What is Payfast?

We build with heart

We’ve poured our hearts into building the leading online payment processing solution for individuals, NPOs and businesses of all sizes in South Africa because we know just how much heart it takes to build your own business.

Dedicated payment solutions. Day in, day out.

Without your business, we have no business. That’s why every single day at Payfast is dedicated to developing digital solutions that help South Africans do better business.

The incredible journey that got us here

2022-2023

We joined forces with Paygate and SiD under Network International, merging industry giants in a major step for our industry and creating a unified brand with a single vision to take us forward as a business.

2021

In 2021, Payfast was acquired by Network International. For over 25 years, Network International has delivered innovative solutions that drive revenue and profitability for customers. We have grown from strength to strength to become the largest acquirer in the UAE and the leading enabler of digital commerce in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

2017-2021

2017 saw our very first automatic Instant EFT function. In July 2019, we were acquired by the DPO Group, spurring the growth of Africa’s largest payment service provider. In October of the same year, we launched Split Payments, the first in South Africa. In 2021, Payfast launched Easy Advance.

2012-2016

In 2012, we were the first South African payment provider to partner with Shopify. We spread that love in 2013 when our WooCommerce plugin became 100% free, and 2016 saw multiple high-fives across the company when we launched recurring payments.

2007-2011

In 2007 Payfast was born. Less than a year later we had our first Instant EFT transaction. Add one more year and we added our first-ever credit card transaction. Then, in 2010, we became the first-ever local payment platform to integrate with PrestaShop and WooCommerce.

1999-2007

Founded in 1999 Paygate is a trusted provider of secure payment gateway services. Having helped drive the growth of ecommerce in South Africa, we’re proud to be a respected player in the online payments industry.

What makes us Payfast

Be open and honest, with positive intent

We must communicate transparently, listen to feedback without being defensive, and act accordingly when obtaining diverse and contrary views. Our tone and intent in every communication must be to deliver positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

Own every decision

Accountability trumps authority. Once a decision is made, even if it is not the decision you would have made, treat it as your own and do your best to make it work.

Always do the right thing

Doing the right thing is working for the common good. It means making decisions that are for the organisation’s welfare and are ethical and morally correct and not driven by personal needs or to expand personal popularity.

Celebrate wins, sunshine failures

We recognise and reward diligence and accept failures as a learning opportunity. We always appreciate hard work that went into giving any initiative our best shot.

How does Payfast work for you?

We’re incredibly proud of the fact that over 80,000 businesses have chosen us as their payments partner. From coffee shops to street vendors, hair stylists and world-class start-ups – we’re lucky enough to work with SA entrepreneurs of all kinds.

We’d seriously love to work with you.

If you’re serious about growing the digital economy of Africa, yet don’t take yourself too seriously, we think you’d love it here. Plus we have free coffee.