Extremely Disappointed with Absa Gold Cheque Account – Regret Switching My Salary

I recently joined Absa and moved my salary to the Gold Cheque Account / Gold Package, expecting a premium, value-packed experience with "unlimited" perks. Huge disappointment.

Despite paying a fixed monthly fee R150, I’m still charged extra for basic everyday things: - R1.50 for buying airtime/data on the app - R1.25 per SMS payment confirmation - R7.50 for PayShap instant transfers - High fees for cash withdrawals once you exceed the low R3,000–R4,000 monthly limit

What’s the point of a fixed fee if you still pay for airtime, notifications, instant payments, and reasonable cash access? It feels like misleading marketing – they push "unlimited digital" but hit you with sneaky add-on costs for common needs.

The rewards and perks don’t make up for it, and the experience has been frustrating overall. I’m already planning to downgrade or switch back. Avoid this account unless you’re 100% digital and never use cash or buy airtime.

Strongly advise thinking twice before signing up.