What is a virtual card and how does it work?

A virtual card is an electronic card created on your Banking App. It has its own unique 16-digit number, expiry date, and dynamic CVV, separate from your physical card. It is linked to your credit card or transactional account. You can use it for secure online or in-app purchases without using your physical card details. It is generated instantly on the Absa Banking App and is safer for online purchases, subscriptions, and one-time transactions.

How is a virtual card different from a digital card?

A virtual card has unique card details including its own number, expiry date, and dynamic CVV, providing extra security. A digital card mirrors your physical card and uses the same number, CVV, and expiry date.

Why should I use a virtual card instead of a physical card?

A virtual card is free to activate and use, and you can replace it instantly on your Banking App. It allows you to avoid using your physical card’s details for online purchases and offers added safety since it cannot be lost, stolen, or duplicated. You can set different limits for your virtual and physical cards, manage the virtual card on your Banking App, and if your physical card is lost or stolen, the virtual card remains active.

How do I get a virtual card and what do I need?

To get a virtual card, go to your Absa Banking App and tap 'Cards'. Tap 'Create a new virtual card', choose the card type (credit or debit), and follow the prompts.

Can I use my virtual card immediately after I have created it?

Yes, you can use your virtual card immediately after creating it with no extra activation steps required.

What security features does the virtual card have?

The virtual card includes a dynamic CVV that changes every few minutes for added protection. You can view the PIN in the Banking App under Virtual card details. For subscriptions, the CVV is only needed for the first payment, with recurring charges using the card number and expiry date.

What are the costs and limitations of a virtual card?

The virtual card is free. It cannot be used for airport lounge access since a physical card is required. It expires every 4–5 years and subscriptions will fail after expiry, requiring you to update your details. You can retrieve the PIN using your Banking App under View card details.

What happens if I block my virtual card or if my physical card is lost or stolen?

Blocking your virtual card does not affect your account or physical card. If your physical card is lost or stolen, your virtual card remains active unless you choose to block it.

Why do I need a virtual card if I already have a digital card?

A virtual card provides extra security with a dynamic CVV that is valid for 10–15 minutes. It allows greater spending control, privacy by not revealing your real card details, and budgeting by creating multiple cards for different expenses. It is instant and requires no waiting for a physical card.

What happens when my virtual card expires or needs renewal?

When your virtual card expires, subscriptions will fail and you will need to update merchants with your new card details. You can create a new virtual card on your Absa Banking App.

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Pay your bills the easy way, right from your App!

Enjoy fast, secure and hassle-free payments with Pay@ and EasyPay.

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Easily manage and pay your bills from your App

With Bill Payments, you can settle your bills in seconds: quick, simple and secure. Bill Payments is powered by Pay@ and EasyPay and you can pay your municipal bills and more directly from your App.

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Manage all your bills in one secure place.

Pay anytime, anywhere

Take care of your bills whenever it suits you.

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Enjoy real-time processing with Pay@ and EasyPay.

What you need to know

How to use Bill Payments
How to pay your bills with Pay@ or EasyPay:

Log into your Banking App.

Tap Pay on your home screen, then tap Pay a bill.

Select Pay@ or EasyPay to pay your bill.

Enter your reference number or scan the QR code on your bill.

Confirm the amount you would like to pay.

Select the account you want to pay from.

Choose how you would like to receive the payment notification.

Rename your bill (optional).

Review your payment information, then tap Pay.

Accept the verification request and tap Done.
How to get your reference number
Where to find your reference number

 You’ll find it on your invoice, insurance card, SMS, WhatsApp message or at payat.io from your biller. You can also pay by scanning the QR code on your invoice statement.

EasyPay reference numbers start with 11.

Pay@ reference numbers start with 9.
Who can use Bill Payments
Bill Payments is available if you are:

An existing Retail customer.

A Private Banking or Wealth client.

Important: Your invoice, insurance card, SMS, or WhatsApp message must show the Pay@ or EasyPay logo together with your reference number.

 Bill Payments isn’t available if you:

Are a Business Banking Corporate customer.

Do not have a transactional account.

Pay bills the easy way: quickly, securely, and straight from your App!

The Absa Banking App is rated 4.8 out of 5 on both the App Store and Google Play, making it one of South Africa’s top-rated banking apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my notice of payment for Bill Payments?
Log in to your Absa Banking App.

Tap on the Pay icon on the home page.

Tap Pay a bill on the Pay menu.

Tap History.

On the History page, select the account.

Your Bill Payments history is displayed.

Select the transaction from the list, then your payment details will be displayed.

Scroll down and tap Download notice of payment.
Is Bill payments replacing Absa listed beneficiaries?

No, Bill Payments is a feature that helps you manage multiple bills securely in one place. Your listed beneficiaries will still be available for all your other payments.
Can I pay for someone else’s bill from my Banking App?

Yes, as long as you have the correct reference number, you can settle someone else’s bill with ease.
Can I reverse or cancel a Bill Payments transaction on my Banking App?

No, once your payment goes through, it can’t be reversed. Make sure all your details are correct before you confirm the transaction.
Can I pay a bill again using my Bill Payments transaction history?
Yes, if you have previously paid your service provider with Bill Payments:

Log in to your Absa Banking App.

Tap the Pay icon on the home page.

Tap Pay a bill.

Tap History.

From the History page, select the account.

Your Bill Payments history is displayed.

Select the transaction from the list, then your payment details will be displayed.

Scroll down, then tap on Pay this biller again.

Verify or change the reference number for the bill.

Follow the steps to pay your bill.
Do I need to save my service provider as a beneficiary?

No, you don’t have to save your service provider as a beneficiary to use Bill Payments. If your bill has a Pay@ or EasyPay logo, a reference number, and/or a QR code, that’s all you need to make the payment in your App.
Can I make a partial payment or a payment in advance?

It depends on your service provider. When you start the payment process, you’ll see if partial payments or advance payments are allowed. Your App will show the minimum and maximum amounts if the provider supports it.
How much does it cost to use Bill Payments?

For details on transaction fees, visit our Pricing Guide

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