ABSA Cash Send Without App

ABSA Cash Send Without App: Complete Guide

Send money using USSD, cellphone banking, or at ABSA branches

Last updated: November 2025

Quick Facts

  • Use USSD code *120*2272# – no data or airtime needed
  • Send up to R5,000 per day and R25,000 per month
  • Recipients collect at any ABSA ATM, Pick n Pay, or Boxer
  • Fees: R10 per R1,000 (Transact Account) or R2.60 per R100 (Flexi Account)
  • Money expires after 30 days if not collected

What is ABSA Cash Send?

ABSA Cash Send is a service that lets you send money to anyone in South Africa. The person receiving the money does not need a bank account. They just need a cellphone number.

The money can be collected at any ABSA ATM or at stores like Pick n Pay and Boxer. This makes it very convenient for everyone.

How it works:

  1. You send money using USSD code, at a branch, or through cellphone banking
  2. The recipient gets an SMS with a 10-digit reference number
  3. You give them a 6-digit PIN code separately
  4. They use both numbers to collect the cash at an ABSA ATM or store
💡 Pro Tip: You must be an ABSA account holder to send money. But the person receiving can be with any bank or have no bank account at all.

✅ Why Send Money Without the App?

There are many good reasons to use Cash Send without downloading the ABSA Banking App:

Works on All Phones

USSD code *120*2272# works on any phone. Even very old phones can use it. You do not need a smartphone or internet.

No Data Needed

USSD banking does not use data or airtime. This saves you money. You can bank even when you have no airtime or data bundles.

Available 24/7

You can send money any time of day or night. Branches have operating hours, but USSD banking works all the time.

Fast and Simple

Sending money takes only a few minutes. You follow easy steps on your phone screen. No complicated forms or passwords.

Safe and Secure

ABSA protects your money with security measures. You create a 6-digit PIN that only you know. The recipient needs both the reference number and PIN to collect money.

Method 1: Send Money Using USSD Code *120*2272#

This is the easiest and fastest way to send ABSA Cash Send without using the app.

Step 1: Register for Cellphone Banking (First Time Only)

If you have never used ABSA cellphone banking before, you must register first:

  1. Save *120*2272# in your phone contacts
  2. Dial the number from your contact list
  3. Select 1 to accept terms and conditions, then tap Send
  4. Enter your SA ID number or passport number, then tap Send
  5. Create a 5-digit PIN that you will remember
  6. Enter your PIN again to confirm it
  7. You are now registered!
⚠️ Important: Keep your 5-digit PIN safe and secret. Never share it with anyone. You will need this PIN every time you use cellphone banking.

Step 2: Send Cash Send Money

Once registered, follow these steps to send money:

  1. Dial *120*2272# on your cellphone
  2. Enter your 5-digit PIN, then tap Send
  3. Select “Payments” or “Send Money” from the menu
  4. Choose “Cash Send” option
  5. Enter the recipient’s cellphone number
  6. Enter the amount you want to send (between R50 and R5,000)
  7. Create a 6-digit PIN code for this transaction
  8. Enter a reference name (example: “Groceries” or “School fees”)
  9. Confirm all the details are correct
  10. Select 1 to confirm and send

Step 3: Share Information with Recipient

After sending, the recipient will get an SMS with a 10-digit reference number. You must give them the 6-digit PIN separately.

🚨 Security Alert: Never send both the reference number and PIN in one message. Send them separately for safety. Do not post them on WhatsApp groups or social media.

Method 2: Send Money at an ABSA Branch

If you prefer personal help, you can visit any ABSA branch to send Cash Send money.

