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 38m
TrustIndex
3.3
Ranking
#3
in Banking
Reply Time
11h 21m
NPS Score
-51
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 11h 38m
Dec '25 - Nov '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 3.3 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 3,024 reviews in the last 12 months. They reply to 100% of negative reviews, typically within 11 hours 38 min. Hellopeter has tracked Absa across 45,853 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (3,024)
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 Apr 2018
ABSA stole my money!
Today someone paid R400 into my ABSA account, but I have R4.76 available in my account thanks to a R387.74 transaction fee! I've had enough of ABSA *****ing my money!!! I many R10 declined fees on my account, in fact - too many! As if I'm a restart that makes purchases when I know I don't have funds in my account! ABSA is the only financial institution that has these so-called declined fees, and they'll make sure to rob me more than 30 times over for a single failed transaction! Then ABSA expects me just to roll over and be satisfied when they stel my money, the little that I have! ABSA won't get away with ****** for much longer, just like politics is changing, things will also change for the ******** banks in this country! You must enjoy *****ing my money and bleeding me for every R10 I have!
1 reviews | Active since Apr 2018
ABSA stole my money!
Today someone paid R400 into my ABSA account, but I have R4.76 available in my account thanks to a R387.74 transaction fee! I've had enough of ABSA *****ing my money!!! I many R10 declined fees on my account, in fact - too many! As if I'm a restart that makes purchases when I know I don't have funds in my account! ABSA is the only financial institution that has these so-called declined fees, and they'll make sure to rob me more than 30 times over for a single failed transaction! Then ABSA expects me just to roll over and be satisfied when they stel my money, the little that I have! ABSA won't get away with ****** for much longer, just like politics is changing, things will also change for the ******** banks in this country! You must enjoy *****ing my money and bleeding me for every R10 I have!
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2026
Severe Fiduciary Negligence by ABSA Trust, Termination Delayed, Funds Disputed, and Property Transfer delay
I am deeply frustrated by the shocking lack of professionalism and accountability from ABSA Trust. My trust was scheduled for termination earlier this year, and my monthly allowances were abruptly halted in July when the process began. Because the assigned trust officer went on sick leave, ABSA completely abandoned my file. It was not reassigned to another consultant for months, resulting in an unconscionable 3-month administrative delay. It is now November, and the process is still dragging on. This internal negligence has heavily inconvenienced me and directly blocked my conveyancer from finalizing my property transfer and securing my Title Deed. The ABSA Trust Team Leader is claims that my trust funds are "depleted"—a claim I fundamentally dispute. I have escalated this matter to the ABSA Trust team leader, regional manager, and standard customer care lines via ***. I demand that ABSA senior management immediately step in to: 1. Finalize their administrative requirements so the conveyancer can complete the property transfer and issue my Title Deed. 2. Complete the formal termination process, provide a transparent financial audit of the trust account, and pay out all remaining funds immediately.
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2026
Severe Fiduciary Negligence by ABSA Trust, Termination Delayed, Funds Disputed, and Property Transfer delay
I am deeply frustrated by the shocking lack of professionalism and accountability from ABSA Trust. My trust was scheduled for termination earlier this year, and my monthly allowances were abruptly halted in July when the process began. Because the assigned trust officer went on sick leave, ABSA completely abandoned my file. It was not reassigned to another consultant for months, resulting in an unconscionable 3-month administrative delay. It is now November, and the process is still dragging on. This internal negligence has heavily inconvenienced me and directly blocked my conveyancer from finalizing my property transfer and securing my Title Deed. The ABSA Trust Team Leader is claims that my trust funds are "depleted"—a claim I fundamentally dispute. I have escalated this matter to the ABSA Trust team leader, regional manager, and standard customer care lines via ***. I demand that ABSA senior management immediately step in to: 1. Finalize their administrative requirements so the conveyancer can complete the property transfer and issue my Title Deed. 2. Complete the formal termination process, provide a transparent financial audit of the trust account, and pay out all remaining funds immediately.
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2021
ABSA ***** Team Provides Terrible Service
ABSA ***** team locked my credit card during an online purchase. It's been three days not receiving any feedback, the temporary card lock on the app and internet banking doesn't work. They don't answer calls and ***. Called the main switchboard they sent me back to the number that is not answered. I understand there are many calls, but if a call can't go through in three days, then it's a bad bank.
