ABSA USSD Code To Check Balance

Last verified: July 2026

Quick Answer

The official ABSA USSD code to check balance in South Africa is *120*2272# (*120*ABSA#).

To view your current account balance:

1. Dial *120*2272# from the mobile number registered with Absa.
2. Enter your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN.
3. Select Option 1 (Balances) from the main menu.
4. Select your specific account to display your live balance on screen.

What the Service Is and Who Can Use It

Absa Cellphone Banking via USSD is a secure, session-based mobile banking service designed for Absa individual account holders in South Africa.

Who Can Use It

• Registered Absa Customers: Active account holders with cheque, savings, transmission, or credit card accounts.
• Registered SIM Cards: You must dial from the primary mobile phone number registered on your official Absa banking profile.
• Any Mobile Handset: Works on basic feature phones as well as smartphones—no internet connection, mobile data, or app downloads required.

Exclusions

• Unregistered phone numbers or secondary SIM cards not linked to your Absa profile cannot access account information.
• Corporate or business accounts requiring multi-user sign-offs must use Absa Online Banking or the Absa Access app.

How to Check the Balance

Before You Start

• Ensure your SIM card is active and has network reception.
• Dual-SIM device users must select the SIM registered with Absa when placing the call.
• Have your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN ready.
• If you have not registered for USSD banking yet, dial *120*2272#, accept the terms and conditions, enter your South African ID or Passport number, and create a 5-digit PIN.

Verified Step-by-Step Process

1. Dial the Code: Open your phone keypad, dial *120*2272#, and press call.
2. Enter PIN: Enter your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN and select Send.
3. Select Balances: Enter 1 for Balances on the main menu and select Send.
4. Choose Account: Select the menu digit corresponding to the account balance you want to view and press Send.
5. View Balance: Your current account balance will display immediately on your screen.

Confirmation or Expected Result

Once completed, a prompt will show:

• Account name or masked account number (e.g., Flexi Account XXXX1234).
• Ledger Balance: Total funds recorded in the account.
• Available Balance: Funds accessible immediately for spending or withdrawal.

Note: USSD displays real-time account data. Pending transactions, card holds, or interbank transfer clearances may affect the available amount.

Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors

• “Invalid PIN” / Forgotten PIN: To reset a forgotten PIN, dial *120*2272#, enter your last known PIN, select Option 1 (Reset PIN), enter your SA ID or Passport number, and set a new 5-digit PIN.
• “Session Timed Out”: USSD sessions automatically close after 15–20 seconds of inactivity. Redial *120*2272#and respond promptly to the menu prompts.
• “User Unregistered”: Confirm that you are dialing from the exact SIM card linked to your Absa profile. On dual-SIM phones, switch your default calling SIM to the registered Absa number.
• No Signal / Network Error: USSD requires standard cellular signal. Move to an area with better coverage or toggle Airplane Mode on and off to re-establish connection.

When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable

During bank system updates or cellular network outages, USSD requests may return “System Unavailable” errors. If the USSD channel is temporarily offline, use one of the official alternative routes below.

Official Alternatives

If you cannot access the USSD menu, use these verified banking channels:

1. Absa Banking App: Log in to the Absa Banking App on Android or iOS via biometric login or passcode to view all account balances instantly.
2. Absa Online Banking: Visit absa.co.za, select Logon, and enter your credentials to manage accounts and view live balances.
3. Absa ATM: Insert your bank card at any Absa ATM nationwide and select Balance Enquiry.
4. Absa Telephone Banking: Call Absa Customer Care at 08600 08600 (or +27 11 501 5000 internationally) for manual balance assistance.

Safety and Privacy

• Protect Your Credentials: Absa will never ask for your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN, card ATM PIN, card CVV, or Online Banking password over the phone or via email.
• Beware of Scams: Manually key in *120*2272#. Never click dial links or phone numbers received in unsolicited SMSes or emails.
• Lost Phone / Account Blocking: If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, immediately call Absa Fraud / Card Stop at 0800 11 11 55 to block your cellphone banking profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current ABSA USSD Code To Check Balance?

The verified code is *120*2272# (*120*ABSA#). Dial the code, enter your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN, and choose Option 1.

Which balance does the code show?

It displays the ledger balance and actual available balance for linked accounts (cheque, savings, or credit card).

Must the user dial from a registered number?

Yes. Absa verifies your incoming mobile number against the primary phone number on your bank profile.

Is the displayed amount real-time or delayed?

Balances shown via *120*2272# reflect real-time account data from Absa’s core banking system.

What should I do if the ABSA USSD route does not work?

If USSD fails, check your balance via the Absa Banking App, Absa Online Banking, any Absa ATM, or by calling customer support on 08600 08600.