Card Carrier

Here are some of the benefits

Absa Advantage

Complete simple challenges on the Absa Banking App and get rewarded instantly.

Absa Rewards

Get cash back when you pay with your card locally and internationally.

Build a credit Record

Great way to establish a credit history while you enhance your future.

Access to Study Loan

Finance your tuition fees, textbooks and more with a student loan.

You can bank on us when it comes to your card and safety

We have handy tips and information about your student debit or credit card. Let’s get started.

What you should do when you receive your card
To activate your card, do a transaction at a point-of-sale or withdraw cash from any ATM, using your PIN.

If a PIN is included when your card is delivered, peel back the sticker to reveal your unique PIN. To change this PIN, phone 08600 08600 and follow the voice prompts.

If a PIN is not included when your card is delivered, retrieve your unique PIN and set your card limit on the Absa Banking App (go to Profile, Card management and Retrieve PIN). Alternatively, you call the number on the back of your card. For a reissued card, use your previous card’s PIN.

To change your transaction limits, log onto Absa Online Banking or use your Absa Banking App.

For added security, activate our NotifyMe service, which lets you track your spend via SMS for every transaction that takes place on your card. You can do this online or by visiting your nearest Absa branch. Value Bundle customers who use the Absa App and have enabled notifications in app, will receive their transaction notifications via App
Card safety tips
Memorise your PIN and store your card safely

Never keep your PIN and card in the same place

Never share your PIN with anyone

Never write down your PIN or disclose it to anyone

Don’t choose the same PIN for your debit and credit card

Be vigilant when you use your card at till-points

Make sure you get your card back after every purchase

Never trust strangers or ask them for help at an ATM

Treat your contactless card as cash – always keep it secure

Temporarily lock, stop or replace your card anytime using your Absa Banking App

If your card is retained by an ATM, contact us immediately and block your card before you leave the ATM

Always cover the pin-pad or terminal each time that you type in your PIN at an ATM

Never share one-time PIN or Password (OTP) with anyone

We will never ask you for an OTP. If you receive a call asking for an OTP, immediately hang-up and contact our Absa Fraud Hotline on 0860 557 557, or report the incident via our Absa Mobile Banking App by selecting ‘Menu’ and then ‘Report Fraud’.

Keep track of your account balances and transactions via the Absa Banking App or Absa Online Banking so that you are able to identify any suspicious activity on your account.

To report a lost or stolen card contact the 24/7 Absa Stop Card Centre on 0800 11 11 55.

You can also stop and replace your card on the Absa Banking App.
Features of your Debit Card
Increased fraud protection with our new range of chip cards

Convenient NotifyMe service which lets you track your spend via SMS for every transaction that takes place on your card

Cash withdrawals at over 800 Absa ATMs, and at point-of-sale outlets nationwide

International acceptance for swiping and cash withdrawals

Visa benefits

Lost card protection for peace of mind (subject to notifying the bank)

Card personalisation capabilities (you can request for your card to have your name printed on it and delivered to you)

Peace of mind when shopping online with 3D secure technology

Increase and decrease your daily spend limit quickly and easily on our Banking App, on Absa Online or by calling us on 08600 08600
Features of your Credit Card
International accepted – a great companion when travelling

As soon as your card is issued, whether it is your new card, renewal (reissue) card or an upgrade, track the status of your card using the Track Delivery feature in the Absa mobile App.

Absa Credit Coach in App – helps you monitor and improve your credit profile. Credit Coach is located under “Offers” tab.

Build your credit history to help you secure future loans

Up to 57 days’ interest-free on meeting qualifying criteria

Pay no transaction fees on card swipes

Safe and secure online shopping with Verified by Visa when you shop at participating 3D-Secure online merchants

Lost card protection for peace of mind, however you’ll need to notify the bank

Automatic basic travel insurance is included when you purchase your international return tickets with your card*

Visa benefits

Full ATM functions, including cash withdrawals from any ATM worldwide

PIN and limit management and viewing of card details. You can view your PIN or card details on the Banking App or call 0861 462 273 and follow the voice prompts to retrieve your PIN.

*Underwritten by Bryte Insurance Company Limited.

Terms and conditions apply to all Absa Debit Card & Credit Card benefits and value-added services
Credit card financial tips
Up to 57 days’ interest-free credit on qualifying purchases applies if the full outstanding balance is paid on or before the due date as stated on the monthly statement. This excludes cash withdrawals, casino transactions, internet banking transfers and fuel and budget plan purchases where interest is charged from the transaction date.

Set up a mandatory debit order to ensure you never miss a payment (on condition that the debit order is successfully collected).

The debit order may be authenticated via DebiCheck and the minimum amount due/full statement balance amount due will be collected (whichever option you select).

NotifyMe: For added security, activate SMS notifications to get alerts of any activity in your account

Budget facility: Your credit card gives you access to a budget facility to buy bigger items of over R300 in affordable equal monthly instalments over 3 (three) to 60 (sixty) months. An item on budget can also be moved back to your normal/straight facility. Contact the number on your card for assistance.

