Based on recent customer reviews, Absa is described as an institution where individual staff members often shine but core banking processes repeatedly fail. Customers consistently report unauthorised deductions, blocked accounts and unresolved theft investigations, while a recurring theme is the difficulty of reaching anyone who takes ownership. Staff and Branch Experience (2.8) is the only theme scoring near average, with digital security and dispute resolution drawing the strongest criticism.
Top Strengths:
- •Staff & Branch Experience: Customers frequently name individual consultants who go beyond expectations, praising patience, product knowledge and follow through. Insurance and branch consultants attract the warmest feedback, and the in branch smart ID service is described as fast, although understaffed branches and long queues temper the theme.
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 11h 46m
TrustIndex
3.4
Ranking
#2
in Banking
Reply Time
11h 23m
NPS Score
-51
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 11h 46m
Nov '25 - Oct '26
Frequently Asked Questions About Absa
What do customers say about Absa?
Based on recent customer reviews, Absa is described as an institution where individual staff members often shine but core banking processes repeatedly fail. Customers consistently report unauthorised deductions, blocked accounts and unresolved theft investigations, while a recurring theme is the difficulty of reaching anyone who takes ownership. Staff and Branch Experience (2.8) is the only theme scoring near average, with digital security and dispute resolution drawing the strongest criticism.
What is Absa's biggest strength?
Absa's biggest strength, according to Hellopeter's AI analysis, is Staff & Branch Experience. Customers frequently name individual consultants who go beyond expectations, praising patience, product knowledge and follow through. Insurance and branch consultants attract the warmest feedback, and the in branch smart ID service is described as fast, although understaffed branches and long queues temper the theme.
What are the most common complaints about Absa?
The most common complaint about Absa, based on Hellopeter's AI analysis of recent customer reviews, is Digital Banking & Security. This is the weakest theme. Customers report unauthorised transactions and theft investigations that run for months without investigator contact, claims declined with generic letters, large transfers processed without app verification prompts and repeated lockouts after phone upgrades.
How does Absa compare to other Banking companies?
Absa scores 1.3 out of 5 on Hellopeter's AI analysis of service quality in Banking, compared to the Banking industry average of 1.3. Their strongest theme is Branch Experience (2.8); their weakest is Digital Banking (0.8). The top AI-rated Banking business on Hellopeter is GoTyme Bank | Formerly TymeBank (3.1). How is the AI Score calculated? →
Is Absa trustworthy?
Absa has a TrustIndex of 3.4 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 3,089 reviews in the last 12 months. They reply to 100% of negative reviews, typically within 11 hours 46 min. Hellopeter has tracked Absa across 45,646 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (3,089)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Oct 2024
Terrible service at Absa Limpopo mall
Terrible service at Absa Limpopo mall. Been on the queue for more than 2 hours. Just to transfer money from *** account to *** account. In the 2 hours I stood, more than 6 people ran out of patience and walked out. Only 3 consultants r working
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2024
Terrible service at Absa Limpopo mall
Terrible service at Absa Limpopo mall. Been on the queue for more than 2 hours. Just to transfer money from *** account to *** account. In the 2 hours I stood, more than 6 people ran out of patience and walked out. Only 3 consultants r working
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2016
*********** staff on helpdesk, no customer service...
I settled my *** credit card to the tune of R249 874.54 A week later the account attracted charges to the tune of R264.58, I obviously don't want to pay for nothing so on Monday 12/10/2026 at 09:11 I called ABSA on ***. A very friendly lady helped me, authenticated me on the Absa app on my phone, then tried to assist me to close the account. I however had to settle the R264.58, which I tried to do while we were on the phone. Immediate clear seems to have failed, I was told to call back in 2 days. Fast forward to today, 15/10/2026 called the same number. Two people spoke to me, trying to authenticate me, but the ABSA app was not working. I was promptly told that they can not help me, and I needed to go to a branch. I told them that I am unable to go to a branch, and they should fix their ABSA app, and in the meantime provide me wit a *** or something to say that their app was giving issues, and that I wanted to close my paid off credit card and no further charges will be added on the account. I was bluntly told that they can't help me. Regardless if their app is not working, they can't help me at all and it is now "my" problem basically. Promptly told me to hold on, and then the call was dropped. So please tell me, why must I go to a branch if the ABSA app/systems aren't working? I know why, they want to continue charging me on the account and make money.... Is it *********** staff? Or a Bank that just don't care.... I will share this on every single platform I can, until ABSA fixes THEIR systems and app, to be able to close the account... I will not pay a cent extra for any further charges, maybe this will get their attention, sending them a message on their facebook page got me no help at all.
