Code of Banking Practice

The Code of Banking Practice (the Code) is a voluntary code which all banks who are members of the Banking Association of South Africa have committed to. The latest version of the Code, which came into effect on 01 July 2025, emphasises transparency, fairness, trust and accountability across the banking sector.

The code, which only applies to personal customers or small businesses, sets out the minimum standards for conduct and service that customers can expect from banks and the responsibilities of banks, among others to:

• Provide suitable, clear information about a bank’s products and services, taking the needs and circumstances of customers into account.
• Ensure that customers enquiries and transactions are dealt with.
• Not discriminate unfairly when providing banking services or products, or in their quality and terms of services.

It also sets out customers’ responsibilities to banks, which include truthfully and accurately disclosing all relevant information in account applications; taking reasonable measures to prevent fraud or theft from an account; and informing their bank as soon as possible when experiencing difficulties in meeting their financial obligations.

You can download a copy of the updated Code by clicking on the download button below, or go to www.banking.org.za.

Access the Code of Banking Practice here.