DebiCheck help / Is this DebiCheck request real? How to tell
Is this DebiCheck request real? How to tell
A real DebiCheck request comes from your own bank, inside its app, SMS, phone menu or ATM. It shows the business name, the amount and the collection day. Your bank will never send you a link to approve it or ask for your PIN, password or OTP.
What a real request shows
Standard Bank says its SMS shows who is debiting your account, when, and how much. PASA says to check the business, the date and the amount before you accept. A real request shows:
- The business name. FNB says it can be a trading name that is different from the name you know.
- The amount you will pay each time, for example R650.
- The collection day, for example the 25th of each month, and how often.
- Often, a reference number for your contract.
- Sometimes, a maximum amount. PASA says this shows on usage-based debit orders, where the amount changes with use. The business should explain it to you before it sends the request.
Signs it is not real
- It asks you to click a link. PASA says banks never send a link to approve a DebiCheck.
- Someone asks for your PIN, password, OTP or card number. PASA says banks never ask for these. FNB says it will never ask for personal information in a message.
- You did not sign up for anything new with that business.
- The amount or date is different from what you agreed.
What to do if something looks wrong
- Do not approve it.
- Reject it if you do not recognise it, or if the details are wrong. GoTyme and FNB both say this.
- Call your bank on the number on the back of your card.
- If you think your details were stolen, change your banking passwords and tell your bank straight away.
About Planar
Planar is not a bank. Planar is not the business asking you to approve. Planar never asks for your PIN, password, OTP or card number. If someone says they are from Planar and asks for these, do not give them.
Steps for your bank
Questions people ask
Will my bank send me a link to approve a DebiCheck?
No. PASA says banks never send a link to approve a DebiCheck. A message with a link may be a scam. Check with your bank.
The business name on the DebiCheck looks different. Is it fake?
Not always. FNB says a business sometimes uses a different trading name. If you do not recognise it, ask the business before you approve.
Is DebiCheck safe?
PASA says DebiCheck was designed by the banks to industry standards and is secure. Keep your cellphone number up to date with your bank, and never share your PIN or password.
What is the maximum amount on a DebiCheck?
PASA says a maximum amount shows on usage-based debit orders, where the amount changes with use. It is a limit, not the amount taken every month. The business should explain it before it sends the request.
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Where this comes from
- DebiCheck (PASA): Common questions, checked 2026-10-29
- PASA: Debit order FAQ (updated June 2024), checked 2026-10-29
- FNB: DebiCheck FAQs (issue date 1 June 2025), checked 2026-10-29
- Standard Bank: DebiCheck, checked 2026-10-29
- GoTyme Bank: Terms and conditions, DebiCheck section, checked 2026-10-29
- African Bank: DebiCheck, checked 2026-10-29
- Nedbank: DebiCheck frequently asked questions, checked 2026-10-29