How to Withdraw Your ABSA Cash Send Money
Complete guide for South African residents
Last updated: October 2025
Table of Contents
What is ABSA Cash Send?
ABSA Cash Send is a money transfer service that lets anyone send cash to your cellphone number. You do not need a bank account or bank card to collect the money. You just need your ID and the codes sent to your phone.
This service is very useful when family or friends need to send you money quickly. It is also popular with employers paying domestic workers, or anyone sending emergency money.
The person sending the money uses ABSA online banking, the mobile app, or calls the bank. You receive an SMS with special codes to collect the money.
Understanding Your Codes
When someone sends you ABSA Cash Send money, you receive an SMS with two important numbers:
| Code Type | Details |
|---|---|
| 10-digit reference number | This is your withdrawal code. It looks like this: 1234567890 |
| 6-digit PIN code | This is your secret code. The sender creates it. It looks like this: 123456 |
You must collect your money within 30 days. After 30 days, the money goes back to the sender.
How to Withdraw at ABSA ATMs
ABSA has thousands of ATMs across South Africa. They work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is the most popular way to collect Cash Send money.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Find an ABSA ATM near you
Use the ABSA Banking App or visit absa.co.za to find the nearest ATM. Choose an ATM in a safe, well-lit location. Shopping centres are safer than street corners.
Step 2: Select “Cardless Banking” or “Cash Send”
On the ATM screen, look for “Cardless Banking” or “Cash Send” or “Cash Send Withdrawal”. It might be under “More Options” or “Other Services”.
Step 3: Enter your 10-digit reference number
Type the 10-digit number you received in your SMS. Check it carefully before pressing enter.
Step 4: Enter your 6-digit PIN code
Type the 6-digit PIN that the sender gave you. Keep your hand over the keypad so nobody can see.
Step 5: Collect your cash
The ATM will give you the full amount in cash. Count it before you leave the ATM. Put the money away safely immediately.
✅ Withdrawing at Retail Stores
You can also collect your ABSA Cash Send money at these retail stores. This is very convenient if you are already shopping or if there is no ATM nearby.
Where You Can Collect:
| Store | Where to Go |
|---|---|
| Pick n Pay | Customer service desk or till point |
| Boxer | Any till point |
| PEP Stores | Over 2,600 stores nationwide – till point |
| Shoprite | Customer service desk or Money Market counter |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Go to the correct desk or till
Tell the cashier: “I want to collect ABSA Cash Send money.” They will know what to do.
Step 2: Show your ID
You must show your South African ID book or smart card. Some stores also accept a valid passport.
Step 3: Give them your codes
Say your 10-digit reference number and 6-digit PIN quietly. Or write it down for them. Make sure other people cannot hear.
Step 4: Receive your money
The cashier will give you the full amount in cash. Count it carefully before you leave the counter. Ask for a receipt to keep as proof.
Limits and Fees
Good News: You Pay Nothing!
Collecting your ABSA Cash Send money is completely FREE for you. The person sending the money pays a small transaction fee. You receive the full amount with no deductions.
How Much Can You Receive?
| Limit Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Per transaction | Amounts usually in R50 or R100 |
| Daily limit | R5,000 per day |
| Monthly limit | R25,000 per month |
| Time to collect | 30 days before it expires |
Important Safety Tips
Follow these safety rules every time you collect Cash Send money:
✓ Choose safe locations
Use ATMs inside shopping centres during the day. Well-lit areas with security guards are safest.
✓ Keep your codes private
Never share your 10-digit reference number or 6-digit PIN with strangers. Cover the keypad when typing codes.
✓ Be aware of your surroundings
Look around before using an ATM. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, go to a different ATM or come back later.
✓ Put cash away immediately
After collecting your money, put it in your bag or pocket right away. Do not count it in public view.
✓ Delete the SMS after collecting
Once you have your cash, delete the SMS with your codes. This protects you if someone steals your phone.
✓ Never accept help from strangers at ATMs
Real ABSA staff will never approach you at an ATM. If someone offers to “help”, refuse politely and go to a different ATM.
🚨 Common Scams to Avoid in 2025
Scammers are getting smarter every year. Here are the most common Cash Send scams happening in South Africa in 2025:
1. The “ATM Helper” Scam
How it works:
Someone pretends to be ABSA staff or security at the ATM. They offer to “help” you. They watch you enter your PIN and reference number, then steal your money.
What to do:
- Real ABSA staff will NEVER approach you at an ATM
- Never accept help from strangers
- If someone bothers you, go to a different ATM or come back later
2. The Fake Phone Call Scam (Vishing)
How it works:
Someone calls claiming to be from ABSA. They say there is a problem with your Cash Send. They ask for your reference number and PIN.
