ABSA DebiCheck USSD Code

If USSD is unavailable, network sessions time out, or you require extended mandate details, manage your mandates via the ABSA Banking App or ABSA Online Banking.

What the Service Is and Who Can Use It

DebiCheck is an electronic debit order authentication system created by South African banks to protect consumers from unauthorised debit orders. When a service provider or creditor sets up a new recurring payment instruction or alters an existing mandate, ABSA requires explicit approval before funds can be debited.

Who Can Use USSD DebiCheck:

• Eligible Customers: ABSA personal or business account holders who have registered their active SIM card and mobile number with ABSA for Cellphone Banking.
• Supported Devices: Any basic feature phone or smartphone capable of sending and receiving USSD strings and SMS messages.
• Exclusions: Unregistered SIM cards, non-ABSA account holders, accounts undergoing fraud freezes, or customers who have opted out of Cellphone Banking.

How to Manage a DebiCheck Mandate

Before You Start

• Ensure your SIM card is inserted in the phone registered on your ABSA profile.
• Ensure you have positive airtime balance (free minutes or data bundles do not cover USSD session costs).
• Have the contract or service provider reference details on hand to verify the creditor name, collection date, and debit amount.

Verified Step-by-Step Process

Option A: Interactive USSD Pull Method

1. Dial the Code: Open your phone’s dialler and enter *120*2277# (or *120*2272#). Press Call/Send.
2. Log In: Enter your Cellphone Banking PIN if prompted.
3. Navigate Menu: Select Option 9 (DebiCheck Debit Orders) and press Reply.
4. Select Mandate: A list of pending mandates will appear. Enter the line number corresponding to the mandate you want to review and press Reply.
5. Review Details: Use 1 (Next Page) and 2 (Back) to read through the payment amount, collection frequency, and creditor name.
6. Approve or Reject:
   • Reply with 1 to Approve/Accept.
   • Reply with 2 (or 9, depending on screen display) to Reject/Decline.
7. Complete Session: Confirm your selection and exit the menu.

Option B: USSD Push Notification

1. When a merchant submits a real-time request, ABSA pushes a prompt directly to your phone screen.
2. Read the prompt details (Creditor, Amount, Frequency).
3. Reply 1 to Accept or 2 (or 9) to Reject within the designated timer (typically 120 seconds).

Confirmation or Expected Result

When you complete or action a DebiCheck prompt, expect the following:

• On-Screen Message: A notification stating “DebiCheck debit order authorisation request for [Creditor Name] approved” or “successfully rejected”.
• SMS Confirmation: ABSA sends a confirmation SMS containing a unique Mandate Registration Number to your registered mobile number.
• Record Keeping: Always keep or screenshot your confirmation SMS for future reference.

Note: If an unexpected debit occurs after you rejected a mandate, or if a mandate status remains “Pending” despite approval, contact ABSA Fraud Support or visit a branch with your SMS confirmation reference.

Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors

• “Session Timed Out” / “Connection Error”: USSD sessions automatically drop after 20–30 seconds of inactivity. Re-dial *120*2277# and complete steps promptly.
• “Invalid Code” or “Service Unavailable”: Ensure you dial *120*2277# or *120*2272#. Do not use *120*variants without sufficient airtime.
• Wrong SIM Selected: If you have a dual-SIM phone, ensure you are dialing from the exact mobile number registered with ABSA.
• No Mandate Listed: Check with your service provider whether they have officially submitted the DebiCheck mandate to ABSA.

When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable

If the USSD channel experiences a network outage, menu reconfiguration, or technical error, do not retry repeatedly to avoid session charges. Switch immediately to an official alternative channel detailed below.

Official Alternatives

When USSD is non-responsive, out of airtime, or timing out, use these official ABSA channels:

1. ABSA Banking App (Recommended):
   • Open the app and log in.
   • Navigate to Menu > Debit Orders > DebiCheck.
   • Select pending mandate, review details, and tap Approve or Reject.
2. ABSA Online Banking:
   • Log into your profile at official ABSA portal.
   • Go to Payments > Authorisations > DebiCheck Debit Orders.
   • Review and authorise using SureCheck.
3. ABSA ATM:
   • Insert your bank card and enter your PIN.
   • Select Other Transactions > DebiCheck Debit Orders.
   • Review and select Approve or Reject.
4. ABSA Customer Service:
   • Call ABSA Support at 08600 08600 for assistance with mandates or suspicious requests.

Safety and Privacy

• Never Share Credentials: ABSA, USSD prompts, and bank personnel will never ask for your 5-digit Cellphone Banking PIN, ATM card PIN, CVV, or Online password during mandate approvals.
• Verify Mandate Details: Always scrutinise the creditor name and debit amount before entering 1 to accept.
• Reject Unknown Requests: If you receive a mandate prompt from an unknown service provider or company you did not contract with, select Reject immediately.
• Report Scams: To report fraudulent debit requests or compromised accounts, call ABSA Fraud line at 0800 11 11 55or 08600 08600.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current ABSA DebiCheck USSD Code?