Absa cellphone banking: steps to Register, transfer money and check Balance

By / July 16, 2025

Last Updated on July 17, 2025 by admin

Absa Bank Cellphone Banking represents a significant leap in the realm of digital financial services, offering customers unrivaled convenience and accessibility.

As a major banking institution in  South Africa, Absa has consistently aimed to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of its clientele. Cellphone banking is one of the initiatives that underscores Absa’s commitment to creating seamless, user-friendly banking experiences tailored for a fast-paced, digitally-driven world.

At the core of Absa’s cellphone banking service is the ability for users to manage their bank accounts and conduct transactions directly from their mobile devices.

This service caters to individuals who require immediate, on-the-go financial management options without needing to visit a physical branch. Whether you’re checking balances, transferring funds, or paying bills, Absa’s cellphone banking transforms the way customers interact with their finances.

Read: Absa cellphone banking: steps to Register, transfer money and check Balance

Features And Benefits Of Absa Cellphone Banking

Absa Cellphone Banking offers a seamless and convenient banking experience, allowing customers to manage their finances from the palm of their hand.

Here’s a handy breakdown of the features and benefits of Absa Cellphone Banking, especially useful if you want to bank without needing internet access or a smartphone:

  • USSD Access: Dial *120*2272# to access banking services from any mobile phone.
  • 24/7 Availability: Perform transactions anytime, anywhere.
  • Secure PIN Protection: Transactions are protected by a 5-digit PIN.
  • Wide Range of Services:
    • Check account balances and mini-statements
    • Transfer funds (Absa to Absa or other banks)
    • Pay bills (e.g. DStv, utilities)
    • Buy prepaid airtime, data, and electricity
    • Apply for loans and manage debit orders
    • Send money via CashSend (cardless ATM withdrawals)
    • Check your account balances
    • Apply for a loan
    • Make inter-account transfers
    • Pay existing beneficiaries
    • Pay Absa-listed beneficiaries
    • Manage payments
    • Pay your bills
    • Top up your contactless card wallet
    • View and redeem your Absa Rewards
    • Send money using CashSend
    • Buy prepaid electricity
    • Buy prepaid airtime, data and SMS bundles
    • Get account mini-statements
    • DebiCheck your debit orders
    • Play Lotto and Powerball.

 Benefits

  •  Works on basic phones using USSD.
  •  Skip the queues—handle banking from your phone.
  •  Minimal data usage and no need for a banking app.
  •  Ideal for remote areas or users without smartphones.
  •  Encrypted transactions and fraud detection systems

Read:How to register for Hsbc online banking and Mobile app

How To Register For Absa Cellphone Banking

To register for Absa Cellphone Banking, you first need to ensure you have an active Absa bank account and a mobile phone that is operational and capable of sending and receiving SMS messages.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you register for Absa Cellphone Banking using USSD—no smartphone or internet required:

  • Save *120*2272# as “Absa Cellphone Banking” in your contacts.
  • From your mobile phone, dial *120*2272#.
  •  Select 1 to accept the terms and conditions, then tap Send.
  • Type in your South African ID number or passport number, then tap Send.
  • Create a PIN: Choose a secure 5-digit numeric PIN, then tap Send.
  • Done! You’re now registered and can start banking from any mobile phone

 

How to transfer money with ABSA cellphone banking

 Transferring Money with Absa Cellphone Banking is fast, secure, and doesn’t require internet or a smartphone. You just need your registered mobile number and your 5-digit PIN. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Dial *120*2272# from your registered mobile phone.
  2. Enter your 5-digit PIN to access the main menu.
  3. Select “Transfers” or “Payments” depending on your transaction.
  4. Choose:
    • Between My Accounts
    • To Another Absa Account
    • To Other Banks
  5. Enter the recipient’s account number or select from saved beneficiaries.
  6. Type the amount you want to send.
  7. Add a reference (optional).
  8. Confirm the transaction and follow the prompts.
  9. You’ll receive a confirmation SMS once it’s successful

How to buy prepaid online From Absa using cellphone banking

Buying prepaid airtime, data, or electricity from Absa using Cellphone Banking is fast, secure, and doesn’t require internet or a smartphone. You just need your registered mobile number and your 5-digit PIN. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Dial *120*2272#, and enter your 5-digit PIN
  2. Enter your 5-digit PIN to access the menu.
  3. Select “2” for Prepaid.
  4. Choose:
    • “1” for Airtime
    • “2” for Electricity
    • “3” for Data
  5. Select whether you’re buying for:
    • Yourself
    • A new beneficiary (enter their number or meter details)
  6. Enter the amount you want to purchase.
  7. Choose the account to debit.
  8. Confirm the transaction and select how you want to receive the token or confirmation SMS.

How to pay bills from ABSA cellphone banking

 

Here’s how you can pay bills using Absa Cellphone Banking—quick, secure, and no internet required

  • Dial*120*2272# iooooooo  from your registered mobile phone.
  • Enter your 5-digit PIN to access the menu.
  • Select “Payments”.
  • Choose:
    • “Existing Beneficiary” – if you’ve paid this biller before.
    • “New Beneficiary” – to add a new biller (e.g. DStv, municipal services).
  • Enter the biller’s reference number (e.g. account or meter number).
  • Enter the amount you want to pay.
  • Select the account to debit.
  • Confirm the transaction and choose whether to receive proof of payment via SMS.

