As mobile banking becomes an essential part of daily financial transactions in Kenya, Absa Kenya’s Hello Money service offers a convenient, accessible solution that doesn’t require a smartphone or data connection. Designed to work on any phone, Hello Money is a USSD-based mobile banking platform that allows Absa customers to manage their finances with ease. From transferring funds and checking account balances to paying bills and buying airtime, Hello Money provides a full suite of banking options at your fingertips.
This guide provides a comprehensive look at how to register for Absa Hello Money, change or reset your PIN, use its features, and get support through Absa’s customer service.
What is Absa Hello Money?
Hello Money is Absa Kenya’s USSD mobile banking service, which allows customers to perform various banking transactions without the need for internet access. The service is accessible by dialing *224#, making it ideal for those who don’t have access to a smartphone or data. It provides a wide range of functions, including:
- Fund Transfers: Transfer money to other Absa accounts, M-Pesa, and even accounts at other banks.
- Balance Inquiry: Check your current account balance instantly.
- Mini Statements: View a quick summary of your recent transactions.
- Bill Payments: Pay your bills, including electricity, water, rent, and more.
- Airtime Purchase: Buy airtime for yourself or others across all networks in Kenya.
- Beneficiary Management: Add and manage beneficiaries for funds transfer, bill payments, and other transactions.
These features make Hello Money a comprehensive mobile banking tool suitable for anyone looking to manage their finances without visiting a bank branch or relying on internet connectivity.
Benefits of Using Absa Hello Money
- Accessibility: Since Hello Money works on any phone, it’s an inclusive service that reaches customers who may not have access to smartphones or reliable internet.
- Convenience: With Hello Money, you can bank on the go, anytime and anywhere, without needing to visit a branch.
- Security: Transactions require PIN verification, and the platform provides users with temporary PINs upon registration, which must be personalized within 72 hours.
- Broad Functionality: Hello Money goes beyond simple transactions, enabling users to make bill payments, add beneficiaries, and even request mini statements.
- Cost-Effective: No data is required to access Hello Money, making it cost-effective for users who might be limited by internet costs.
How to Register for Absa Hello Money
Follow these steps to set up your Hello Money account:
- Dial *224# on your phone:
- This USSD code works across all Kenyan mobile networks, including Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom.
- Select your preferred language:
- You can choose between English or Kiswahili.
- Select Self-Registration:
- Choose the self-registration option on the menu to start the process.
- Enter Your Absa Account Number:
- Input the account number associated with your Absa bank account. Ensure the number is accurate, as any errors may hinder the registration process.
- Accept the Terms and Conditions:
- Press “1” to confirm that you agree to the service’s terms and conditions.
- Enter Your Date of Birth:
- Provide your date of birth as per the format requested. This step helps confirm your identity.
- Enter Your Card Number and Expiry Date:
- Enter your Absa debit card number and its expiry date to verify your account.
- Confirmation:
- Once the registration details are validated, you will receive a confirmation message. A temporary PIN will be sent to your phone via SMS.
- Personalize Your PIN:
- Use the temporary PIN to log in within 72 hours and set a new PIN for secure access to your Hello Money account.
How to Change Your PIN on Hello Money
If you need to change your Hello Money PIN, follow these steps:
- Dial *224# and select the option for Hello Money.
- Enter Your Temporary PIN (if you haven’t set up a permanent one yet).
- Choose the Change PIN Option:
- This will prompt you to enter a new PIN of your choice.
- Confirm Your New PIN:
- Re-enter the new PIN to confirm the change.
- Confirmation:
- A confirmation message will be displayed, verifying the successful change of your PIN.
How to Reset Your PIN on Hello Money
If you forget your PIN, you can reset it using the following steps:
- Dial *224# and select Forgot PIN.
- Confirm Reset:
- You’ll be asked to confirm that you want to reset your PIN by pressing “1.”
- Enter Account and Personal Details:
- Input your Absa account number, date of birth, and debit card details as requested.
- Create a New PIN:
- After entering the necessary information, you will be prompted to enter and confirm a new PIN.
- Confirmation:
- A message confirming the successful reset of your PIN will be displayed.
How to Use Absa Hello Money Features
With Hello Money, customers can perform a wide range of banking tasks. Below is a breakdown of how to use some of the most popular features:
1. Checking Your Account Balance
- Dial *224#, enter your PIN, and select the “Check Balance” option to see your current account balance.
2. Requesting a Mini Statement
- Dial *224# and select Bank Services > Account Service > Mini Statement.
- Choose the account for which you want to see the mini statement. A summary of recent transactions will be displayed.
3. Transferring Funds
- To Other Absa Accounts: Select Fund Transfer and choose the recipient’s Absa account.
- To M-Pesa: Select the M-Pesa option, enter the phone number and the amount, and confirm the transaction.
- To Other Banks: Choose the interbank transfer option, enter the recipient’s bank details, and confirm the transaction.
4. Paying Bills
- Dial *224# and select the Pay Bills option.
- Enter the biller code (such as Kenya Power, Nairobi Water, etc.) and the account number associated with the service.
- Input the amount and confirm the payment.
5. Buying Airtime
- For Self: Dial *224#, select Buy Airtime, choose the amount, and confirm the transaction.
- For Others: Select the “Buy Airtime for Others” option, enter their phone number and the amount, then confirm the purchase.
Absa Hello Money Transaction Charges and Limits
Transaction Limits:
- The daily transaction limit on Hello Money is generally set at Ksh 70,000.
- For interbank transfers, the limit may be lower depending on Absa’s policies.
Transaction Charges:
- Standard USSD banking fees apply, and charges vary depending on the type of transaction. For instance, transfers to M-Pesa may have different rates compared to other bank transfers.
To get a complete breakdown of Hello Money charges, it’s advisable to contact Absa’s customer support for the latest fees.
Absa Customer Support Contacts for Hello Money Assistance
If you encounter issues with Hello Money registration or need help with a transaction, you can contact Absa Kenya through the following channels:
- Phone Support:
- +254 (732) 130120
- +254 (722) 130120
- (020) 3900000
- Email Support:
- In-Branch Support:
- For complex issues, visit any Absa Kenya branch. Absa’s customer service representatives are available to assist with registration, PIN resets, or any other Hello Money-related questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need an internet connection to use Absa Hello Money?
No, Hello Money is a USSD-based service and does not require internet. You only need access to a mobile network to dial *224#.
Q2: What if I forget my Hello Money PIN?
You can reset your PIN by dialing *224# and following the “Forgot PIN” process, which includes verifying your account with personal details.
Q3: Can I use Hello Money if I am outside Kenya?
Hello Money may work on roaming services, but it depends on the availability of USSD access in the country you’re visiting. It’s advisable to consult Absa customer support before traveling.
Q4: Is Hello Money safe?
Yes, Hello Money is secure. Absa uses advanced encryption and requires PIN verification for all transactions, ensuring that only authorized users can access accounts.
Absa Hello Money is an inclusive, accessible mobile banking platform that caters to Kenyans across different regions and economic backgrounds. By enabling banking through USSD, Absa ensures that more people can access banking services, even without smartphones or internet access. From registering for the service to executing secure transactions, this guide provides everything you need to know to get started with Hello Money.
