ABSA USSD Code For Cellphone Banking

Last Verified: July 2026

Quick Answer

The official ABSA USSD code for cellphone banking in South Africa is *120*2272#.

Dialing *120*2272# from the mobile number linked to your ABSA bank account opens the secure cellphone banking menu. This service works on any mobile handset, including basic feature phones, without requiring internet connectivity or mobile data. First-time users can register directly on-screen through the prompt, while returning users dial the code and enter their 5-digit cellphone banking PIN to transact.

What the Service Is and Who Can Use It

ABSA Cellphone Banking is a low-data, text-based banking service accessible via network USSD protocol. It allows customers to manage accounts, check balances, buy prepaid services, send cash, and make payments without a smartphone or active data plan.

Who Can Use This Service

• Eligible Account Holders: Active ABSA transactional account holders (such as Flexi, Savings, Cheque, or Student accounts).
• Registered Mobile Number: You must dial from the mobile number registered to your ABSA profile (the SIM associated with your profile and NotifyMe SMS alerts).
• Network Availability: Supported across all major South African mobile network operators (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom).

Exclusions

• Non-ABSA account holders (unless receiving cash via CashSend).
• Transactions initiated from an unlinked SIM card or unregistered mobile number.

How to Use Cellphone Banking

Before You Start

1. Ensure your active SIM card is inserted in your phone and linked to your ABSA account.
2. Have your South African ID number or registered Passport number ready.
3. On dual-SIM devices, choose the primary SIM linked to your ABSA profile before dialing.

Verified Step-by-Step Process

First-Time Registration

1. Dial *120*2272# on your handset.
2. Select 1 to accept the Terms and Conditions and tap Send.
3. Enter your South African ID Number or Passport Number and tap Send.
4. Create a unique 5-digit numeric PIN and tap Send.
5. Re-enter your PIN if prompted to complete registration.

Logging In (Returning Users)

1. Dial *120*2272#.
2. Enter your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN and tap Send.
3. Choose your desired task from the main menu:
   • 1: Balances & Mini-statements
   • 2: Prepaid (Airtime, Data, Electricity)
   • 3: Payments (Existing or Listed Beneficiaries)
   • 4: PayShap / Transfers
   • 5: CashSend / Send Cash
   • 9: Other Services (Absa Rewards, DebiCheck, Settings)

Confirmation or Expected Result

• Successful Access: Once your 5-digit PIN is validated, the main text menu appears immediately.
• Transaction Confirmations: Completed transactions display an on-screen reference status and send a follow-up SMS receipt to your registered phone number.
• Balance Requests: Account balances display directly on screen upon selecting the account.

Recovery Route: If you receive a payment confirmation or fee deduction but the service fails or an on-screen error occurs, do not retry immediately to avoid double debits. Check your balance via *120*2272# or contact ABSA Telephone Banking on 08600 08600 with your reference details.

Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors

• “Connection Problem or Invalid MMI Code”:
  • Network signal issue or temporary USSD timeout. Wait 30 seconds and redial *120*2272#.
• “Number Not Registered”:
  • You are dialing from a SIM not linked to your ABSA profile. Ensure you dial from your NotifyMe-registered number.
• “Session Timed Out”:
  • USSD sessions expire after ~20 seconds of inactivity. Redial the code and enter inputs faster.
• Forgot 5-Digit PIN:
  • Dial *120*2272#, enter your last known PIN, select 1 to Reset PIN, then enter your SA ID/Passport number to choose a new 5-digit PIN.

When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable

If network congestion blocks *120*2272#, try the secondary express code *120*227# or access ABSA digital channels via internet banking or the mobile app.

Official Alternatives

When USSD is unavailable or you need to perform high-value tasks, use these official ABSA channels:

• ABSA Banking App: Best for smartphones; offers full account management, higher limits, and biometrics.
• Absa Online Banking: Log in at absa.co.za for complete self-service and statement downloads.
• Telephone Banking: Call 08600 08600 for self-service or agent-assisted phone banking.
• ABSA ATMs & Branches: Visit any ABSA ATM for cash services or a branch for mobile number updates.

Safety and Privacy

Important Security Reminder: ABSA will never ask you for your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN, ATM card PIN, card CVV, or Online Password via SMS, phone call, or email.

• Never share your 5-digit USSD PIN with anyone, including bank representatives.
• If your phone or SIM card is lost or stolen, immediately block access by calling ABSA Fraud / Customer Care on 0800 11 11 55 or 08600 08600.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current ABSA USSD Code For Cellphone Banking?

The official ABSA USSD code is *120*2272#. It opens the full cellphone banking menu for registered customers.

How is cellphone banking registered?

Dial *120*2272# from the mobile SIM linked to your ABSA account, accept the terms, enter your SA ID or Passport number, and set up a 5-digit PIN.

Must the registered SIM be used?

Yes. For security reasons, USSD banking authenticates transactions based on the cell number registered to your official ABSA banking profile.

Which transactions are available via USSD?

You can view balances, check mini-statements, buy prepaid airtime/data/electricity, make beneficiary payments, send CashSend, manage DebiCheck, and access PayShap.

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

Verify your mobile network signal and ensure you are using the correct SIM. If issues persist, use the ABSA Banking App, Absa Online Banking, or call 08600 08600.