Nothing is as smooth as Absa's contactless card payments

A tap is all it takes. Pay by simply tapping your card on the contactless card receiver. No touching, no swiping. It’s quick, convenient and a whole lot safer than paying with cash.   

No need to carry cash

Reduce the risk that comes with carrying cash. Just tap and you’re good to go.

Very easy

Simply tap to pay and keep moving, no need to fumble with change, PINs or swiping.

 

 

What you need to know 

  • How do I get my contactless card?

    Request your card at the branch, on our Banking App or by phoning the number on the back of your card.

    If your card is branded Mastercard or doesn’t have the contactless (payWave) symbol, you can replace your existing card by ordering a new one on our Banking App.

    Please note that there’s a card replacement fee if it’s not your first Absa Visa Card.

  • How do I use my contactless card?

    When you receive your new/replacement Visa-branded Youth, Student, Islamic, Gold, Premium, Private Banking or Wealth card with the contactless symbol, you need to insert it into an ATM or POS device for the first transaction. Thereafter, the contactless functionality will be enabled and you can tap it on the contactless receiver to pay for transactions up to the approved threshold without entering your PIN. The transaction will be processed from your primary account.

  • What is the cost for using my contactless card?

    • You do not pay a fee when you swipe or tap your card for purchases.
    • Make sure that you check your balance on the Banking App, Absa Online Banking or by activating NotifyMe as there is a fee* for declined transactions due to insufficient funds.
       

         Refer latest pricing guides

 Frequently asked questions

  • Where can I get my new contactless card?

    You can easily order a new contactless card from a branch, from the Banking App or you can call the Card Call Centre on 0861 462 273. If you’re a Private Banking or Wealth client, you can ask your banker for one. Please note that a card replacement fee is charged.

  • How do I know if my card is the new contactless card?

    The new version of the contactless card has the payWave symbol on the front of the card.

  • Where can I use my contactless card?

    You can use your contactless card at various places like:

    • Petrol station convenience stores
    • Supermarkets
    • Restaurants
    • Cinemas
    • Gautrain
    • Bus or taxi operators

  • How does my contactless card work?

    When you receive your new/replacement card, you need to insert it into an ATM or POS device for the first transaction. Thereafter, the contactless functionality will be enabled and you can tap it on the contactless receiver to pay for transactions up to the approved threshold without entering your PIN.

    For larger purchases and depending on individual merchant limits, you may be asked to provide your PIN for certain transactions for security reasons or occasionally be requested to insert your card in the point-of-sale terminal. Inserting your card in a point-of-sale device also allows Absa/Visa to update the software on the chip.

    You can also load your contactless card in a mobile wallet like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay and use your phone to tap.

    For your security and peace of mind, we strongly recommend signing up for our NotifyMe service to keep track of all transactions conducted on your account. Set your point-of-sale limits using our Banking App.

     

     

  • Why has the contactless feature been added to our cards?

    We’re always working to simplify your banking experience. Adding the contactless functionality to our cards, means added convenience for you. When you come across a retailer that accepts contactless payments, you can pay for goods or services much faster.  
     

    Convenience

    • Simply tap your card or phone on the POS device to pay.
    • Tapping your card on the device instead of inserting it limits wear and tear on your card.

    Safety

    • You are in control as your card is not handled by other people.
    • You reduce the risk of fraudsters watching you enter your PIN or cloning your card.
    • Your payments are secure as your card’s built-in Visa chip ensures that your personal information is fully encrypted.  

  • Can I use my contactless-enabled card to pay for transport?

    Yes, you can use your card to pay your transport fare if the transport operator allows contactless payments. Look out for the contactless payWave symbol. 

  • Can I use my contactless card to buy from retailers?

    Yes, you can use your card to pay for retail purchases at participating retailers where you see the contactless symbol. 

  • Do I earn Rewards on contactless transactions?

    Absa Rewards members still earn cash back on contactless purchases.

  • Where can I find retailers that accept contactless transactions?

    Look out for the contactless symbol on the payment device at the pay point.

    Contactless payments are a new way to pay. Many retailers have already converted their point-of-sale devices to accept contactless transactions. Over time, you’ll start seeing more and more retailers and transport operators accepting contactless transactions.

  • What happens if I lose my contactless card?

    If you lose your card or your PIN is compromised, call the Absa Stop Card Line immediately on 0800 11 11 55.

  • What is the transaction limit for contactless payments?

    Absa Visa contactless-enabled debit and credit cards can be used to Tap to Pay for all transactions where the contactless/payWave symbol is displayed. For transactions over R500, or merchant-dependent limits, you will be asked to insert your PIN.

  • Can I change my contactless transaction limit?

    No. You cannot change the contactless limit/threshold set up for your Absa card where the transaction requires no PIN to process.

  • How do I know that a contactless transaction has been successful?

    You will know that the transaction was successful:
     

    • If the point-of-sale device beeps or shows an Approved message on the screen.
    • If you have enabled NotifyMe notifications, you will receive an SMS message confirming the transaction.
    • The salesperson gives you a receipt confirming your transaction.

  • How do I de-activate the contactless function on my card?

    You can de-activate your card’s Tap to Pay function at a branch or by calling the Card Call Centre on 0861 462 273.

Contact details

Contact us on 08600 08600

Visit your nearest branch