August in South Africa is more than just another page on the calendar, it’s a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women across the country. Women’s Month honours the legacy of the 1956 women’s march against pass laws, and today, that same spirit of independence lives on in new ways. One of them? Financial empowerment.
At bsmart, we’re proud to see thousands of women using their bsmart card not just as a means to shop, but as a tool to take charge of their financial future. From putting kids through school to running a household and saving up for a long-overdue self-care treat, our members are stretching their rands and living life on their own terms.
Cashing in on control
What makes the bsmart card so powerful? Yes, it’s all about convenience, but also about strategy. Every time you swipe to pay with your bsmart card at a partner retailer, you earn cashback. That means every school uniform, every grocery run, every birthday gift, every new lipstick is giving something back.
As one of our members, Thandi from Durban, puts it: “It’s not just spending, it’s smart spending. My annual cashback bonus paid for my December groceries last year. I’m not leaving money on the table anymore.”
With over 10 million rand paid out to members in cashback bonuses last year alone, it’s no surprise that more women are realising: they don’t need to spend more to get more, they just need to shop smart with bsmart.
Owning her budget
Financial freedom starts with awareness. Women are using tools like their bsmart monthly statements to track spending, identify where to cut back, and plan ahead. Some members even set up budgeting challenges with their families, seeing who can earn the most cashback in a month or who can spend the least at their favourite partner store.
From fixing school shoes to replacing a fridge, budgeting is a team sport. And the bsmart card helps her to stay in in control of it all.
Quick Tip: Use your bsmart card for repeat monthly expenses like groceries, fuel, or pharmacy runs, these build cashback quickly with zero extra effort.
Empowerment in Every Swipe
We love seeing how our members use their cashback bonuses. For some, it’s a reward they set aside for something just for them, like a facial or a spa day. For others, it’s a way to support their side hustle, buying ingredients, stock, or packaging.
Take Ayesha, a baker in Cape Town:
“I buy all my baking supplies at bsmart partner stores. At the end of the year, my cashback bonus is like a little dividend I reinvest into my business. It’s my silent business partner.”
That’s the beauty of it: women using their spending power with intention.
Celebrating the Wins, Big and Small
This Women’s Month, we’re celebrating the quiet financial victories of everyday women:
- The mom who shopped strategically all year to cover December gifts.
- The young graduate saving up her cashback for a weekend away.
- The entrepreneur growing her hustle, one cashback rand at a time.
Every swipe is a small act of defiance against rising prices, inflation, and the belief that money is too complicated. With the right tools, and the right mindset, women are turning everyday transactions into long-term empowerment.
Her Money, Her Rules. Your Turn.
Whether you’re a seasoned bsmart cardholder or just getting started, Women’s Month is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your finances. Set some spending goals. Make your rands work for you. And if you haven’t already, start swiping smarter.
To every woman reading this: your financial journey is yours to own, and we’re proud to walk alongside you.
Because when women take charge of their money, they take charge of their lives.