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2016
*********** staff on helpdesk, no customer service...
I settled my *** credit card to the tune of R249 874.54 A week later the account attracted charges to the tune of R264.58, I obviously don't want to pay for nothing so on Monday 12/10/2026 at 09:11 I called ABSA on ***. A very friendly lady helped me, authenticated me on the Absa app on my phone, then tried to assist me to close the account. I however had to settle the R264.58, which I tried to do while we were on the phone. Immediate clear seems to have failed, I was told to call back in 2 days. Fast forward to today, 15/10/2026 called the same number. Two people spoke to me, trying to authenticate me, but the ABSA app was not working. I was promptly told that they can not help me, and I needed to go to a branch. I told them that I am unable to go to a branch, and they should fix their ABSA app, and in the meantime provide me wit a *** or something to say that their app was giving issues, and that I wanted to close my paid off credit card and no further charges will be added on the account. I was bluntly told that they can't help me. Regardless if their app is not working, they can't help me at all and it is now "my" problem basically. Promptly told me to hold on, and then the call was dropped. So please tell me, why must I go to a branch if the ABSA app/systems aren't working? I know why, they want to continue charging me on the account and make money.... Is it *********** staff? Or a Bank that just don't care.... I will share this on every single platform I can, until ABSA fixes THEIR systems and app, to be able to close the account... I will not pay a cent extra for any further charges, maybe this will get their attention, sending them a message on their facebook page got me no help at all.
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2024
Terrible Service - Ayanda Ncipha - Absa Towers Branch
I have been receiving the worst and most terrible service from the business Banker called Ayanda Nciphe or Ncipha from Absa Towers Johannesburg CBD. I opened up my Absa Sole Proprietor business account and 2 to 3 months back as I wanted to switch over from my current bank. I had issues with my profile regarding Fica verification because Absa Fica department sent me an *** confirming that my Fica verification was successful and I can proceed to use the account. Multiple and I mean MULTIPLE CUSTOMERS informed me that the payments they were making into my business account were bouncing back and I had to resort to referring some to my old and existing business account but due to this nonsense, I lost a lot of business. I then proceeded to go to the bank after I was informed who my business Banker is. Fast forward, I went to the branch and was advised that my business Banker Ayanda Ncipha is not in and she will return after 2 or 3 days. Not a problem because I am human and I understand that maybe she might have been off sick or maybe had an emergency to attend to. WHAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND AND WHAT WAS VERY DISTASTEFUL IS THE FACT THAT I ASKED THE OTHER STAFF MEMBERS IF MAYBE THEY OR ANOTHER BUSINESS BANKER CAN ASSIST ME IN HER ABSENCE AND THEY SAID NO. So you mean to tell me that other businesses that are handled by her were never going to receive assistance in her absence should they had a query or dispute? I eventually managed to get the Fica issue sorted after weeks of patience. Anyway, I sent an *** to Ayanda Ncipha 3 weeks ago for a different query because there was issues I was having with my account and till this day she hasn't even bothered to respond to me. Therefore I have decided to take my business somewhere else and Absa senior management needs to look into her behaviour and conduct because how many more clients are treated like nothing and feel disregarded? Talk about a disgusting and terrible service from a whole entire business Banker! They will never ever get a single cent from me for as long as I live. They can kiss my business goodbye!
