COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown has affected all areas of our daily lives. The way we work, the way we bank and how we interact with each other.

We want you to know we are in this together. That’s why we are sharing advice, tips and news updates with you on ways to bank as well as ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.    

Absa Banking services during the lockdown

 

 Digital services

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Open branches

Branches will open on:
Weekdays from 9am -3pm
Saturdays from 9am - 12pm
Closed on Sundays.

Banking during lockdown

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Struggling with payments? Let us help you

 

Payment Relief Plan

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Credit Life  

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SAFT

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Payment Relief Plan

If you are not able to keep up with your repayments due to COVID-19,
we can assist you with our Absa Payment Relief Plan.

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FAQs about my banking and the coronavirus disease

  • Is it safe to visit Absa branches?

    Yes, it is safe for customers and employees to use and visit Absa branches. We’ve implemented a range of safety measures across, including having our buildings and branches regularly cleaned and sanitised, and making hand sanitisers available. Our employees also understand hygiene procedures as outlined by health authorities.

  • Is it safe to use fingerprint readers and other devices in branches?

    We’ve provided our employees with hand sanitisers and alcohol swabs to wipe biometric readers after every transaction or customer interaction. 

  • If an Absa branch is temporarily closed, how can I take care of my banking needs?

    If a branch is closed, go to your nearest open branch or access your accounts online or by downloading and using the Absa Banking App, or via online or telephone banking. You can do a variety of transactions on our digital channels. 

  • How does Absa keep surfaces in busy areas clean?

    Following the World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols and requirements, we’ve introduced thorough cleaning and hygiene measures. These include sanitising surfaces, reception areas and door handles at all our facilities at regular intervals. 

  • Where can I report branches which seem not to have sanitisers?

    We are doing everything we can to ensure that all our branches have sanitisers for use by employees and customers. Where these have run out or have not yet reached the branch, we encourage customers to alert our employees in these facilities.

  • Will coronavirus affect any services that Absa provide to my business or me?

    We are currently not experiencing disruptions to our customer or banking services as a result of the coronavirus and do not anticipate this situation to change. We will keep you updated should any new developments occur. 

  • What protocols are in place for those who have high/medium risk health concerns?

    Our contingency plans place the highest premium on the safety of our customer and employees, as we aim to ensure minimal impact on your banking services. While the extent of COVID-19 is still unknown, our plans have the necessary flexibility to evolve as the situation requires. 

  • Is it safe to handle cash?

    We are working closely with the South African Reserve Bank, third-party service providers and the industry to ensure we manage the country’s cash supply in the best possible manner. All our service delivery platforms, ATM machines and other cash processing areas are sanitised at regular intervals. However, it is only good hygiene practice to wash your hands after handling money, especially before eating or handling food.

  • Is it safe to use point-of-sale (POS) machines?

    Given the widespread use of POS machines in the market, it is vital that customers make every effort to handle these devices with care and responsibility. Many retailers have put in contingency measures such as sanitising POS devices. However, as with any surface that multiple people touch, we strongly advise our customers to sanitise these surfaces as far as possible and wash their hands after using these. 

  • Is it safe to use your ATMs?

    All our in-branch ATMs are thoroughly cleaned at regular intervals. As with any surface that multiple people touch, we strongly advise customers to sanitise these surfaces and wash or sanitise their hands after use.

  • Is there a risk of increased fraud?

    The widespread publicity around COVID-19 creates the perfect opportunity for cybercriminals to devise phishing and other scams, for instance emails with harmful attachments. 

    Please remain vigilant and keep the following important pointers in mind:

    • Be wary of any email that communicates great urgency. This ploy is often used to cause people to panic into making mistakes.
    • Never respond to any email that entices you to bypass Absa’s security protocols.
    • If you are sent an offer that seems too good to be true – it probably is!
    • Never share any personal information with unverified third parties.
    • Treat as suspicious any email or telephone call from someone purporting to be a government or health official.

    Report any suspicious communication to our fraud hotline 0860 557 557.

  • Can I request any payment relief from the bank due to COVID-19?

