank account does more than give your worker a card to swipe.

Safety. No need to carry large amounts of cash or worry about theft.
Proof of income. Payslips and bank statements make it easier to rent a home, apply for a loan or buy on credit.
Access to benefits. She can earn interest, get SMS alerts, and reach affordable funeral cover and savings tools.
Financial inclusion. A bank account is the first step toward long-term financial independence.

What you can do as an employer

Encourage your domestic worker to open one of these low-cost accounts. AskMandla can pay her salary straight into her bank account, generate her payslips, and handle your UIF admin.

Even if she currently uses a cash code like eWallet, you can help her open an account at Capitec, TymeBank or Bank Zero with only her ID and a cellphone number.

How AskMandla helps

Salaries are paid safely and on time
Payslips are generated automatically
UIF contributions are worked out correctly
Your worker gets proof of income and access to financial inclusion tools

Chat to AskMandla on WhatsApp to find out how we can help your employee open an affordable account and get started the right way.

Why a bank account beats cash

Cash can feel convenient, but it limits opportunity. A proper bank account gives a domestic worker safety, proof of income and a real step toward financial independence.