What to Bring:

  • Your SA ID book or smart ID card (or valid passport)
  • Your ABSA bank card (if you have one)
  • The recipient’s cellphone number
  • Cash or your bank account to pay from

Steps at the Branch:

  1. Take a queue ticket at the entrance
  2. Wait for your number to be called
  3. Tell the consultant: “I want to send Cash Send money”
  4. Give them the recipient’s cellphone number
  5. Tell them how much money to send
  6. Create a 6-digit PIN for the transaction
  7. The consultant will process the payment
  8. You will get a receipt with the reference number
  9. Share the 6-digit PIN with the recipient separately

Branch Operating Hours:

Day Hours
Monday to Friday 08:30 – 15:30
Saturday 08:00 – 11:00 (Some branches)
Sunday Closed
💡 Pro Tip: Call your nearest ABSA branch first to check their exact hours. Some shopping centre branches stay open longer.

How Recipients Collect Their Money

The person receiving the money has three options to collect it:

Option 1: At Any ABSA ATM

  1. Go to any ABSA ATM
  2. Select “Cardless Banking” or “Cash Send Withdrawal”
  3. Enter the 10-digit reference number from the SMS
  4. Enter the 6-digit PIN code
  5. Select the amount to withdraw
  6. Collect your cash from the ATM
  7. Take your receipt

Option 2: At Pick n Pay Stores

  1. Visit any Pick n Pay store
  2. Go to the customer service desk
  3. Say: “I want to collect ABSA Cash Send”
  4. Show your SA ID or passport
  5. Give the 10-digit reference number
  6. Give the 6-digit PIN code
  7. Count your cash before leaving the counter
  8. Ask for a receipt

Option 3: At Boxer Stores

  1. Visit any Boxer store
  2. Go to the till or customer service
  3. Say: “I want to collect ABSA Cash Send”
  4. Show your SA ID or passport
  5. Provide the reference number and PIN
  6. Receive your cash
  7. Keep your receipt safe
⚠️ Remember: Money expires after 30 days. If not collected within 30 days, it goes back to the sender’s account.

⚖️ Fees and Limits for Cash Send

ABSA charges fees for sending Cash Send money. The fees depend on which account you have.

Cash Send Fees (as of November 2025):

Account Type Fee Structure
Transact Account R10 per R1,000 (or part thereof)
Flexi Account R2.60 per R100 (or part thereof)
MegaU (Student) Account R2.60 per R100 (or part thereof)
Gold and Premium Accounts R2.60 per R100 (or part thereof)

Transaction Limits:

Limit Type Amount
Minimum per transaction R50
Maximum per day R5,000
Maximum per month R25,000
Money expires after 30 days

Example Fee Calculations:

  • Sending R500 (Transact Account): Fee = R10
  • Sending R1,200 (Transact Account): Fee = R20 (charged per R1,000)
  • Sending R500 (Flexi Account): Fee = R13 (R2.60 x 5 = R13)
  • Sending R1,000 (Flexi Account): Fee = R26 (R2.60 x 10 = R26)
💡 Pro Tip: The recipient does not pay any fees. Only the sender pays. Send money in amounts of R50 or R100 for easier ATM withdrawals.

⚠️ Common Problems and Solutions

Problem 1: Forgot Your 5-digit USSD PIN

Solution: Dial *120*2272# and select the option to reset your PIN. You will need your ID number and account details.

Problem 2: Recipient Did Not Get SMS

Solution: Check that you entered the correct cellphone number. You can resend the SMS using ABSA Online Banking or call ABSA at 0860 111 123.

Problem 3: ATM Says “Invalid PIN”

Solution: Make sure the recipient is using the correct 6-digit PIN you created. The PIN is different from the reference number.

Problem 4: Money Expired (30 Days Passed)

Solution: The money automatically goes back to your account after 30 days. You can send it again as a new Cash Send.

Problem 5: ATM Does Not Dispense Money

Solution: Call ABSA fraud hotline immediately on 0860 557 557. Do not try again at the same ATM. The transaction will be reversed.

Problem 6: Need to Cancel Cash Send

Solution: You can cancel unredeemed Cash Send using ABSA Online Banking or call customer service at 0860 111 123.

