In short: An Absa payment to an FNB account is not one fixed clock. It depends on the rail you pick in the Absa app or online banking. The Payments Association of South Africa (PASA) says a standard EFT is batched and typically shows later that day or a day or two later; RTC (often sold as Immediate / immediate interbank payment) is cleared within 60 seconds; PayShap is a separate rapid-payment product. Absa says PayShap payments reflect in the recipient’s account instantly, with single-transaction limits of up to R3 000 on the Banking App and Absa Online, and up to R2 000 on Cellphone Banking (individual account or profile limits also apply). Confirm the fee and option name in Absa before you pay. Not financial advice.
Sources: PASA Credit Payments; Absa PayShap.
The three rails (same for Absa → FNB)
- Standard EFT: Batched. PASA: successful instructions typically reflect later that day or a day or two later. Weekend or public-holiday EFTs should not be promised as same-weekend arrivals — see weekend transfer times.
- RTC / Immediate interbank: PASA: cleared within 60 seconds, funds available in the receiver’s account. Scheme daytime max is R5 million on weekdays (to 4pm); nights, weekends and public holidays max R250 000 — banks may set lower limits. Absa’s screens may label this Immediate interbank payment (IIP).
- PayShap: Absa: reflects instantly; look for the PayShap option when you pay. Absa’s published single-transaction caps: R3 000 (app / online), R2 000 (cellphone banking).
What to do in Absa
- Open Absa Banking App or Online Banking and start a payment to the FNB account (or ShapID if you use PayShap).
- Check the payment type on the confirmation screen: standard, Immediate / IIP, or PayShap.
- Read the fee Absa shows for that option — fees change; this page does not invent a rand amount.
- Keep the proof of payment. If FNB has not credited after the expected rail, both banks’ support may need the reference.
Absa’s own how-to for immediate interbank payments is on their how to make payments help page.
Money sent but not showing on FNB?
Wrong account number, wrong rail, fraud holds, or a batched EFT still in flight are common causes. Walkthrough: Money sent but not received.
Full rail overview
How long do SA bank transfers take? · Similar pair: Absa to Capitec.
Last checked: September 2026 against PASA Credit Payments and Absa PayShap. Confirm fees and limits in Absa. Not financial advice.