Absa has rolled out a new self-service feature across its ATM network in South Africa, allowing customers to redeem Western Union international money transfers without visiting a branch. The service is designed to streamline access to cash, reduce wait times, and improve convenience for customers, particularly those who cannot access funds through digital platforms such as the Absa Banking App or Absa Online.
Integrated into Absa's secure banking protocols, the new capability provides an alternative channel for remittance redemption outside of traditional banking hours. The service broadens financial accessibility, enabling customers to manage international transfers directly through the bank's widespread ATM infrastructure. Since its soft launch in July, Absa has processed over 1,500 inbound remittances monthly through ATMs, paying out more than R20 million in total.
Western Union, with operations in over 200 countries and approximately 500,000 locations worldwide, underpins the global reach of the initiative. The self-service feature includes full compliance with regulatory requirements, including anti-money laundering protocols, ensuring secure transactions. Customers must be at least 18 years old and hold an active Absa transactional account to access inbound payments.
