ABSA Bank
Reviews and Complaints

7 Aug
I needed to go to the bank to get my daily limit increased. Had the teller who helped when I was given my new card done this, I would not have had to go to the bank. I had a savings card with a R5000 daily limit. I opened a cheque account and linked the two - which I should never have done. I was given a R1000 daily limit on my cheque account - I was never told, i had to find this out at the autoteller. My salary goes into this account so obviously I need a larger daily limit. Anyway, that is why i was in the bank. I entered the bank at 1:40 pm and was only helped, yes believe it or not, I was only helped at 3:30. Not one teller told us why they couldn't work faster. One by one they went on lunch, one came back, put cream on her hands, walked around as if she was a model. I saw two tellers yawning their heads off without hands in front of their faces. Competent? I think not. Surely they must go on some PR course before dealing with the public, then again it is just basic good manners to cover one's mouth. I had one and a half hours to observe them so I can tell you in detail. Not once did they apologise for the long wait but they refused to make eye contact. I was not the only irate client (is that what we are cos it sure doesnt feel like it). Two clients walked out, the one threatening to close his business account. I wish i could close my account. This is not the first time I have had these long queues.
A suggestion: Why doesn't ABSA become one of the first banks to have all its counter points manned during lunch times? Maybe it could create jobs. Just think of that . For once ABSA could hold its head high and say 'we overcame a problem". Those tellers are probably getting more money than I am - I teach 120 school children everyday and I am good at my job. Maybe they - your tellers could be taught the importance of retaining clients, not irritating them so much that there was almost a riot. Where was the bank manager? Probably eating out too. I would hang my head in shame if I was the manager - manager? He can't manage 4 chickens in a chicken run. So you see ABSA, by word of mouth, you are simply the worst bank ever - that will be my message to all who wish to hear. Jack up or move out.
A very disgruntled client who is sorry to ever have started banking at ABSA.
I can't threaten you with closing my account, because my small amount of money won't make a dent but you angered a business man today and if you do it every day you will soon feel it. I see we are asked to keep our complaints polite. Hah! ABSA doesn't know the meaning of polite.
Please just go away ABSA.
Mandy-Sue du Plessis
Tel: [protected] (phone me - I would love to speak to someone with brains).

Claim was submitted on the 7th of July and up to today no one except for the plumber contacted me. The matter was escalated to the specialize department and after numerous phone calls no one attempt to make contact.

see below email received on the day of submitting the claim;
Dear MARTHE BRITZ,
Please note the current status on your claim.
Your claim is assigned to Nicolene Engelbrecht.
For your information, please be advised we are awaiting the following information from our service provider appointed on your claim.
• Assessment report, photographic evidence and quantum of the damage
Once the requested information has been received and assessed, your claim will be reviewed in accordance with the policy terms and conditions.

My name is Mrs Sylvia Dormehl, PO Box 934, Bergbron 1712. Telephone [protected]/[protected] . email [protected]@telkomsa.net
My Credit and petrol card expired on 1st August, 2017
I had spoken to the Absa Bank branch at Verdi Centre, Beyers Naude Drive on several occasions in respect of the delivery of the new cards.
Today 4th August, I went to the bank to again try to find out where are my cards.
Once again, the young lady phoned her office and found out that the cards had been delivered to somewhere, I do not know where . ! The person who had taken the order should be disciplined, it is not the fault of the lady here at this Branch.
I am really cross making these wasted journeys.

Absa is the worst and most skelm sa bank with the most pathetic service. Sure the gupta’s still have shares there. I have settled my vehicle finance, in the full, as per settlement letter/quote from absa on the 31st july 2017. The instalment debit still went through on the 1st. Since tuesday 1st july, absa has still not reversed my vehicle finance debit back into my cheque account.
I requested a settlement letter and received the quote on the 25th july 2017. The letter clearly states i can make the payment by the 31st july 2017 and i paid in the settlement amount, via eft, on the 31st from my absa cheque account into absa vehicle account which should reflect immediately (absa to absa account) the debit still went through on the 1st july. I queried telephonically and by mail and the consultants informed me it takes 2-3 days. Unacceptible, should be immediate in at least one day. I have sent numerous complaints and mails, every day to absa vehicle finance, resolve at absa, actionline etc. It is friday the 4th july 2017 and no-one at absa has replied or contacted me, they don’t even give or send reference numbers anymore. I have all the proof, settlement letter/quote, mails etc.
This is not the first time and have put in numerous complaints against absa but they don’t bother to sort out queries and problems.

