Technology is leaping ahead faster than ever, and it’s up to us to ensure that you stay right at the cutting edge. AbsaID Facial Biometrics is a feature that allows you to link your unique facial features with your mobile device or re-set your Absa Banking App Passcode or your Absa Online PIN and Password to create even greater security. With this new world-class security feature, you can rest assured that we continue to do more for you to keep your money more secure while improving your banking experience.

How it works

Our AbsaID Facial Biometrics uses facial mapping technology to verify and identify you providing an additional layer of security. It links your unique facial features to your mobile device to create a security barrier that only you can unlock.

Enhanced banking experience

Aside from the obvious security benefits, ID Facial Biometrics also improves your overall banking experience. For instance, instead of going to the branch to link your device to your Banking App or to re-setting your Absa Online PIN and Password or your App Passcode. We can safely and seamlessly identify and verify you using your unique face. The technology will recognise your face and automatically link your relevant accounts and products and make immediate payments more securely and conveniently.

Global gold standard

The biometric facial recognition technology is a first for our digital banking security with highly acclaimed honours. It has won the Best Digital Innovation Initiative in the Transaction Banking category at the Digital Banker Middle East & Africa Innovation Awards 2021.

What you need to set it up:

The latest version of the Absa Banking App.
A valid cellphone number registered with Absa.
A valid identification photograph with the Department of Home Affairs.

Setting up the facial recognition on your Absa Banking App only takes minutes.

How to reset your Absa Online PIN and Password in just a few easy steps

Download the latest version of the Absa Banking App
Go to Absa Online and click on Reset PIN
Enter your access account number
Scan you face to verify yourself using AbsaID Facial Biometrics on the Absa Banking App
Enter your new five-digit PIN and tap Done. That’s it

Resetting your Absa Online PIN and Password on your Absa Banking App in just a few easy steps.

How to reset your Absa Banking App Passcode

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AbsaID Facial Biometrics?

AbsaID Facial Biometrics is a new functionality that allows you to link your mobile device to the Banking App as well as change your mobile device using facial biometrics.
How does this new functionality work?

AbsaID facial biometrics uses facial mapping technology to verify and identify you when linking a device to your Banking App, providing an additional layer of security for you as a customer.
Do I need a smartphone to use this functionality?

Yes, the capability only works on smart devices with the Banking App installed on them.
How do I set up AbsaID facial biometrics on my phone?

1.     Download the Absa Banking App from your App Store or Google Play Store.

2.     Do this from the device that you would like to make your verification device.

3.     If you already have the App, make sure that it is upgraded to the latest version.

4.     Open the App and click or tap Add user.

5.     Select Link this device and follow the steps.
What if I do not have the Absa Banking App on my device?

You can download the Banking App from the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the prompts to complete the process.
What happens when there is a secondary device linked on internet banking?

Devices can no longer be linked via Absa Online. Device linking can only be initiated via the App installed on the handset.
Is AbsaID Facial Biometrics also available to Business customers?

Yes, the functionality is available to Business customers too.
I suffer from epilepsy and photo sensitivity. Will the functionality affect me negatively?

Tests have been conducted and the number of flashes is below the threshold. Therefore, if you suffer from epilepsy and photo sensitivity, you will not be negatively affected.
I tried linking my device to the Banking App while walking and it could not detect my face. Did I do something wrong?

Due to the sensitive nature of face mapping, it cannot be done while moving. In fact, even talking will cause the linking to fail. Standing still and not talking, while in a fairly lit room, should be more than sufficient to pass the scan.
Can I link my face at night in a fairly lit room?

Standing still and not talking, while in a fairly lit room, should be more than sufficient to pass the scan.
Will my photo be stored securely?

Your facial biometrics will be encrypted, adhering to our prescribed standards and stored securely.
Can the functionality differentiate between my real face and a photograph of my face?

Yes. The technology is highly advanced and performs a live check to ensure that the face it is scanning is, indeed, alive.
What is 2FA/SureCheck 2.0?

2FA/SureCheck 2.0 is an enhanced Virtual banking security system that allows you to approve Virtual transactions using the Absa Banking App.
How do I know I am downloading the right app?

Look for: White Absa Icon, Bot “Absa Bank Limited”.
Where can I download this app that marketing is referring to?

You go to your APP Store (Windows; Apple and Google) and download it there. If you do not have a google account, you may need to set one up first, but it is relatively easy.
My cellphone says there is not enough space to download the app. What must I do?

Unfortunately, you will need to have the app on your phone to bank. You may need to create space by deleting images, videos etc.
I do not want to use the app because I do not feel it's safe. Why are you forcing me?

We can assure you that the app is secure and using it to authenticate transactions will only improve your security and protect you from fraud. To learn more about our security features go to www.absa.co.za/security centre.
What happens if there is a connection error and I cannot receive a push notification token on my verification device (cellphone)?

The token can be generated from the No connection screen or from the Security section on the app.
I do not have a smartphone, can I still bank?

Yes, you can, you need to tell us you don’t have a smartphone and you will not be able to use the upgraded security system that comes with 2FA/SureCheck 2.0 and will have to acknowledge that you have read the message by ticking the box and will use the old SureCheck. As Absa, we recommend that you try and update your phone as soon as possible.
I lost my SureCheck device. How do I change the SureCheck to my new device?

Download the app on the new device and login with your credentials. If SureCheck fails, select “My SureCheck device is not available” and follow the prompts.
How do I change my device to the SureCheck device?

Go to manage devices on Absa Online Banking, Connected Banking or your banking app and on the chosen device select “Make SureCheck device” and follow the steps presented.
My partner and I share a smartphone. Can both of us share a SureCheck device?

Yes, you can but we would not advise it, for security purposes it is best to each to have their own SureCheck 2.0 device if possible.