HoHow iKhokha Card Machines Work + Becoming a Merchant

It takes guts to start a business. You’ve already put in the work to get your hustle off the ground, and now you’re ready to grow. One of the biggest steps in that journey is giving customers a simple, secure way to pay you. That’s where an iKhokha card machine comes in.

This isn’t just about swiping cards. It’s about building trust with your customers, unlocking new opportunities, and giving your business the tools to thrive in a competitive market.

Why thousands of entrepreneurs choose iKhokha

We built iKhokha to make business easier in South Africa. And when you get one of our card machines, you’re not signing up for hidden fees or long contracts. You’re joining a community of entrepreneurs who know that every sale matters.

Here’s what makes it different:

No monthly rental fees: you buy your device once and it’s yours to keep.
Low transaction rates: from 2.75% (ex VAT) so more money stays in your pocket. View transaction fees
Local support: a team that understands what it’s like to run a business here.

Every tap, swipe or insert keeps your business moving forward and adds to the bigger picture: more small businesses growing the South African economy.

So, how does an iKhokha Card Machine work?

It’s simpler than you think.

Power up your device: or if you’re using iK Tap on Phone, just open the iKhokha App.

Take the payment: your customer taps, swipes or inserts their card.

Confirm the transaction: you and your customer get an instant response.

Send the receipt: print it with the iK Flyer, or email/SMS it on the go.

Get paid: your funds are settled straight into your bank account.

That’s it. No complicated setup, no waiting weeks for payouts. Just straightforward payments that let you focus on running your business.

Which iKhokha Card Machine fits your business?

Every business is different. That’s why we’ve designed our range to suit different needs.

iK Flyer

If you’re running a busy store, salon, or café, the iK Flyer is your best friend at checkout.

High-speed thermal printer for quick receipts.
Eco-friendly digital receipts by SMS or email.
Staff login profiles so you can track performance.
Built-in tools to manage sales and stock.

It’s more than a payment device, it’s a full-on business assistant.

iK Flyer Lite

Need something lighter and more affordable? The iK Flyer Lite is a smart choice.

Portable and reliable with WiFi or 4G connection.
Accepts tap, chip & pin, and swipe.
Digital receipts sent in seconds.
Compact design, perfect for small spaces or mobile setups.

It’s the perfect balance of cost and capability.

iK Tap on Phone

For entrepreneurs who want to start lean, iK Tap on Phone turns your Android smartphone into a card machine.

No extra hardware needed.
Customers tap their card directly on your phone.
Quick setup inside the iKhokha App.

It’s ideal if you’re on the move, just starting out, or need a reliable backup option.

How to get your iKhokha Card Machine

We’ve made it easy for you to start:

Order online: shop directly from the iKhokha store and get delivery in 3–4 working days.
Takealot: if you prefer to bundle it with your usual order, search “iKhokha” and add it to your cart.
In-store: find us at selected Makro, Game and Builders Warehouse outlets.
By phone: call us on 087 222 7000 to chat with our team.

Your Profile: The key to getting paid

Before your card machine is delivered, you’ll need to create your iKhokha Profile. This is how we keep your payouts safe and make sure your business is FICA-compliant.

Your profile stores your:

Banking details: so we know where to pay you.
Business information: so we can verify your account.
Personal details: kept private and secure.

Once that’s sorted, your device is activated and you’re ready to trade.

The iKhokha App: Your business Dashboard

Every iKhokha merchant gets access to the free iKhokha App — it’s like having your business in your pocket. From your phone, you can:

See every sale in real time
Manage products and staff
Sell prepaid products like airtime and electricity
Access reporting and sales history whenever you need it
Get the lowest transaction rates in South Africa

You can log in to the iK Dashboard (previously known as iKhokha Biz). It gives you many of the same insights and tools as the iKhokha app, but in a desktop/web-friendly format, ideal for reviewing settlements, analysing performance trends and managing your business with a larger, more detailed view.

Together, the app and dashboard keep you in control, wherever you are.

Quick FAQs

Do iKhokha machines have monthly fees?
No. You buy once and the device is yours.

What cards do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit and credit cards.

How much are transaction fees?
Flat 2.75% (ex VAT) per transaction

How fast is delivery?
3–4 working days.

What if I don’t have WiFi?
The Flyers connect with 4G as well. iK Tap on Phone uses your mobile data.

For more answers, visit the iKhokha Help Centre.

Ready to Grow?

Getting paid shouldn’t be complicated. With an iKhokha card machine, you’ll have a reliable way to take payments, grow your customer base, and keep your business moving forward.