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2021
ABSA ***** Team Provides Terrible Service
ABSA ***** team locked my credit card during an online purchase. It's been three days not receiving any feedback, the temporary card lock on the app and internet banking doesn't work. They don't answer calls and ***. Called the main switchboard they sent me back to the number that is not answered. I understand there are many calls, but if a call can't go through in three days, then it's a bad bank.
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2009
Absa ***** detection blocked my banking access
A (valid) transaction got flagged as a ********** transaction while I was trying to buy something on Mr Delivery (Takealot NOW). A perfectly legitimate transaction. After I repeatedly marked the transaction as 'not *****' on the whatsapp's I received, it eventually went through. But, now I cannot log into my banking app. It says : "Digital Services Locked" "Your digital service has been locked. Please go to your nearest branch with your ID document, to resolve this issue" I phoned ABSA on 4 different numbers now: 1. *** - Absa Premium, who redirected me to the next number 2. ***, option 6. - Who redirected me to the ***** department 3. ***- Picked option 2, eventually hung up because no-one took my call after I held on forever - 8+ minutes of just music playing. 4. *** - Absa Private Banking, who redirected me back to the ***** department. I gave up. I cannot simply go to the bank. Your opening hours are awkward for a working person and this is a mistake on the bank's part.
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2009
Absa ***** detection blocked my banking access
A (valid) transaction got flagged as a ********** transaction while I was trying to buy something on Mr Delivery (Takealot NOW). A perfectly legitimate transaction. After I repeatedly marked the transaction as 'not *****' on the whatsapp's I received, it eventually went through. But, now I cannot log into my banking app. It says : "Digital Services Locked" "Your digital service has been locked. Please go to your nearest branch with your ID document, to resolve this issue" I phoned ABSA on 4 different numbers now: 1. *** - Absa Premium, who redirected me to the next number 2. ***, option 6. - Who redirected me to the ***** department 3. ***- Picked option 2, eventually hung up because no-one took my call after I held on forever - 8+ minutes of just music playing. 4. *** - Absa Private Banking, who redirected me back to the ***** department. I gave up. I cannot simply go to the bank. Your opening hours are awkward for a working person and this is a mistake on the bank's part.
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2014
BEWARE: Suspected Phishing within Absa ***** domain!
A couple of weeks ago, I received an Absa **** phone call, which I subsequently reported to the Absa ***** Division via email. The email response I received was from a **** email address, namely, '***'. What alerted me to check the sender email address was the nature of the request, namely, to 'flag' several phone numbers. Had I fallen for the trap, the ******** would have had direct access to my cell phone!! This time around I reported the interception / phishing of my email (which never reached the Absa ***** Division) to Security Operations Center (SOC) from whom I received an AUTOMATED response .... urging me to contact Absa ***** Division in any future communication!! REALLY!! What is unforgivable is the lack of an explanation/ corrective action. Despite sending SOC a follow up email over a week ago requesting an update, SOC has not contacted me to inform me about the status of the Absa ***** Dept. email address. At this juncture, the public has no way of knowing whether or not emails sent to Absa ***** Division are still being phished. I rest my case.
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2014
BEWARE: Suspected Phishing within Absa ***** domain!
A couple of weeks ago, I received an Absa **** phone call, which I subsequently reported to the Absa ***** Division via email. The email response I received was from a **** email address, namely, '***'. What alerted me to check the sender email address was the nature of the request, namely, to 'flag' several phone numbers. Had I fallen for the trap, the ******** would have had direct access to my cell phone!! This time around I reported the interception / phishing of my email (which never reached the Absa ***** Division) to Security Operations Center (SOC) from whom I received an AUTOMATED response .... urging me to contact Absa ***** Division in any future communication!! REALLY!! What is unforgivable is the lack of an explanation/ corrective action. Despite sending SOC a follow up email over a week ago requesting an update, SOC has not contacted me to inform me about the status of the Absa ***** Dept. email address. At this juncture, the public has no way of knowing whether or not emails sent to Absa ***** Division are still being phished. I rest my case.