I am currently in Hong Kong and have been in Asia since April. I let my bank know that I would be here until September and would be using my Debit Cheque accouont. I have had no problems until I booked and paid for Augusts accommodation. Since then my account has been frozen. I also received an email from Lisbeth Nkanyane which stated that a case has been logged the reference number is F2543622. I never laid any case. I phoned the help line on the 2nd of August and was told my account was fine. I then tried to draw money and access my online banking but it has all been frozen. Yesterday the 3rd of August I called again and was put in touch with the Fraud Department. I waited on hold for an hour then had to hang up. I called back half an hour later and finally got a gentleman who informed me the card would only work here for a month. This is not what I was told at my bank and my card was working for well over two months up until this point. Unfortunately, half way through the conversation I ran out of airtime and the problem has not be resolved. I am using my SA sim card and now I have no air time, no cash and no way of getting hold of Absa. This situation is absolutely ridiculous. I am in a foreign country with no way to access my money and this has been going on for three days now. Please, I need this problem sorted today.
My card number is [protected].
My cell number is [protected].
My email is [protected]@gmail.com
Please, some assistance here immediately is needed or else I may end up on the street with no food or money.

Thank You,
Andrew John Cornew

Please find my ongoing complaint against Absa:

1.) In July 2015 - Reply from Absa stating balance is now R 121 031.86
Absa states that the arrears of R 98 849.60 was capitalised on 22
November 2012.
WHY was the arrears only capitalised in November 2012 ?

2.) 9 July 2015 letter from Absa with a recalculated outstanding balance of
R121 031, 86
My Statement for September 2016 - Showing balance of R 119 222.54
1 year later account has never been rectified according to their letter of
9 July 2015.

3.) Absa records indicate that the form 17.1 and 17.2 was received on 14
December 2012, HOWEVER the documents are dated 4 March 2010.
BUT At the bottom of my 17.1 you can see the confirmation that it was
faxed to Consumer Friend on the 4 March 2010.

I am very disappointed with the situation I find myself in. I am a Zimbabwean who works in Qatar and came to south Africa to buy a car and then proceed home to see my family and enjoy my holiday. I purchased a BMW X5 at Charlton Motors in Randburg and well after the purchase they told me Absa misplaced the original NATIS document meaning I cant change the ownership of the car into my name and cross the border with it. They have told me i have to wait 21 working days to get this document. This has seriously disrupted all my plans and inconvenienced me and my family. My visitors permit days in south africa are numbered and i need to go and see my family before my holiday runs out. Please do something Absa. I need your help. You are the only ones who can speed things up since you are the title holder of the vehicle I purchased. My number is [protected].

I tried to make an appointment with the ABSA Table View Branch manager to sort out my Personal loan payment in May 2017 but she was not available. I asked that she contact me to make an appointment but did not hear from her again. On Saturday 29 July 2017 I went to the branch and was able to speak to Audrey (unfortunately I do not have her surname). She could not help me with any of my questions as there are no one available over week-ends. She asked me to send my complaint via email and promised to sort this out for me. I did that on Saturday 29 July 2017 and up to now did not receive any response from her at all. I am very disappointed in ABSA's client service.

Morning,
One of you agents phoned me last month about my account. As I have explained, my accounts stays in the negative and when my salary comes in, its in the negative again. Thus deciding not to put my salary in the account. We talked about the restructure of my account, which I was told that the account will be restructured from 17.07.2017. That never happened as unpaid still went through my account.
I received another call from a Absa agent who informed me that the restructure was declined, with no one informing me. I asked him what was the reason for it being declined and I was told there is no reason on the system. I received my statements via email. Why was I not informed about the decline restructure, no email no sms messages nothing.
My account is now just accumulating charges and charges. How will I be able to pay it of with it accumulating charges al the time!. I see the charges this month is over R2500, its ridiculous really!.
PLEASE CLOSE THE ACCOUNT totally and I will pay it off every month the R500. I don't see the end of the tunnel with the account and it is just looking dark with all the charges accumulating!
I am unable to answer my phone during my normal working hours. So if you said you tried to call and I did not answer, that is my reason, but a sms and or email with the decline would have been better.
Please let me know urgently as I am not happy with this situation at all.
Kind regards

My father, Mr BJ Booysen ID no [protected] has got a (stopped) credit card with ABSA with an outstanding balance and it was handed over to daly. My father was diagnosed with Altzeimers in 2009 and then with dementia in 2014. He was declared disabled in 2014 as well. Since 2009 he has not received any income - the credit card was still used in 2014 to pay some expenses. He has no assets whatsoever and does not have any income to pay this credit card outstanding balance. He receives a monthly amount from PSG investment which does not even cover his room at the clinic. Daly and Absa is ready to take legal action and judgement - but what can we do? He has got no money whatsoever to pay a monthly amount on this credit card at all and he has no assets, wont be able to go to court - or anything. He has no speech and is totally disabled. Between Daly and Absa Legal I am referred to both BY both the entire time. I have sent all the requested documents 3 times to daly and absa about him being declared disabled as well as his current status. What can I do?