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2024
Terrible Service - Ayanda Ncipha - Absa Towers Branch
I have been receiving the worst and most terrible service from the business Banker called Ayanda Nciphe or Ncipha from Absa Towers Johannesburg CBD. I opened up my Absa Sole Proprietor business account and 2 to 3 months back as I wanted to switch over from my current bank. I had issues with my profile regarding Fica verification because Absa Fica department sent me an *** confirming that my Fica verification was successful and I can proceed to use the account. Multiple and I mean MULTIPLE CUSTOMERS informed me that the payments they were making into my business account were bouncing back and I had to resort to referring some to my old and existing business account but due to this nonsense, I lost a lot of business. I then proceeded to go to the bank after I was informed who my business Banker is. Fast forward, I went to the branch and was advised that my business Banker Ayanda Ncipha is not in and she will return after 2 or 3 days. Not a problem because I am human and I understand that maybe she might have been off sick or maybe had an emergency to attend to. WHAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND AND WHAT WAS VERY DISTASTEFUL IS THE FACT THAT I ASKED THE OTHER STAFF MEMBERS IF MAYBE THEY OR ANOTHER BUSINESS BANKER CAN ASSIST ME IN HER ABSENCE AND THEY SAID NO. So you mean to tell me that other businesses that are handled by her were never going to receive assistance in her absence should they had a query or dispute? I eventually managed to get the Fica issue sorted after weeks of patience. Anyway, I sent an *** to Ayanda Ncipha 3 weeks ago for a different query because there was issues I was having with my account and till this day she hasn't even bothered to respond to me. Therefore I have decided to take my business somewhere else and Absa senior management needs to look into her behaviour and conduct because how many more clients are treated like nothing and feel disregarded? Talk about a disgusting and terrible service from a whole entire business Banker! They will never ever get a single cent from me for as long as I live. They can kiss my business goodbye!
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2017
I received great service particularly from Marutha Titus Ramaboea and Nosipho Nxele at ABSA Insur...
I received great service particularly from Marutha Titus Ramaboea and Nosipho Nxele at ABSA Insurance who went over and beyond to ensure that my claim was finalized without delays after the initial consultant was giving me the run around and not getting back to me even after several calls and emails to contact me.
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2017
I received great service particularly from Marutha Titus Ramaboea and Nosipho Nxele at ABSA Insur...
I received great service particularly from Marutha Titus Ramaboea and Nosipho Nxele at ABSA Insurance who went over and beyond to ensure that my claim was finalized without delays after the initial consultant was giving me the run around and not getting back to me even after several calls and emails to contact me.
1 reviews | Active since Aug 2016
Pathetic service from Absa deceased estate.
ABSA DECEASED ESTATES - POOR SERVICE, DISRESPECT AND A LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY My experience with ABSA Deceased Estates has been appalling. What should be a professional and compassionate process following the loss of my father has become an exhausting battle for basic answers, respect and accountability. My father left behind a large estate, yet the inventory list contains only five items. Despite raising serious concerns about its accuracy and the assets at his property, nobody has bothered to verify the inventory. I was simply told that sending someone to the property was unnecessary. How can an executor adequately administer an estate without ensuring that its assets are properly accounted for and protected? I made one simple request: that nobody move into the property while the estate is being finalised, to protect my father's belongings from being moved or potentially ******. All I wanted was confirmation in writing. Instead, I was asked whether ABSA should hire a security company, despite knowing that a trusted person is already staying there. When legitimate concerns are raised, we are told ABSA is not interested in "family drama" and is only there to administer the estate. The first administrator even told us he was "the boss" and that we must do as he says. So, what exactly is the role of an executor? Is it merely to process paperwork, or does it include taking reasonable steps to safeguard the estate's assets, ensuring transparency and treating beneficiaries fairly? Constant changes of administrators, delayed responses, dismissive communication and a complete lack of empathy have left me with no confidence in ABSA. Beneficiaries are made to feel as though they are a nuisance for asking legitimate questions, rather than people who deserve answers and respect. It genuinely feels as though ABSA cares more about its fees and processes than the concerns of the people affected by its decisions. I would welcome a response from someone in authority who can answer these questions professionally, rather than another sarcastic or dismissive reply. I will never entrust my will or estate to ABSA. My father and his family deserve better. Grieving families should not have to fight for basic communication, accountability and the protection of their loved one's assets. ABSA needs to explain what it believes its responsibilities as executor are, because my experience has fallen far short of what I consider acceptable.