What to do:
- Hang up immediately
- ABSA will NEVER call and ask for your PIN or reference number
- If worried, call ABSA yourself at 0860 111 123
3. The Fake SMS Scam (SMiShing)
How it works:
You receive an SMS that looks like it is from ABSA. It has a link asking you to “verify” or “confirm” your Cash Send. The link takes you to a fake website that steals your codes.
What to do:
- Do NOT click on links in SMS messages
- ABSA will never send you a link to collect Cash Send
- Delete suspicious messages immediately
4. The “Accidental” Money Scam
How it works:
A stranger sends you Cash Send by “mistake”. They ask you to withdraw it and send it back to them through a different method.
What to do:
- Do NOT withdraw money you did not expect
- Contact ABSA at 0860 111 123 to report it
- The sender can cancel it themselves through their banking app
5. SIM Swap Fraud
How it works:
Criminals use a fake ID to swap your phone number to their SIM card. They then receive your Cash Send SMS and steal the money.
What to do:
- If your phone suddenly has no signal, contact your network immediately
- Keep your ID documents safe – never share photos of them
- If you suspect SIM swap, call ABSA fraud hotline: 0860 557 557
🚨 REMEMBER:
ABSA will NEVER ask you for your PIN, reference number, or any codes. Not by phone. Not by SMS. Not by email. Not in person at an ATM. NEVER.
If You Suspect Fraud:
Call ABSA Fraud Hotline immediately:
- 0860 557 557 (toll-free in South Africa)
- +27 11 501 5089 (from anywhere)
- Or use the “Click to Call” function in the ABSA Banking App
⚠️ If Something Goes Wrong
Sometimes things do not work as expected. Here are solutions to common problems:
Problem 1: ATM Says “Codes Not Valid”
Possible reasons:
- You typed the codes incorrectly
- The 30 days have passed and the codes expired
- Someone else already used these codes
What to do:
- Check your SMS again and try once more carefully
- Contact the person who sent you the money
- Call ABSA at 0860 111 123 for help
Problem 2: ATM Takes Codes But Gives No Money
What to do:
- Do NOT leave the ATM
- Do NOT try again at a different ATM
- Call ABSA immediately at 0860 111 123
- Note the ATM number (shown on the screen)
- If at a branch, go inside and ask for help
Problem 3: Store Cannot Process Your Cash Send
Possible reasons:
- That specific store does not offer the service
- Their system is temporarily offline
- You are at a small express store without this service
What to do:
- Try a different branch or store
- Use an ABSA ATM instead
- Call ABSA at 0860 111 123 to find participating stores near you
Problem 4: I Lost the SMS with My Codes
What to do:
- Contact the person who sent you the money
- They can see the codes in their ABSA banking app or online banking
- They can also cancel the transaction and send it again
📞 ABSA Help Numbers:
- General Banking: 0860 111 123
- Fraud Hotline: 0860 557 557
- Online Banking Help: 0860 100 205
Your Consumer Rights
As a South African consumer, you have rights when using banking services. Here is what you need to know:
Right to Safe Banking
ABSA must provide secure banking services. They must protect your money and your personal information. This is required by South African law under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Right to Clear Information
Banks must explain their fees, limits, and terms clearly. You should understand what you are agreeing to. All information must be in clear language.
Right to Complain
If you have a problem with ABSA Cash Send, you have the right to complain. Here is who to contact:
| Organization | Contact |
|---|---|
| ABSA Customer Care (Try here first) | 0860 111 123 |
| National Financial Ombud (If ABSA does not help) | 0860 800 900 Email: info@nfosa.co.za |
| Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) | 0800 110 443 Email: info@fsca.co.za |
| National Credit Regulator (NCR) | 0860 627 627 Email: complaints@ncr.org.za |
- Always try to solve the problem with ABSA first
- Keep records of all calls, emails, and reference numbers
- Write down dates, times, and names of people you spoke to
- If ABSA does not fix the problem within 30 days, contact the Ombud
Our Final Recommendations
ABSA Cash Send is one of the most convenient ways to receive money in South Africa. With thousands of ATMs and retail locations available, you can collect your money almost anywhere.
Always keep your withdrawal codes safe and never share them with strangers. Remember that withdrawing money is completely free for you – the sender pays all the fees.
For the safest experience, withdraw money during business hours at busy, well-lit locations. Put your cash away immediately after receiving it.
If you have any problems or suspect fraud, contact ABSA immediately at 0860 557 557. Your safety and security are the most important things.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in October 2025. Financial regulations, fees, and requirements may change. Always verify current information with ABSA directly by calling 0860 111 123 or visiting www.absa.co.za before making financial decisions. Not all retail locations may offer Cash Send withdrawal services – please check with the specific store beforehand.
ABSA Bank Limited is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (Registration No: 1986/004794/06) and registered credit provider (NCRCP7).
For complaints or disputes, contact the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) at 0800 110 443 or visit www.fsca.co.za. You can also contact the National Financial Ombud at 0860 800 900 or visit https://nfosa.co.za