Payfast alternatives
We compared Payfast with 3 other payment gateways on what one payment costs, in South Africa. Every number says where it came from and when it was checked.
Our read · Bank payment of R1,000, South Africa
Cheapest alternative for a bank payment of R1,000: Ozow
Ozow is the cheapest Payfast alternative for a bank payment of R1,000 in South Africa: a R15.00 fee, R5.00 less than Payfast (checked 22 Oct 2026).
Fee is one part of the cost. Settlement time, limits and licences are shown beside it, and none of them reorders the list.
Thimania is free to use. Rankings follow the fees we checked, never who pays us. Any link to a provider is on its profile, where we say whether we earn from it.
Payfast alternatives in South Africa for a bank payment of R1,000
4 gateways with a verified fee for it, cheapest first. All payment gateways in South Africa.
| Gateway | Fee on R1,000 lower is better | Settlement time | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ozow | R15.00 Best | 1 day | 22 Oct 2026 Provider fee page |
| 2. Peach Payments | R16.50 | 1 day | 22 Oct 2026 Provider fee page |
| 3. Payfast Comparing from | R20.00 | Not yet verified | 22 Oct 2026 Provider fee page |
| 3. Paystack | R20.00 | 2 days | 22 Oct 2026 Provider fee page |
Not ranked for this payment, because we have no verified fee for it: Yoco.
Payfast alternatives in South Africa for a payment of R1,000 at the standard rate
3 gateways with a verified fee for it, cheapest first. All payment gateways in South Africa.
| Gateway | Fee on R1,000 lower is better | Settlement time | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Paystack | R30.00 Best | 2 days | 22 Oct 2026 Provider fee page |
| 2. Peach Payments | R31.00 | 1 day | 22 Oct 2026 Provider fee page |
| 3. Payfast Comparing from | R34.00 | Not yet verified | 22 Oct 2026 Provider fee page |
Not ranked for this payment, because we have no verified fee for it: Ozow, Yoco.
How we compared them
A fair comparison needs the same payment, so each gateway is priced for exactly the kind of payment and amount in the heading, from the rate it publishes for it. The fee is calculated from that rate, including any fixed fee, minimum or cap. It leaves out VAT and other taxes, setup and monthly fees, payout charges and rates negotiated for large merchants, so check those before you sign up.
Questions people ask
What is the cheapest Payfast alternative for a bank payment of R1,000 in South Africa?
Ozow. It charges R15.00, against R20.00 at Payfast (checked 22 Oct 2026).
What is the cheapest Payfast alternative for a payment of R1,000 at the standard rate in South Africa?
Paystack. It charges R30.00, against R34.00 at Payfast (checked 22 Oct 2026).
Are these Payfast alternatives licensed?
2 of 3 are shown as authorised or registered by their regulator. Each profile lists the regulator and licence status so you can check it yourself.