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

Absa Cellphone Banking is a USSD-based mobile banking service that allows customers to access their accounts and perform transactions without needing internet access or a smartphone app. It’s designed to make banking simple, secure, and accessible for everyone, especially in areas where data connectivity may be limited.

The service is particularly valuable in regions with limited or unreliable internet access. It empowers customers to stay financially connected without needing apps or data bundles, making banking inclusive and efficient. Instead of visiting a branch or logging into an internet banking portal, you dial *120*2272# for Absa in South Africa. and follow the menu prompts for your basic transaction.

What service can I perform with Absa Cellphone banking

Absa Cellphone Banking is a mobile financial service that allows Absa account holders to perform banking transactions using their mobile phone — without needing data or smartphone internet access. It typically works through a USSD code (a menu-based system so you can bank using almost any type of phone — even a basic feature phone.

Account Services

Check your account balance
View a mini statement (recent transactions)
Check balances on linked savings or cheque accounts

Money Transfers & Payments

Transfer money between your own Absa accounts
Send money to another Absa customer
Pay beneficiaries (once they are set up)
Pay bills (such as utilities and service providers)

Buy Prepaid Services

Buy airtime for yourself or someone else
Buy mobile data bundles
Purchase prepaid electricity (where available)

Cash & Cardless Services

Debit & Checking Services

Send money using CashSend (cardless cash withdrawals at Absa ATMs)
Withdraw cash using a CashSend reference number

Loans & Value-Added Services

Apply for personal loans (if eligible)
Check loan balances and repayment details
Access selected Absa rewards or offers

Rewards & Extras

– Access and redeem Absa Rewards
– Play Lotto and Powerball

DebiCheck

Approve or decline debit orders securely.

Banking

How to register for Absa cellphone banking

1. Here’s how you can register for Absa Cellphone Banking and start using it right away by adding the Absa Cellphone Banking number *120*2272# to your contacts list

2. Then select 1 to accept the terms and conditions and tap Send

3. Enter your SA ID number or your passport number and tap Send

4. Enter your 5-digit numeric PIN and tap Send

5. You have successfully registered

Mobile Phones

How to Check Your Absa Account Balance with Cellphone Banking

Checking your Absa bank account balance using cellphone banking is quick and easy — and you don’t need internet or a smartphone. Here’s how to do it step by step

On your phone, dial*120*2272#

Enter your cellphone banking PIN
When prompted, type in your 5-digit PIN and press Send.
Select “Balance Enquiry” or “Check Balance”
From the menu options, choose the number for Balance.
Choose the account
If you have more than one account (e.g., savings, cheque), select the account you want to check.
View your balance
Your account balance will appear on your phone screen within seconds.

How to transfer money with ABSA cellphone banking

Absa Cellphone Banking makes sending money quick, secure, and hassle-free. You don’t need internet access or a smartphone—just your registered mobile number and your 5-digit PIN.

Debit & Checking Services

Dial *120*2272#from your registered cellphone.
Enter your 5-digit PIN to access the main menu.
Select Transfers or Payments depending on your transaction.
Choose one of the following options:
- Between My Accounts
- To Another Absa Account
- To Other Banks
Enter the recipient’s account number or select from your saved beneficiaries.
Type in the amount you want to transfer.
Add a reference (optional, for your records or the recipient).
Confirm the transaction and follow the prompts.
You’ll receive a confirmation SMS once the transfer is successful.

How to Register for PayShap on Absa Cellphone Banking

With PayShap, you can send and receive money instantly using just your cellphone number—no need to share your full bank account details. Here’s how to set it up:

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

How to pay bills from ABSA cellphone banking

Paying bills is quick, secure, and doesn’t require internet access. Just follow these steps:

Dial *120*2272# from your registered mobile phone.
Enter your 5-digit PIN to access the main menu.
Select Payments.
Choose one of the following options:
- 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 (such as your account or meter number).
Enter the amount you wish to pay.
Select the account you want to debit.
Confirm the transaction and decide whether to receive proof of payment via SMS.

How to Redeem Absa Rewards in Cash

Turning your cashback into spendable money is quick and easy through Absa’s self-service channels:

Mobile Phones

Absa Banking App

Log in and open the Rewards section.
Tap Redeem → select Cash.
Choose the account to credit and confirm.

Absa Online Banking

Log in at Absa Online.
Go to Rewards.
Select Redeem Cash and follow the prompts.

USSD Cellphone Banking

Dial *120*2272#.
Enter your PIN → select Rewards.
Choose Redeem Cash and confirm.

WhatsApp Banking

Save Absa’s WhatsApp number: 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 Options

Besides cash, you can also redeem rewards for: