The uKash Voucher

Smokoo  Secure Payments - The uKash Voucher

Limitations of Online Shopping

There was a time when, if you did not have a credit card, you could not make purchases online and then, along came Direct Debit and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), and it became possible to shop on the Internet with only a personal bank account.  But what if you don’t have a bank account, or prefer not to perform banking transactions online?

The Next Step

In 2005, uKash established itself as a service provider specializing in online transactions using cash. The company identified the fact that many people were either without bank accounts or unwilling to risk using them online,  As an alternative, they established a system of prepaid vouchers that may be purchased for cash and redeemed  at a wide range of participating online service providers. Today uKash vouchers are available in over 30 countries and may be purchased from more than 420 000 outlets worldwide.

Widespread Availability

In April 2010, uKash entered into an agreement with Shoprite that has made their vouchers available to the South African public at 560 supermarkets and hypermarkets around the nation. They may be purchased from the in-store Money Market counter at any of the participating Shoprite stores. Pick ‘n Pay, Shell Garages and many other convenience stores also carry the vouchers.  uKash vouchers are available in denominations of between R50 and R1 500 and may be purchased either with cash or with a credit or debit card.

Simplicity of Use

Most people are familiar with the use of a prepaid airtime voucher. uKash vouchers are used in much the same manner except that they offer far more possibilities with regard to your intended purchase. Participating online stores such as Smokoo all display the uKash logo and when the time comes to pay for your purchase it is only necessary to select uKash as the preferred method of payment.  Each voucher has a unique PIN that must be entered before the transaction can proceed.

Ultimate Security

There has been much concern over identity theft and card fraud in recent years.  Although the risk arises mainly when using public internet connections such as internet cafes and unsecured wireless networks, it is totally eliminated if no personal financial data is used during the transaction. Using a uKash voucher means that you are never required to enter any details of your bank account or credit card when performing online payments and provides the ultimate security.