Yesterday 25 of July I went to Absa bank at Greenstone, Johannesburg to pay and close my credit card. The lady on bulk teller gave me a phone to call credit card division for settlement amount. I called and I given the amount I paid and called back and closed account. I was given an instruction on how to distroy the card and surety that my account is closed .I was told to wait for 24 hrs to get the settlement letter. To my surprise today I have recieved email with statement, stating that I should pay R1.50 cents. I need help as I desperately need the settlement letter .can someone get back to me

I was at the Absa Fourways branch this afternoon at 13:00.(26/07/2017)
I stood in line for half an hour and when I was assisted I was told that I would need my proof of residence.

I then went back to my vehicle for the proof of residence, when I got back to the bank I had to stand in line yet again, which was not an issue.

When I was attended to again, my proof of residence was not sufficient as it was not in the form of a statement.
I then asked the customer care consultant to call a manager as this was ridiculous and I have been in the bank for more than an hour.

I was not wanting to be turned away, this is why I asked for someone more senior.
When the manager on duty arrived she did not address me the consultant did, I was overlooked by the manager, it was as if I was not even standing there.(not professional at all)

I have never felt so small in my entire life.
I have myself worked for Absa and I know that a greeting is of importance.
I cannot understand the rude behaviour from senior management.

I understand the bank has procedures to follow, however my point of view was not even taken into consideration at all.
I tried to explain that my manager has granted me the time that I had while in the bank and could not return and had no other means of drawing cash with a card that is broken.

I cant understand why my identity as well as the letter of residence was not sufficient.

I was not so long ago in the bank with my manager, the very same bank and she was in the same predicament of needing a new card.
All she produced was an identity and no proof of residence and was assisted.

I need this complaint to be seriously looked into because it will not stop here until I get a proper explaination as to why I was turned away.

FYI I have been with Absa from 1994(23years of loyalty which counts for absolutely nothing not an ounce of empathy .

Mr E.A.Sass
[protected]

Evening

I have made a internet transfer on Sunday in Port Elizabeth at Baywest mall. For the past 2 days my freind was not able to withdraw the money at FNB which is very frustrating for me as I have banked with absa for many years.

I need the R45000 to be transferred into his account at FNB tomorrow morning by 8:30 am for the latest. My understanding is that the money has been moved to the FNB account but he could not withdraw the money.

His account number at FNB is [protected]

Please assist me with this. It is of utmost importance.

Im sorry to say that I ma dissapointed that I have been under so much stress the past 2 days and im restless tonight, not knowing if it will be available at FNB in the morning.

I am considering changing banks if you are not able to assist me as i amjust so dissapointed. I never expected this. It is affecting many things in a negative way. I have been loyal to ABSA for many years. Now that I need assistance I am not receiving it. Tomorrow is the third working day so it should be available. please let the money be available to the account at FNB tomorrow at 8 pm or earlier please. I am so dissapointed. Please try to help me as it is extremely important

I would appreciate your assistance so much.

please please help

Please contact me on [protected]

Regards

I sent the below...
I have had NO RESPONSE from ABSA whatsoever about my problem.

From: Ronald J. Munro [mailto:[protected]@telkomsa.net]
Sent: 28 June 2017 15:34
To: '[protected]@absa.co.za'; '[protected]@absa.co.za'
Subject: Claim Number - 3206108
Importance: High

To Whom It May Concern

I am a very dissatisfied customer of ABSA Bank (not that you really care), but this is regarding my claim I put into the home insurance department in February 2017. To date I still have no resolution for this query. This is the most pathetic service I have ever received from ABSA.

• I phone in to say that we had experienced allot of rain and the roof was leaking and that most of our ceilings had been rained on. ABSA sent a assessor + contractor from Newcastle who came to measure up the rooms. I waited about 4 weeks and no one from ABSA came back to me. So I phoned again and they said they will send out another assessor from Welkom. Her name was (Magda Rautenbach – [protected]). She came out in March did exactly the same as the other two from Newcastle. She said she sent all the documents into ABSA for Bafana Madlala’s attention. It is now almost July and I am still waiting for a authorization number to get the ceilings fixed.
• Magda did tell me that the bank would not fix the problem which was the roof, but they would fix the damage caused by the roof. I had the roof fixed about a month ago and it cost me R35000.00. I can send the proof of payment to the company who fixed the entier roof for us.

If this is not sorted out I will have no other alternative but to go to Carte Blanche on this.
I am awaiting your URGENT response.

