What is the Absa Student Account?

A free student banking account for full-time students aged 18–27, offering zero monthly fees, unlimited swipes, and perks like Absa Rewards and a R50 voucher.

Who qualifies for the Absa Student Account?

Full-time students (undergraduate/postgraduate, one-year qualification or longer) aged 18–27 with a valid South African ID or passport and proof of residence.

What are the benefits of the Absa Student Account?

Enjoy no-fee banking, unlimited card swipes, free ATM transactions up to R2,000, a R50 welcome voucher, R5,000 life cover, and Absa Rewards cash back.

Is there a monthly fee for the Absa Student Account?

No, it’s completely free with no monthly maintenance fees.

How do I apply for the Absa Student Account?

Apply online with your ID/passport, proof of residence, and proof of tertiary registration. It’s quick and easy to start banking.

Can I get a study loan with this account?

Yes, apply for a study loan with competitive rates to cover tuition, textbooks, or accommodation.

How do I maintain the account benefits?

Complete at least five banking transactions monthly, including two prepaid transactions (e.g., airtime or data top-ups).

Absa Student Account | Zero Fees and Benefits for SA Students

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Key benefits of your Student Account

Zero monthly fees

Bank for free throughout your studies. No monthly maintenance fees mean more moolah in your pocket.

Unlimited free transactions

Enjoy unlimited card swipes and free Absa ATM withdrawals/deposits up to R2 000 per deposit.

Absa Rewards & Monthly Benefits

Join FREE Absa Rewards and earn real cash back. Get a R50 voucher to use at selected food and shopping outlets.

What’s included in your Student Account

Student Account benefits
Digital banking convenience

Manage your money 24/7 with the Absa Banking App or Online Banking. Use contactless payments via your debit card or MasterPass digital wallet for quick, secure transactions.

Study Loan support

Finance your tuition, textbooks, or accommodation with a study loan at competitive rates. Use our student budget calculator to plan your finances like a pro.

Open your Student Account now
What you need to apply
Join the Absa Student Account with ease. Here’s what you need to qualify for this free student banking solution:

Full-time student (undergraduate/postgraduate, one-year qualification or longer) at a recognised tertiary institution

Aged 18–27

Valid South African ID or passport for foreign nationals

Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill, varsity registration letter) not older than three months

Proof of registration at a tertiary institution.

Apply online in minutes and kickstart your youth banking journey with Absa.

Start your application today
Smarter banking features
Bank with confidence using features designed for South African students:

Monthly Fee: R0 – completely free banking

Digital Access: Absa Banking App and Online Banking with free in-app/email notifications

Contactless Debit Card: Unlimited swipes, tap-and-pay functionality, and MasterPass digital wallet integration

Free ATM Transactions: Withdraw/deposit up to R2 000 at Absa ATMs with no charges

CashSend Transfers: Send money instantly to anyone with a South African cellphone number

Study Loan: Competitive rates to cover tuition or other study costs.

Read our terms and conditions.
Lifestyle & travel perks
Elevate your varsity experience with these exclusive benefits:

Absa Rewards: Earn cash back on card purchases and enjoy free membership

R50 Voucher: Use it for food or groceries at selected retailers

Prepaid Transactions: Top up airtime, data, or electricity via the Banking App or Absa ATMs with no fees (minimum two prepaid transactions monthly to maintain benefits)

Budget Calculator: Plan your monthly budget with our free online tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Absa Student Account?

A free student banking account for full-time students aged 18–27, offering zero monthly fees, unlimited swipes, and perks like Absa Rewards and a R50 voucher.
Who qualifies for the Absa Student Account?

Full-time students (undergraduate/postgraduate, one-year qualification or longer) aged 18–27 with a valid South African ID or passport and proof of residence.
Is there a monthly fee for the Absa Student Account?

No, it’s completely free with no monthly maintenance fees.
How do I apply for the Absa Student Account?

Apply online with your ID/passport, proof of residence, and proof of tertiary registration. It’s quick and easy to start banking.
Can I get a study loan with this account?

Yes, apply for a study loan with competitive rates to cover tuition, textbooks, or accommodation.
How do I maintain the account benefits?

Get rewarded with monthly food or shopping vouchers for completing challenges aimed at helping you bank smarter.

·       Log on to the Absa Banking app

·       Accept the challenge on the “Rewards” tile

·       On the successful completion of any (all) task(s) in that challenge you can select the voucher of your choice.

·       There will be a new challenge every three weeks. Look out for the notification on your phone, accept, complete it within two weeks and you will receive your instant reward.

For more information please visit Absa Advantage