R775 a Month on Takeaways? Standard Bank Says That’s the Problem

SA’s love for fast food is burning holes in our wallets and our emergency funds

It starts with a tap. Maybe it’s a chicken wrap after a long day or a quick pizza on a Friday night. For millions of South Africans, food delivery apps have become part of everyday life, but Standard Bank is warning that those quick bites are chewing through our savings.

In a recent financial snapshot, the bank revealed that many of its clients, including those earning decent monthly salaries, are spending hundreds, sometimes over R1,000, every month on takeaways. And they’re doing it without building a cent in emergency savings.

Convenience comes at a cost

Standard Bank’s data paints a familiar picture: urban workers, especially those in their late 20s to mid-30s, are the biggest takeaway spenders. It’s not hard to see why. Between commutes, long hours, and parenting duties, fast food is a trade-off, one that feels easier than meal prep or late-night cooking.

The problem? It adds up fast.

On average, South Africans spend R775 a month on takeaways. That excludes groceries. The figure climbs higher during holidays, especially among higher-income earners, where spending can reach R1,300 a month.

For lower- to middle-income groups, that number ranges between R472 and R748, depending on income. That might sound manageable until you realise how much of it is unconscious spending.

“It feels harmless at the time, but the frequency can add up,” says Doret Jooste, Head of Money Management and Advisory at Standard Bank.

The hidden cost: zero emergency savings

What makes this especially alarming is what people are not doing with that money.

According to Standard Bank, over 45% of its clients have no accessible emergency savings. Among Private Banking clients earning R25,000 to R58,000 a month, more than a third have nothing saved for a rainy day.

In a country where economic stability can feel like a myth, that’s a risky way to live.

Jooste explains that even small adjustments can make a big difference. For instance, cutting monthly takeaway spending from R615 to R400 could free up R2,500 a year. Invest that in a tax-free account at 10% growth, and you could be looking at over R41,000 in ten years.

It’s not about cutting out; it’s about cutting back

Jooste is clear: this isn’t about guilt or banning burgers. It’s about awareness.

South Africans, she says, need to revisit their habits, especially those that feel like second nature. Takeaways. Subscriptions. Impulse buys. These small charges, when unchecked, are the real culprits behind mid-month money stress.

“Capping this spend, whether as a set amount or a percentage of income, can free up money for savings,” Jooste advises. She also encourages tracking emotional spending triggers, such as ordering takeout after a bad day, to help break the cycle.

Where to start?

• Track your orders: Use banking apps to monitor fast food purchases across all accounts

• Set a weekly or monthly cap: Limit your convenience spend to a percentage of your disposable income

• Meal prep with leftovers: Even packing lunch two days a week saves hundreds

• Audit your subscriptions: Streaming and gym fees can quietly drain your account if not being used

• Redirect savings: Open a tax-free savings account or emergency fund with the money you free up

The takeaway about takeaways

Spending on convenience isn’t wrong. But spending without thought? That’s what hurts. As delivery culture grows and apps become more seamless, the best financial advice may not be to stop but to start paying closer attention.

Because sometimes, the real luxury isn’t convenience. It’s peace of mind.

Also read: Ghana Msibi Steps Up as FNB Business CEO: A Bold New Chapter for SA’s Banking Sector

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Source: Business Tech

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