Good Day
I submitted a storm damage claim to ABSA bank about a month ago
an Assessor came to view the property on the 26 June and another 27 June 2017 respectively. I have not received any other correspondence since then.
I have called twice and was informed they are "busy" my roof is currently open due to tiles that was blown off. I called again today and was now informed the assessor indicated there was storm damage but also lack of "maintenance" based on this the Manager will now decide if the claim will be processed. I am so distressed that my roof is broken, water is pouring onto my ceiling and i have no money to fix this. I have never missed a bond payment but the moment one attempts to claim these organisations find a method to not pay.
I need assistance in finalising this matter. I have 2 young children that are suffering due to this.

I am a absa bank customer since 1979.
I am now a pensioner with only Sassa as income. As my children took over my debit orders I decided to close them. Valhalla ABSA helped me to close only my savings account, paid out the R31, 00 but on the cheque account I must pay in R89, 00 before it can be closed. After explaining that I do not have it the answer was" Sorry Mam, if you do not pay the amount, and keep it open the cost will be more tomorrow." With no suggesting to speak to the manager/accountant for solution or to write off the amount. I felt like only a number at absa and not a worthy customer.
Regards
Alida Bekker
[protected]

Good Day
On the 17th of July 2017, I tried to do a transfer via ABSA internet banking, I could not due the their security system surecheck which does not seem to work outside of South Africa.
I contacted the ABSA actionline and they instructed me to clear my web history and try again.
I did this and nothing, I explained again the issue was with the surecheck system, so I was directed to ABSA technical who in turn directed me to [protected]@absa.co.za. To change me from surecheck to another system.
This has not happened, the rvn department has not responded in over 3 days and even though I am receiving mails from the other departments, they keep telling me it is the rvn department to fix the issue.
This has now carried on for five days and I am still no closer to being able to use my accounts.
Regards

Today I went to the Uitenhage Branch (eastern Cape) to pick up my new credit card as I received a message to do so. The first time after waiting almost a 40min. As there was only one person at this counter I was told I need proof of address.
Today do have my Absa Credit card account with me, it do state my name and address and the date of this document. The rest of the statement was left at my business. I was like 3rd in the que. When it was my turn, as today there was 3 people on this service desk, the guy just hang on a lady's shoulder and gathering with another person(total 3) with the other guy at his desk. Next moment he just throw the document on the table for person before me and go off and had a chat either with a customer an friend. Then return to his desk and the lady that arrive after me as she was talking to person that was at his desk and she approach his desk without that even bother to tell her that their is a que that she need to wait. Then the one lade told this person that I was to go next and he did not even say sorry for not he did not check who was next.
I told him that I want to pick up my credit card and give him the document and the I.D. And my old card. Then he said that my document was a half of proof of my dares as I can not see why he said that, because a Business owner I will know that if the dares and date is on the paper it will be legal use as a proof of address. If he really have me as a customer at hart of interest of doing business he could say that he will ask his supervisor it this document can be used. I said rather close this account I will pay the balance. He said there is the telephone and phone.
As the previous visit and today as well I pick up that he do ask a lot for the supervisor or call the lady for a few things. Why could he not do that for me as well to check if this document can be used as proof of address.

I am at a point of no return with absa.

I bought a vehicle and obtained a loan from absa.

I signed their 'e-contract' which clearly shows my personal bank details.

Absa actually managed to debit my wife's account! I am sure that is against the law?

We reversed the the debit immediately, and promptly informed absa of their mistake.

I made immediate arrangements that they debit my fnb account, as per the original signed contract with absa.

I also wanted to make sure that I am not penalised in any way ito additional fees, or interest as I lay this problem solely at their feet.

They still can't get the debit order right (After I asked that they send whatever documentation through to allow them to do this).

I made a manual payment, sent through the proof of payment but still I get phone-calls saying I am at fault.

My complaint is the following:

1) this is clearly absa's fault and I am sure it was against the law to debit from my wife's account - she did not sign for anything
2) I do not think it is fair, that I have to spend my time to sort out absa's problems
3) while I am trying my utmost best to sort this out, I am put to blame by absa's absolute incompetence in arranging a debit order (Which I signed for)

I have registered for eStatements to be sent to my email account, and receive an email stating that my eStatement will be sent on English and Afrikaans.

Now my question is why sent eStatements only in English and Afrikaans?What should I do in order for me to receive my eStatements in my Language being Setswana.Or is it that other languages are not recommended by ABSA as importance as English and Afrikaans.

And again I have noticed one of the companies that run your service survey about the changing of one of the machines at Sun village Complex to be a depositing ATM as the machine do same thing and one have to go to town or Mogwase for deposits, the lady promised me to bring the responsible personnel to attention on the matter but up to date.