Minimum repayment; In order to ensure no customers will amortise negatively*, the minimum repayment for all customers is a maximum of either:

3% of balance calculation + initiation fee (where applicable) + budget instalments + arrears amounts + over limit amounts.

R25 (In the event where the account’s minimum payment is less than R25, but the outstanding balance is more than R25).

In the event where the minimum payment is less than R25, but the outstanding balance on the account is also less than R25, then the outstanding balance becomes the minimum payment.

*Negative amortisation occurs when the principal amount on a loan increases gradually because the loan repayments do not cover the total amount of interest costs for the period.

Your Absa debit card is contactless-enabled and can be used to tap to pay for all transactions where the contactless/payWave symbol is displayed.

You will be asked to enter your PIN for all transactions.

Contactless transactions on your debit card are debited against your transactional account and transactions on your credit card are debited to your credit card account. These transactions will appear on your statement with all your other transactions.

Please safeguard your contactless-enabled card to avoid fraudulent use. We will never ask you to share your PIN to maintain your card or transaction limits via telephone, SMS or email.

If your contactless card is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement. A replacement fee may be charged. Call Absa immediately on 0800 11 11 55 if your card is lost or stolen or your PIN is compromised.

Opt for our value-added NotifyMe service to get SMS and/or email alerts when you transact.

Read more about your card’s contactless functionality.

Apart from contactless payments with your card, we offer access to a host of other innovative digital payment solutions such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay and Garmin Pay.

Travel Insurance	Bryte: Get emergency medical cover and up to 90 days automatic basic travel insurance for international trips up to R1 million when you buy your return travel ticket(s) with your Absa Credit Card.
	Click here for a detailed breakdown of the benefits and conditions of Bryte Travel Insurance or to find out about top-up cover.

*Underwritten by Bryte Insurance Company Limited

Bidvest Premier Lounges	Absa Student credit card customers get 3 complimentary visits* to any of the Bidvest domestic and international departure lounges across South Africa
	Click here for a detailed breakdown of the Bidvest benefits and conditions
	Read more about Bidvest lounges, operating hours and services available

Access premium experiences and everyday benefits with your Visa card.

Visa Local Offers

Redeem exclusive deals from local merchant partners to help you make the most of every occasion. Local Offers are available to all Visa cardholders.

Exclusive Deals

Visa have negotiated discounts across the world for you to enjoy, so you can be rewarded for using your Visa card no matter where you are. Explore the Visa website to see which rewards your card unlocks.

Global Customer Assistance Service (GCAS)

No matter where you are, Visa’s Global Customer Assistance Service (GCAS) is ready to respond as your fast and reliable 24/7 support network.

If your card has been lost or stolen abroad, for example, GCAS will assist you immediately.

Services from GCAS include:

Quickly reporting and blocking a lost, stolen, damaged or compromised card
Expediting emergency cash disbursement so you are assisted within 2 hours
Expediting emergency card replacements so you are assisted within one business day
Cardholder inquiry service. You can call anytime, no matter where you are, to get quick answers or additional information
You’ll receive a direct transfer to your financial institution for any account-related questions that can’t be answered

South Africa: 0800 900 475 / Worldwide +1 303 967 1090

You may also visit Visa.co.za and use the drop-down menu to locate a more exact GCAS number based on your location.

Cardholders may register a profile on the Visa Cards Benefits and Offers platform to learn about redeemable offers. Visit the Visa cards website and 'Create an Account' or just navigate the benefits on the page. The site is mobile optimized.

Please note: The Visa cards website does not store any Visa card details after your card tier is determined.

Manage your money while you’re on the move. Use your Absa Banking App to:

View your card details digitally (including expiry date and CVV).
Stop and replace your debit and/or credit card.
View your account balances.
View your 90-day transaction history.
Retrieve your card PIN.
Lock your card (if lost or misplaced).
Lock/Unlock specific transaction types that you don’t need (such as international purchases).
Do transfers and make electronic payments.
Change daily card limits.
Set travel notifications to enable your card to function across borders.
Buy prepaid airtime, data, electricity and buy Lotto tickets.
Absa Credit Coach in App – helps you monitor and improve your credit profile. Credit Coach is located under “Offers” tab.

Download our Absa Banking App and enjoy fast, convenient banking on your phone or tablet.

The Absa Banking App helps you manage your money while on the move. Use the App to

View your card details digitally (including expiry date and CVV)
Stop and replace your debit and/or credit card
View your account balances
View your 90-day transaction history
Retrieve your card PIN
Lock your card (if lost or misplaced)
Lock/Unlock specific transaction types that you don’t need (such as international purchases)
Do transfers and make electronic payments
Change daily card limits
Set travel notifications to enable your card to function across borders

Do all your banking online 24/7, register now.

Get help with our online banking services.
We offer many innovative ways to pay like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Garmin Pay and more. Find out more now.
Keep your security up to date. Protect yourself from the latest scams, find out more on our security page.