    We continue to evaluate the impact of COVID-19, including its economic impact, on an ongoing basis. We are looking at various possible scenarios and related actions that may become necessary should customers find themselves in financial difficulty. We would like to heighten our call to our customers to approach us directly in the event of any form of uncertainty, including financial distress, during these unprecedented times.

  • Do you anticipate a spike in long-term insurance claims as a result of coronavirus?

    While it is too soon to speculate about the impact of COVID-19 on insurance claims, Absa Insurance Company is monitoring the situation closely and considering various scenarios and related actions that may become necessary, should the impact of COVID-19 increase. We are confident that we’ll be able to deal with any upsurge in claims. You are encouraged to speak to us or your broker should you have any concerns.

  • If I need emergency cash, will I have immediate access to my money in fixed-term accounts without paying banking charges?

    We continue to evaluate the impact of COVID-19, including its economic impact, on an ongoing basis. We are looking at various possible scenarios and related actions that may become necessary should customers find themselves in financial difficulty. We would like to repeat our call to you to approach us proactively in the event of any form of uncertainty, including financial distress, during these unprecedented times.

  • If I paid for travel bookings with my credit card, is there card protection if I need to change my plans?

    All customers who have made a POS payment on their credit card for travel booking qualify for basic travel insurance. The level of cover depends on the card used for the booking, whether you bought any additional cover and when it was purchased. (Terms and conditions apply.)

    It is very important that you don’t make any cancellations before you’ve consulted with the relevant insurer. Contact details are as follows:

    • Visa Signature and Visa Infinite Credit Card bookings: 011 541 1068
    • All other Absa Credit Cards: 011 370 9205; or absatravelclaims@brytesa.com

COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown has affected all areas of our daily lives. The way we work, the way we bank and how we interact with each other.

We want you to know we are in this together. That’s why we are sharing advice, tips and news updates with you on ways to bank as well as ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.   

Group CE writes to our customers

On Monday, 23 March 2020, the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, declared a national lockdown to slow down the spread of COVID-19.

Decisive action is essential to protect human health and life, and socio-economic sustainability. Absa therefore supports the measures announced by the President.

Read more

Absa's partnership with SAFT shows commitment to SMMEs

In a sign of unwavering support for Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs), communities and the economy at large, Absa has partnered with the South African Future Trust (SAFT) to administer the disbursement of funds to SMME employees whose income will be impacted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Absa launches extensive COVID-19 payment relief plan

As South Africa and the world confront the public health, financial and economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, Absa Group is rolling out an extensive relief plan for eligible customers impacted by COVID-19.

Eligible customers in need of short-term liquidity relief will qualify for the relief plan that applies to Absa's credit products.

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South Africa's economy heading for even tougher times

As the COVID-19 pandemic escalates both globally and domestically, concerns are mounting at an exponential pace about the ultimate impact on the South African economy.

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South Africa's downgrading by rating agencies

South Africa's sovereign credit rating was downgraded by Moody's Investor Services on Friday evening. Thus for the first time since South Africa's return to global markets in 1994 the country is no longer rated investment grade by any of the large global credit rating agencies.

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Absa collaborates with Return2Work

The importance of South Africa returning to work safely after the COVID-19 lockdown has never been greater. Absa has partnered with Return2Work to assist you with relevant information of what to consider as you get ready to open up for business.

Read more

COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown has affected all areas of our daily lives. The way we work, the way we bank and how we interact with each other.

We want you to know we are in this together. That’s why we are sharing advice, tips and news updates with you on ways to bank as well as ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. 

 

Facts and myths

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Reduce the spread

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Self-isolation tips

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Exposed to a suspected or confirmed case?

What to do

What is the coronavirus disease and its symptoms?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. It was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China in December 2019.

This new strain of coronavirus is spreading rapidly across the world and has been classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

COVID-19 symptoms are very similar to that of the common cold and may include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, as well as a headache or fever in some cases.

The disease could be spread through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If you sneeze or cough, it is always polite to do it into a tissue or your elbow.

Everyone is at risk of infection. Stay informed and follow the necessary health hygiene measures and advice given by authorities and healthcare practitioners.

The Department Of Health has developed a website with news, advice and tips about COVID-19. Go to www.sacoronavirus.co.za for more information