1 reviews | Active since Aug 2016
Pathetic service from Absa deceased estate.
ABSA DECEASED ESTATES - POOR SERVICE, DISRESPECT AND A LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY My experience with ABSA Deceased Estates has been appalling. What should be a professional and compassionate process following the loss of my father has become an exhausting battle for basic answers, respect and accountability. My father left behind a large estate, yet the inventory list contains only five items. Despite raising serious concerns about its accuracy and the assets at his property, nobody has bothered to verify the inventory. I was simply told that sending someone to the property was unnecessary. How can an executor adequately administer an estate without ensuring that its assets are properly accounted for and protected? I made one simple request: that nobody move into the property while the estate is being finalised, to protect my father's belongings from being moved or potentially ******. All I wanted was confirmation in writing. Instead, I was asked whether ABSA should hire a security company, despite knowing that a trusted person is already staying there. When legitimate concerns are raised, we are told ABSA is not interested in "family drama" and is only there to administer the estate. The first administrator even told us he was "the boss" and that we must do as he says. So, what exactly is the role of an executor? Is it merely to process paperwork, or does it include taking reasonable steps to safeguard the estate's assets, ensuring transparency and treating beneficiaries fairly? Constant changes of administrators, delayed responses, dismissive communication and a complete lack of empathy have left me with no confidence in ABSA. Beneficiaries are made to feel as though they are a nuisance for asking legitimate questions, rather than people who deserve answers and respect. It genuinely feels as though ABSA cares more about its fees and processes than the concerns of the people affected by its decisions. I would welcome a response from someone in authority who can answer these questions professionally, rather than another sarcastic or dismissive reply. I will never entrust my will or estate to ABSA. My father and his family deserve better. Grieving families should not have to fight for basic communication, accountability and the protection of their loved one's assets. ABSA needs to explain what it believes its responsibilities as executor are, because my experience has fallen far short of what I consider acceptable.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2026
Competency at ABSA Bank Lifestyle Centre Centurion
I had an excellent experience at ABSA Bank, Centurion Lifestyle Centre, on Friday, 9 October 2026. For the first time in a very long time, I was assisted by a truly competent consultant — Lydia Ramputa at the service desk. She resolved all the issues my wife and I had within 20 minutes, something no other branch has managed in months. Lydia, if you ever read this message — thank you once again. Your professionalism and efficiency are outstanding. To anyone reading this: if you need real assistance at ABSA, do yourself a favour and go to the ABSA Lifestyle Centre branch. Ask for Lydia. You will not regret it.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2026
Competency at ABSA Bank Lifestyle Centre Centurion
I had an excellent experience at ABSA Bank, Centurion Lifestyle Centre, on Friday, 9 October 2026. For the first time in a very long time, I was assisted by a truly competent consultant — Lydia Ramputa at the service desk. She resolved all the issues my wife and I had within 20 minutes, something no other branch has managed in months. Lydia, if you ever read this message — thank you once again. Your professionalism and efficiency are outstanding. To anyone reading this: if you need real assistance at ABSA, do yourself a favour and go to the ABSA Lifestyle Centre branch. Ask for Lydia. You will not regret it.
1 reviews | Active since Apr 2022
Disappointed
My goodness I'm super disappointed in ABSA the Fees that is being charged on there savings account is ridiculous honestly with everything going up we are paying so much for withdrawal, statements for declining for so much **** this is terrible no no no ......???
1 reviews | Active since Apr 2022
Disappointed
My goodness I'm super disappointed in ABSA the Fees that is being charged on there savings account is ridiculous honestly with everything going up we are paying so much for withdrawal, statements for declining for so much **** this is terrible no no no ......???