📞 ABSA Contact Numbers:
  • General Banking: 0860 111 123
  • Fraud Hotline: 0860 557 557 or +27 11 501 5089
  • Online Banking Help: 0860 100 205

🚨 SCAM WARNINGS: Protect Yourself

Scammers are very active in South Africa. They target Cash Send users. Be very careful!

Scam 1: Fake ABSA Staff at ATMs

How it works: Someone pretends to be ABSA staff. They offer to “help” you at the ATM. They watch you enter your PIN and codes, then steal your money.

How to stay safe: Real ABSA staff will NEVER approach you at an ATM. Never accept help from strangers. Cover the keypad with your hand when entering codes.

Scam 2: Phone Calls Asking for Codes

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.

How to stay safe: ABSA will NEVER call asking for your PIN or reference numbers. Hang up immediately. Call ABSA directly on 0860 111 123 if you are worried.

Scam 3: SMS Phishing (SMiShing)

How it works: You get a fake SMS that looks like it is from ABSA. It has a link asking you to click to “unblock” or “verify” your Cash Send.

How to stay safe: ABSA will never send SMS with links asking for personal information. Delete these messages immediately. Never click on links in SMS messages.

Scam 4: Fake Email Phishing

How it works: You receive an email that looks like it is from ABSA. It asks you to click a link to access your statement or verify your account.

How to stay safe: ABSA will never send emails with links asking for passwords or PINs. Never open attachments from suspicious emails. Report phishing emails to Secmon@absa.africa.

Scam 5: OTP (One-Time PIN) Theft

How it works: Someone calls saying they need your OTP to “reverse a fraudulent transaction” or “protect your account.” They create a fake sense of panic.

How to stay safe: NEVER give your OTP to anyone over the phone. Even if they claim to be from ABSA. The OTP is only for you to approve transactions.

What ABSA Will NEVER Do:

  • Ask for your PIN, password, or passcode
  • Ask for your OTP or verification code
  • Ask for your card CVV number
  • Send emails or SMS with links asking for personal information
  • Ask you to transfer money between accounts to “protect it”
  • Approach you at an ATM to offer help
If You Suspect Fraud:
  • Call ABSA Fraud Hotline immediately: 0860 557 557
  • Use the ABSA Banking App “click to call” function
  • Visit your nearest ABSA branch
  • Report SMS scams by forwarding to Secmon@absa.africa
  • Change your USSD PIN immediately

Our Final Recommendations

Best Method for Most People: Use USSD code *120*2272# for the fastest and easiest Cash Send experience. It works on any phone without data or airtime.

For Personal Assistance: Visit an ABSA branch if you prefer face-to-face help or have questions about the service.

Safety First: Always protect your PINs and codes. Never share them with anyone, not even people claiming to be from ABSA. Be aware of scams.

Keep It Simple: Send money in round amounts of R50 or R100. This makes withdrawals easier at ATMs and stores.

Time Matters: Remind recipients to collect money within 30 days. After that, the money returns to your account.

Additional Resources

Official ABSA Information:

  • ABSA Website: www.absa.co.za
  • Find nearest ABSA branch or ATM: www.absa.co.za/find-us
  • ABSA Rates and Fees: www.absa.co.za/rates-and-fees

Consumer Protection:

  • Banking Ombudsman: 0860 800 900
  • National Credit Regulator: 0860 627 627
  • Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA): 0800 110 443
  • SABRIC (Banking Risk Centre): Report fraud to ABSA directly

Alternative Money Transfer Services:

  • FNB eWallet: Similar service using FNB network
  • Nedbank Send Money: Available at Nedbank ATMs
  • Capitec Send Cash: Send via Capitec app or USSD
  • Pick n Pay Money Transfer: Store-to-store service (R8 flat fee)

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in November 2025. Financial regulations, fees, and requirements may change. Always verify current information with ABSA directly before making financial decisions. USSD codes, fees, and limits are subject to change without notice.

For complaints or disputes, contact the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) at 0800 110 443 or visit www.fsca.co.za. For banking complaints, contact the Banking Ombudsman at 0860 800 900.

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