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Absa Student Account debit card
Monthly fee
R0
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Key benefits of your Student Account

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Zero monthly fees

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

Access to Study Loan

Unlimited free transactions

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

Access to Study Loan

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

What you need to apply

Smarter banking features

Lifestyle & travel perks

  • Student Account benefits

    Digital banking convenience

     

    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

Start banking the way you have always wanted to

Download the Absa Banking App today.

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Need more help?

Let one of our consultants help you get the best account for your needs.

Call us on: 0860 100 372

Email us at: absa@absa.co.za

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