Quick Facts

• You can reverse debit orders within 40 days on the ABSA app
• App reversals limited to R500 maximum amount
• EFT payments cannot be reversed through the app
• Real-time payments (PayShap) cannot be reversed at all

Understanding Payment Reversals at ABSA

Making a wrong payment happens to everyone. Maybe you paid the wrong person. Maybe a debit order came off when it should not have. Or maybe a company took money from your account without permission.

The good news is that ABSA lets you reverse some payments. But not all payments can be reversed. This guide shows you exactly what you can reverse and how to do it.

Important: The type of payment you made decides if you can reverse it. Some payments can be reversed on your app in minutes. Others need you to contact ABSA directly. And some payments cannot be reversed at all.

✅ What You CAN Reverse on ABSA App

You can reverse these payments using the ABSA banking app:

Debit Orders (With Limits)

A debit order is when a company takes money from your account each month. Examples include gym fees, insurance, or store accounts.

You can reverse a debit order on the app if:

• The payment happened within the last 40 days
• The amount is R500 or less
• You did not authorise this specific payment

❌ What You CANNOT Reverse on ABSA App

These payments cannot be reversed through the ABSA app:

1. EFT Payments (Electronic Funds Transfer)

An EFT is when you send money from your account to another person’s account. Once the money has left your account and arrived in the other person’s account, it is final. The law says these payments are “irrevocable”.

Why? Because the other person now has your money. ABSA can only reverse an EFT if the other person agrees to give the money back.

2. Real-Time Payments

These instant payment types cannot be reversed at all:

• PayShap: Instant payments using someone’s cellphone number
• Pay & Clear Now: Fast payments that clear within 60 minutes
• Instant Money: Cash vouchers sent to a cellphone

3. Payments to Government

Payments to SARS (tax), traffic fines, and other government services cannot be reversed.

4. Old Debit Orders

Debit orders older than 40 days cannot be reversed on the app.

Step-by-Step: How to Reverse a Debit Order on ABSA App

Follow these steps to reverse a debit order payment:

⚠️ How to Request an EFT Payment Reversal

If you sent money to the wrong account or made a mistake with an EFT payment, you cannot reverse it on the app. You must contact ABSA directly.

Method 1: Email ABSA

Send an email to: debitorder@absa.co.za

Include these details:

• Your full name and account number
• The date you made the payment
• The amount you paid
• The account number you sent money to
• Why you want to reverse the payment
• Your contact number

Method 2: Visit ABSA Branch

Go to your nearest ABSA branch with your ID book or card. Ask to complete a Payment Reversal Request Form. The staff will help you fill it in.

Method 3: Call ABSA

Phone ABSA on 0860 08 08 00 or 011 501 5050. Tell them you need to reverse a payment. They will guide you through the process.

Costs and Fees for Payment Reversals

Note: Fees are correct as of October 2025. ABSA can change these fees at any time. Always check the current fees on the ABSA website or ask at a branch.

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Fake Payment Reversal Calls

Criminals are using payment reversals to steal money from people. Here is how the scam works:

How to Protect Yourself

• ABSA will NEVER ask you to approve transactions over the phone
• ABSA will NEVER ask for your PIN or OTP
• ABSA will NEVER tell you to transfer money to a “safe account”
• ABSA will NEVER ask you to do Instant Money transactions to reverse fraud

New AI Voice Scams

In 2025, criminals are using AI technology to copy real bank workers’ voices. The person on the phone might sound exactly like someone from ABSA. They might even know some of your personal details. This does not mean they are real.

Remember: A real ABSA employee will never ask you to approve payments, give OTPs, or move money to stop fraud. If you are unsure, hang up and call ABSA directly.

What to Do If Your Reversal Request Fails

Sometimes a reversal request does not work. Here are your other options:

Option 1: Contact the Recipient Directly

If you sent money to the wrong person, try to contact them directly. Explain the mistake. Ask them to send the money back to you. Be polite and respectful.

Option 2: Report to Banking Ombudsman

If ABSA refuses to help or if you believe they made a mistake, you can complain to the Banking Ombudsman.

Contact details:

• Phone: 0860 800 900
• Email: info@obssa.co.za
• Website: www.obssa.co.za

The Banking Ombudsman helps solve disputes between banks and customers. This service is free.

Option 3: Open a Police Case

If someone stole money from your account or you were scammed, open a case at your nearest police station. Take these documents:

• Your ID book or card
• Bank statements showing the transaction
• Any messages or emails about the payment
• Details of the person or company you paid

Get a case number. Give this case number to ABSA. It may help with your reversal request.

Option 4: Legal Action

If all else fails and the amount is large, you may need to take legal action. Speak to a lawyer. You can find affordable legal advice through Legal Aid South Africa (0800 110 110) if you earn less than R6,000 per month.

Your Consumer Rights and Protections

As a South African bank customer, you have rights under the law. These laws protect you:

Consumer Protection Act

This law gives you the right to fair treatment from banks. You have the right to:

• Get clear information about bank fees and charges
• Be protected from unfair practices
• Complain and get a response within 20 business days
• Cancel agreements that you did not understand

POPI Act (Protection of Personal Information)

Your banking information is private. ABSA must:

• Keep your information safe
• Not share your details without permission
• Let you know if your information is stolen

FSCA Conduct Standards

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) makes rules for banks. These rules say banks must:

• Treat customers fairly
• Handle complaints properly
• Give clear information about products and services
• Help stop fraud

How to Avoid Needing Reversals

Prevention is better than trying to reverse a payment. Follow these tips:

Before Making Any Payment:

• Double-check account numbers. One wrong number sends money to a stranger.
• Use the “Verify Account” service. ABSA shows you the account holder’s name before you pay.
• Save beneficiaries. If you pay someone often, save them as a beneficiary. This reduces typing errors.
• Check the amount. Make sure you are not adding extra zeros by mistake.

For Debit Orders:

• Read agreements carefully. Know when and how much will be taken.
• Keep proof. Save emails and contracts about debit orders.
• Set app notifications. Get alerts when debit orders are paid.
• Cancel properly. If you want to stop a service, cancel with the company first. Do not just reverse payments.

General Safety:

• Never share your PIN or OTP. No one needs these to help you.
• Keep your app updated. New versions have better security.
• Use strong passwords. Change them regularly.
• Log out after banking. Do not stay logged in.

Key Takeaways:

• You can reverse debit orders under R500 and within 40 days using the ABSA app
• EFT payments need formal reversal requests and are not guaranteed to work
• Real-time payments (PayShap, Pay & Clear Now) cannot be reversed at all
• Always verify account numbers before making payments
• Never give your PIN or OTP to anyone, even if they claim to be from ABSA
• If a reversal fails, contact the Banking Ombudsman or open a police case
• Report all scam attempts to ABSA and SABRIC

The best way to avoid the stress of reversing payments is to take your time when making transactions. Check everything twice. Use ABSA’s account verification service. And never let anyone rush you into making a payment.