GoTyme Bank, formerly known as TymeBank, is shifting its physical presence in South Africa, phasing out its kiosks within Pick n Pay stores and instead focusing on dedicated customer hubs in shopping malls. The move, announced in early March 2026, reflects a broader trend toward digital banking and changing customer habits, according to the financial institution. This realignment of GoTyme’s retail footprint comes as the bank serves 12 million customers in South Africa.
The decision to remove kiosks from Pick n Pay locations will be completed by the end of March 2026. However, GoTyme Bank will continue to offer cash-in and cash-out services at Pick n Pay stores, allowing customers to deposit and withdraw funds. The bank is also maintaining its kiosk presence in TFG and Boxer stores, expanding its reach through the recent mall-based hubs. The change also means the end of double Smart Shopper points for transactions made with a GoTyme Bank card at Pick n Pay, effective March 31st.
A Shift Driven by Digital Adoption
Nolwazi Nzama, executive for customer experience and operations at GoTyme Bank, explained that the bank’s strategy is evolving to meet the needs of a customer base that is increasingly comfortable with digital banking. “The footprint we needed when we launched seven years ago is not the same footprint we need today,” Nzama said, as reported by TechCentral. “Our customers are banking more digitally and engaging in different retail spaces.”
This transition isn’t a retreat from physical infrastructure, but rather an optimization based on data analysis, according to Pontsho Ramontsha, head of corporate communications at GoTyme Bank. “This decision forms part of a broader optimisation of our physical footprint based on customer behaviour,” Ramontsha told ITWeb. “When we launched seven years ago, in-store kiosks in large grocery retailers played a critical role in on-boarding customers and building awareness of digital banking. Since then, customer behaviour has evolved significantly.”
What the Change Means for Customers
For GoTyme Bank customers, the primary impact will be a change in where they can access in-person support. Even as the Pick n Pay kiosks are being removed, the continued availability of cash services at those stores ensures that basic transactions remain accessible. The new mall-based hubs are designed to offer enhanced support, including the issuing of debit cards, providing a more comprehensive service experience. Customers can locate nearby kiosks and hubs using the bank’s kiosk locator.
The bank emphasized that the partnership with Pick n Pay remains strong, despite the removal of the kiosks. The retailer will continue to facilitate cash deposits and withdrawals, maintaining a key access point for customers who prefer those methods. The shift reflects a broader trend in the financial sector, where banks are increasingly focusing on digital channels while strategically maintaining a physical presence to support customer needs.
Rebranding and Growth
The move to mall-based hubs coincides with GoTyme Bank’s recent rebranding from TymeBank in February 2026, signaling a broader shift toward a global brand identity. The bank has experienced significant growth, now serving 12 million customers in South Africa. This expansion has driven the need to reassess and optimize its physical infrastructure to better serve its growing customer base.
GoTyme Bank’s decision to move away from Pick n Pay kiosks and towards mall-based hubs is a strategic response to evolving customer behavior and the increasing adoption of digital banking. The bank aims to provide a more efficient and customer-centric experience by focusing on channels that align with how people are now managing their finances. The continued availability of cash services at Pick n Pay stores ensures that customers retain access to essential banking functions, while the new hubs offer enhanced support for those who prefer in-person assistance.
The next update from GoTyme Bank is expected to detail the rollout schedule for the new mall-based customer hubs across South Africa. Customers can find more information and locate services on the bank’s website.
What are your thoughts on GoTyme Bank’s shift in strategy? Share your comments below and let us know how this change impacts your banking experience.
