SWAP security

When you pay with SWAP, your Wallet, credit card and bank details are not exposed to the business you’re paying or to anyone else. Every transaction requires you to enter a unique personalised PIN. No transaction details are stored on your handset and your information remains safe, even if someone else gets hold of your phone.

SWAP services use USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Services Data) – a system provided by the GSM-based mobile networks and supported by all three South African mobile operators. USSD allows quick transmission of information in secure, time-limited sessions.

Where an SMS or SIM-based system might leave you vulnerable if you lose your cellphone, USSD means that you simply cancel your SIM card, obtain a new one from your service provider and go straight back to transacting with SWAP. Your on-phone transactions and statement information on the SWAP website are always PIN protected.

For your security, linking a credit card, cheque card or bank account to your SWAP Wallet involves an authentication process through a credit bureau . Authentication is kept as simple as possible by not requiring that you use any other communication channel other than your cellphone.

SWAP’s security systems eliminate human access to account or payment details. You’re protected by advanced encryption standards and secure firewalls with a redundant systems environment ensuring unprecedented system uptime and a consistent user experience. SWAP has partnered with a major South African credit bureau and all credit card transactions are handled by certified third party vendors while debit orders and system payments are processed through SWAP’s bankers, ABSA.

The SWAP Customer Care Centre at 0861 117 927 is on standby Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.