Google Pay is available for Absa customers using NFC-enabled Android devices

With Google Pay, your phone becomes your easiest way to pay. Whether you are  shopping, dining or booking online, your Absa card is always ready when you are.  No cash. No cards. Just tap and go. 

Pay with confidence: Your actual card number isn’t shared with merchants when you pay

Simply tap and pay: Make contactless payments with your compatible phone or smartwatch

Built-in protection: Your payment information is protected by Google Pay’s security technology

Pay your way, anywhere: Use Google Pay in stores, online and in apps wherever it’s accepted

How to get started

Step 1: Open Google Wallet on your compatible Android phone, or download it from the Google Play Store if you don’t already have it

Step 2: Add your eligible Absa card and follow the prompts to complete setup and verification

Step 3: Contact the Absa Contact Centre to complete the verification

Step 4: Use Google Pay to pay in stores, online and in apps wherever it’s accepted

Download your Google Wallet and add your card

Google Play Store icon

Frequently asked questions and support

  • What is Google Pay and how does it work?

    • Google Pay lets you make secure payments using an NFC-enabled Android phone, smartwatch or other device, instead of using cash or a physical card
    • Once you’ve added your eligible debit or credit card to Google Wallet, you can use Google Pay for contactless payments in stores and to pay in apps and online wherever Google Pay is accepted
    • To pay in store, simply add your card to Google Wallet, unlock your device, and hold it near the contactless payment terminal when prompted
    • Your actual card number is not shared when you pay. Instead, Google Pay uses a secure digital token to help protect your card details

  • How do I set up Google Pay?

    To set up Google Pay:

    1. Open the Google Wallet app on your compatible device
    2. Sign in to your Google account if prompted
    3. Tap 'Add to Wallet'
    4. Select 'Payment card', then select 'New credit or debit card'
    5. Scan your card using your device’s camera or enter your card details manually
    6. Review and accept the terms and conditions
    7. Follow the prompts to verify your card, if required

    Once your card has been successfully added and verified, it will appear in Google Wallet and you can use it with Google Pay

  • Is Google Pay safe to use?

    Google Pay has built-in security features designed to help protect your payment information and transactions. These include:

    • Encrypted payments: Your payment information and activity are securely stored, and your payments are encrypted.
    • Your card details stay protected: For eligible cards, Google Pay uses a virtual card number instead of sharing your actual card number with the merchant when you pay.
    • Built-in fraud protection: Google Pay uses security technology to help identify suspicious payments and can alert you to suspicious activity in supported scenarios

  • Does Google pay charge fees?

    No. Google Pay does not charge you a fee for making payments. However, the normal fees associated with your debit or credit card may still apply, such as foreign transaction fees, currency conversion charges, interest or other fees charged by your bank or card issuer.

  • Are there transaction limits?

    Google Pay does not set a fixed spending limit for in-store purchases. However, the normal transaction and spending limits on your card still apply, and some merchants may have their own payment limits.

  • Can I use multiple cards?

    Yes. You can add multiple eligible cards to Google Wallet and choose which one you want to use. Your first payment card is automatically set as your default for contactless payments, but you can change your default card at any time or select another card before you pay

  • What if my phone is lost or stolen?

    If your phone is lost or stolen, secure it as soon as possible using your Google Account. You can remotely locate or secure your device, or sign out of your Google Account to remove access to your account and connected apps.

    For additional protection, change your Google Account password if you’re unable to recover or secure your device.

  • Why is my Google Pay not working?

    If Google Pay isn’t working, try the following:

    • Make sure NFC is switched on and your phone supports contactless payments.
    • Check that Google Wallet is set as your default contactless payment app.
    • Make sure Google Wallet is up to date.
    • Check that your card has been added and verified successfully in Google Wallet.
    • Make sure your phone has a screen lock enabled and unlock your phone before trying to pay.
    • Check that your device meets Google’s security requirements and is Play Protect certified.
    • When paying, hold your phone close to the payment terminal for a few seconds. A thick phone case can sometimes interfere with the NFC connection.
    • If your phone shows that the payment was successful but the transaction is declined, contact your bank to check whether there is an issue with your card

  • What is the difference between Google Pay and Google Wallet?

    Google Wallet is the app where you securely store your payment cards, tickets, passes, keys and other supported digital items. Google Pay is the payment service you use to pay with an eligible card from your Google Wallet, whether you’re tapping to pay in stores or paying online or in an app. 

    In short, Google Wallet stores your cards and other digital items; Google Pay lets you pay with them.

  • How do I set up Google Pay?

    Step 1: Get Google Wallet
    1. Download Google Wallet from the Google Play Store if it isn't already installed on your phone
    2. Open Google Wallet and sign in to your Google Account
    Step 2: Make sure your phone is ready

    To make contactless payments:

    1. Your Android phone must support NFC
    2. NFC must be switched on in your phone's settings
    3. You must have a screen lock set up, such as a PIN, password, fingerprint or supported face unlock
    4. Make sure Google Wallet is your default contactless payment app
    Step 3: Add your Absa card
    1. Open Google Wallet
    2. Tap Add to Wallet
    3. Select Payment card
    4. Scan your card or enter the card details manually
    5. Follow the instructions to complete the setup
    Step 4: You will be prompted to contact the Absa Contact Centre to complete the verification and activation of your card
    1. Call the Absa Contact Centre on +248 438 3939. If you're adding more than one eligible card, you can add them first and then contact the Contact Centre for assistance with activation. You can also visit an Absa branch for assistance.
      Operating hours
      Contact Centre: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:30. Closed on weekends and public holidays.
      Branches: Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 14:30. Closed on weekends and public holidays.
      Premier Branch: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 15:30. Closed on weekends and public holidays.
    Step 4: Choose your preferred card
    1. If you have added more than one card, you can choose which card you want to use as your default card for contactless payments. 
    Step 5: You're ready to pay
    1. Unlock your phone
    2. Hold it close to a contactless payment terminal
    3. You don't need to open Google Wallet before you pay
    4. Wait for confirmation that your payment was successful

Download your Google Wallet and add your card

Google Play Store icon