Mascom review
Updated September 28, 2026 · SumCue Editorial Team · Facts checked September 26, 2026
We earn a commission when you sign up through links on this site. Partner status can affect where a brand appears in our rankings. Partners with a live offer in your country come first, then every other brand by score.
Our verdict
Mascom suits Botswana residents who want a prepaid Visa card and travel abroad with it. The monthly fee of BWP 10 on the prepaid card is the trade-off to weigh, and top-ups are free, so the running cost sits with people who keep the card long term rather than short trips.
Key facts
- Best for
- A prepaid Visa card for everyday spending at home and on trips abroad, with free top-ups.
- Monthly fee
- BWP 10↗
- Free ATM withdrawals
- BWP 0↗
- Card type
- Prepaid↗
- Top-up fee
- Free↗
- Card network
- Visa↗
- Legal entity
- Mascom (Pty) Ltd↗
- Headquarters
- Botswana↗
- Founded
- 1998↗
- Support channels
- Email, Phone, Help-centre↗
- Features
- Travel
- Official website
- mascom.bw
Facts checked September 26, 2026, 5 sources
Pros and cons
Pros
- Top-ups are free, so loading money adds nothing to the bill.
- Support runs on email, phone and help centre, so help comes by email, phone or the help centre.
- The free ATM withdrawal allowance is BWP 0.
- The card runs on the visa network, the one most merchants already accept.
Cons
- A monthly fee of BWP 10 applies, so holding the card costs money in months with little spending.
- The card type is prepaid, so spending is tied to the balance you load rather than any borrowing.
- The card runs on visa alone, which narrows acceptance where other networks dominate.
Who it suits
- Botswana residents paying at home and on trips abroad, given the travel focus of the card.
- People who want phone and email help, since support runs on email, phone and help centre.
- Travellers who would rather spend loaded funds than a credit line, since the card is prepaid.
Who should look elsewhere
- bunq, where the monthly fee is €0 against BWP 10 here.
- Wise, where the monthly fee is £0 and you only need somewhere to hold money.
- Varo Believe Secured Credit Card, a secured card with a monthly fee of $0 for people who want borrowing rather than loaded funds.
Fees and currency costs
The prepaid card carries a monthly fee of BWP 10, which is charged for keeping the card in use. Loading it costs free, so a top-up adds nothing to the bill. The cost of the card is therefore the standing monthly charge, and the cheapest way to hold one is to use it regularly and keep it funded only when you need it.
How Mascom compares
9.3 vs 9.4
9.3 vs 9.0
9.3 vs 8.9
9.3 vs 9.4
9.3 vs 8.7
9.3 vs 9.2
9.3 vs 9.4
9.3 vs 8.7
9.3 vs 9.3
9.3 vs 8.9
9.3 vs 8.6
9.3 vs 9.2
9.3 vs 8.4
9.3 vs 8.5
9.3 vs 8.8
9.3 vs 9.0
9.3 vs 8.6
9.3 vs 8.3
9.3 vs 9.5
9.3 vs 9.4
9.3 vs 9.4
9.3 vs 9.3
9.3 vs 9.3
9.3 vs 9.3
9.3 vs 9.3
9.3 vs 9.2
9.3 vs 9.2
9.3 vs 9.2
9.3 vs 9.1
9.3 vs 9.1
9.3 vs 9.1
9.3 vs 9.1
9.3 vs 9.0
9.3 vs 9.0
9.3 vs 9.0
9.3 vs 8.9
9.3 vs 8.8
9.3 vs 8.7
9.3 vs 8.5
9.3 vs 8.4
9.3 vs 8.0- 9.3 vs 8.0
Where Mascom is available
- Available
- Botswana
Countries from the brand (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
What does the Mascom card cost each month?+
The prepaid card carries a monthly fee of BWP 10. Loading money onto it is free, so there is no charge for each top-up. The standing monthly charge is the main cost, and it applies for as long as you keep the card open.
How much can I take out at ATMs for free?+
The free ATM withdrawal allowance is BWP 0, and the card runs on the visa network, so cash comes out of the same balance you top up. Plan cash needs around the free figure rather than assuming a large withdrawal is covered.
Is the Mascom card prepaid or debit?+
It is prepaid, so the balance comes from what you load rather than a credit line. Top-ups are free, which suits people who want spending tied to funds they have paid in first.
How do I get help if a payment goes wrong?+
Support runs on email, phone and help centre, so you can reach Mascom by email, by phone or through the help centre. Mascom has traded since 1998, so the card comes from an established local operator.
Who stands behind the card?+
The card is issued by Mascom (Pty) Ltd, which is based in Botswana. The prepaid card carries a travel focus, so it is aimed at people who pay at home and abroad rather than at savers.
How does this compare with other prepaid cards?+
The monthly fee here is BWP 10, while bunq lists a monthly fee of €0 and Wise lists £0. The Varo Believe Secured Credit Card lists $0. Since top-ups are free, the choice comes down to the standing monthly charge.
Who is this prepaid card for?+
It suits people in Botswana who want a visa card for everyday spending and a travel angle for trips abroad. The card is prepaid, so it suits you if you are content to load it before use, and help is on email, phone and help centre.
Sources
- mascom.bw/about-mascom-myzaka checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Top-up fee, Monthly fee
“Loading of Mobile Money into MyZaka Account is FREE to registered customers”
- mascom.bw/about-mascom-wirelesss checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Founded, Headquarters
“Established in 1998, Mascom Wireless is Botswana's leading telecommunications provider”
- mascom.bw/contact-us checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Support channels
“customerservice@mascom.bw; Prepaid 124 and Postpaid 129; Through our service centres you are able to receive the following type of assistance”
- mascom.bw/myzaka-visa-card checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Free ATM withdrawals, Card type, Features, Card network
“CASH WITHDRAWALS Local Banks 7.00 (flat fee per withdrawal, no free allowance listed)”
- mascom.bw/terms-conditions checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Legal entity
“the terms & conditions under which Mascom (Pty) Ltd (hereinafter referred to as "Mascom") will provide you with access to the products & services”
Compiled from 5 source pages, checked September 26, 2026. We did not open an account.
Not confirmed yet: Currency conversion fee, Protection.
Related by the facts
Mascom
A prepaid Visa card for everyday spending at home and on trips abroad, with free top-ups.