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2016
FORMAL COMPLAINT – CHEQUE ACCOUNT CLOSURE, DISPUTED FEES AND REQUEST FOR SETTLEMENT OFFER
Good day, I wish to formally escalate my complaint regarding my cheque account, which I requested to have closed several months ago. I contacted your offices telephonically and specifically requested the outstanding balance required to settle and close the account. Despite making multiple follow-up requests for confirmation of the balance and a settlement figure, I have not received the necessary information or assistance to resolve this matter. Instead, the account was subsequently handed over for collection, and I continue receiving notifications and communication being sent to an incorrect contact number rather than my correct registered contact details. This raises serious concerns regarding the handling of my account and the accuracy of the contact information held on your system. I find it unacceptable that, despite my repeated attempts to obtain a settlement amount and close the account, the matter has escalated to collections and additional fees and charges have continued to accumulate. I am willing to resolve this matter; however, I do not accept liability for all the additional fees and charges that have accrued under these circumstances. I therefore request that these charges be reviewed and substantially reduced or waived. I formally request the following: A full and detailed statement reflecting the outstanding balance, including a breakdown of all fees, interest and collection charges. A review and reversal or waiver of additional fees that accumulated while my previous requests for settlement and closure remained unresolved. A reasonable and discounted settlement offer to enable me to settle the account in full. Written confirmation that, upon payment of the agreed settlement amount, the account will be closed and no further amounts will be pursued. Correction of my contact details to ensure all future correspondence is sent directly to me. Please treat this email as a formal complaint and escalation. I would appreciate a written response within 7 working days. Should this matter remain unresolved, I intend referring the complaint to the relevant banking ombud for independent investigation, including the handling of my previous requests, the continued accumulation of charges and the communication sent to an incorrect contact number. I have made several attempts to resolve this matter directly and would prefer to reach an amicable settlement without further escalation. However, I expect a reasonable settlement proposal and a fair resolution. I look forward to your urgent response. Kind regards
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2016
FORMAL COMPLAINT – CHEQUE ACCOUNT CLOSURE, DISPUTED FEES AND REQUEST FOR SETTLEMENT OFFER
Good day, I wish to formally escalate my complaint regarding my cheque account, which I requested to have closed several months ago. I contacted your offices telephonically and specifically requested the outstanding balance required to settle and close the account. Despite making multiple follow-up requests for confirmation of the balance and a settlement figure, I have not received the necessary information or assistance to resolve this matter. Instead, the account was subsequently handed over for collection, and I continue receiving notifications and communication being sent to an incorrect contact number rather than my correct registered contact details. This raises serious concerns regarding the handling of my account and the accuracy of the contact information held on your system. I find it unacceptable that, despite my repeated attempts to obtain a settlement amount and close the account, the matter has escalated to collections and additional fees and charges have continued to accumulate. I am willing to resolve this matter; however, I do not accept liability for all the additional fees and charges that have accrued under these circumstances. I therefore request that these charges be reviewed and substantially reduced or waived. I formally request the following: A full and detailed statement reflecting the outstanding balance, including a breakdown of all fees, interest and collection charges. A review and reversal or waiver of additional fees that accumulated while my previous requests for settlement and closure remained unresolved. A reasonable and discounted settlement offer to enable me to settle the account in full. Written confirmation that, upon payment of the agreed settlement amount, the account will be closed and no further amounts will be pursued. Correction of my contact details to ensure all future correspondence is sent directly to me. Please treat this email as a formal complaint and escalation. I would appreciate a written response within 7 working days. Should this matter remain unresolved, I intend referring the complaint to the relevant banking ombud for independent investigation, including the handling of my previous requests, the continued accumulation of charges and the communication sent to an incorrect contact number. I have made several attempts to resolve this matter directly and would prefer to reach an amicable settlement without further escalation. However, I expect a reasonable settlement proposal and a fair resolution. I look forward to your urgent response. Kind regards
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2015
Unsble to contact ***** department
No response from ***** dept. Even the customer service dept cannot vonract them
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2015
Unsble to contact ***** department
No response from ***** dept. Even the customer service dept cannot vonract them