How to Reset absa bank PIN

 

Resetting your Absa Bank PIN can be done easily through online banking, the mobile app, or even using facial biometrics. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:

Via Absa Online Banking

  1. Go to the Absa Online Banking login page.
  2. Click “Logon” in the top right corner.
  3. Select “Forgot PIN”.
  4. Enter your:
    • Access account number
    • User number (usually 1)
    • CAPTCHA code
  5. Accept the verification request sent to your registered device.
  6. Enter your ATM card number and PIN.
  7. Create and confirm your new 5-digit PIN.
  8.  Done! Your PIN is successfully reset.

Via Absa Mobile App (Using Facial Biometrics)

  1. Open the app and tap “Forgot Passcode?”.
  2. Tap “Scan my face” and allow camera access.
  3. Look directly at your phone to complete the scan.
  4. Enter and confirm your new 5-digit PIN.
  5. Tap Confirm—your PIN is reset.

Via Cellphone Banking (USSD)

  1. Dial *120*2272# from your registered mobile number.
  2. Enter your current PIN.
  3. Select “Change PIN” from the menu.
  4. Enter and confirm your new PIN.
  5. You’ll receive a confirmation SMS once successful.

How to Register for PayShap on Absa Cellphone Banking

Registering for PayShap on Absa Cellphone Banking lets you send and receive money instantly using just your cellphone number—no need to share your full bank account details. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Dial *120*2272# from your registered mobile phone.
  2. Enter your 5-digit PIN to log in.
  3. Select “PayShap” from the main menu.
  4. Choose “Register your ShapID”.
  5. Enter your cellphone number (must match the one on your Absa banking profile).
  6. Provide your Known-as name (nickname or preferred name).
  7. Select the Absa account you want to link to your ShapID.
  8. Accept the terms and conditions.
  9. Confirm if you want Absa as your primary bank for PayShap.
  10. Done! Your ShapID is now registered and ready to receive payments instantly

Why Use PayShap?

  • Instant Payments: Money reflects in seconds.
  • No Account Numbers Needed: Just share your ShapID.
  • Safe & Secure: Verified transactions with your PIN.
  • Works Across Banks: Accepted by Absa, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, and more

Read: How to register for Barclay Online Banking and Mobile App

How to View your abasa account balance

 

 You can view your Absa account balance using any of these convenient methods—whether you’re online, offline, or on the go:

Via Absa Online Banking

  1. Go to the Absa Online Banking login page.
  2. Log in using your access account number, PIN, and user number.
  3. Once logged in, your account summary will display your balance instantly.

Using the Absa Mobile App

  1. Open the app and log in with your credentials.
  2. Your account balances will appear on the home screen.
  3. Tap on any account to view transaction history or mini-statements.

Via Cellphone Banking (USSD)

  1. Dial *120*2272# from your registered mobile phone.
  2. Enter your 5-digit PIN.
  3. Select “1” for Balances from the menu.
  4. Choose the account you want to check.
  5. Your balance will be displayed on your screen

 

How to Redeem your Absa Rewards in cash

 

Redeeming your Absa Rewards in cash is simple and can be done anytime using Absa’s self-service channels. Here’s how to turn your cashback into spendable money:

You can redeem your Absa Rewards for cash through any of the following platforms:

  • Absa Banking App
    • Log in and go to the Rewards section
    • Tap “Redeem” and select Cash
    • Choose the account to credit and confirm
  • Absa Online Banking
    • Log in at Absa Online
    • Navigate to Rewards
    • Select Redeem Cash and follow the prompts
  • USSD Cellphone Banking
    • Dial *120*2272#
    • Enter your PIN and select Rewards
    • Choose Redeem Cash and confirm
  • WhatsApp Banking
    • Add Absa on WhatsApp: 08600 08600
    • Type “Rewards” and follow the menu to redeem

Requirements

  • You must be an active Absa Rewards member
  • Your Absa accounts must be in good standing
  • Membership fee must be paid (R23.20/month or R278.40/year)

Other Redemption OptionsBesides cash, you can also redeem your rewards for:

  • Airtime or data
  • Prepaid electricity
  • Donations to partner charities
  • Movie ticket vouchers (Nu Metro)

How to Log in to Absa Cellphone Banking

Logging in to Absa Cellphone Banking is quick and doesn’t require internet or a smartphone. You just need your registered mobile number and your 5-digit PIN. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Dial *120*2272# from your registered mobile phone.
  2. Enter your 5-digit PIN when prompted.
  3. Tap Send to access the main menu.
  4.  You’ll be taken directly to the Absa Cellphone Banking dashboard, where you can:
    • Check balances
    • Transfer money
    • Buy prepaid airtime or electricity
    • Pay bills
    • Redeem Absa Rewards
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Meet Ogbeide Frank, also known as Perere, a blogger passionate about writing on finance and tech. He studied Business Administration from Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma and Mobile Communication at Orange College in Malaysia. Frank has experience working as a banker and consultant for various agencies in Nigeria.
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