Absa Introduces Three Digital Payment Solutions to Ease Banking

Absa Bank Uganda has launched three innovative digital payment solutions namely the Absa Multi-Currency Virtual Card, Absa Pay, and Absa Pay by Link, all designed to make banking more convenient, secure, and accessible for individuals and businesses.

The Absa Multi-Currency Virtual Card enables users to hold and manage up to five currencies including Uganda Shillings (UGX), US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), Pounds (GBP), and South African Rand (ZAR), on a single platform.

Customers can create virtual cards in real time, making it easy to manage international payments for travel, online shopping, or business expenses.

This solution empowers customers to manage cross‑border transactions on their own terms, lock in favourable currency rates, and reduce costs, all within a secure, digital-first environment.

Absa Pay is a self-registration service that gives customers instant access to a digital debit or credit card, eliminating the need to carry a physical card.

Customers can register and activate the service through the Absa Internet Banking App under Card Management.

Once activated, users can make secure, contactless payments directly from their phones. This solution addresses the growing demand for convenience, flexibility, and security in everyday payments.

Absa Pay by Link is designed for Business Banking customers seeking a fast, secure way to receive payments.

Businesses can generate a secure payment link and share it with customers, who can pay using any Visa-enabled card. Payments are settled instantly into the Absa account, reducing reliance on cash and streamlining business operations.

This solution is ideal for SMEs, traders, and service providers looking to accelerate sales and scale efficiently.

Speaking at the launch, Moses Rutahigwa, Retail and Business Banking Director, Absa Bank Uganda, said, “We are excited to introduce these solutions that simplify payments both locally and internationally.

From managing multiple currencies while travelling or transacting online, to enabling fast, contactless payments for everyday use, and supporting SMEs with instant settlement, these innovations reflect our commitment to empowering our customers in today’s digital economy.”

These product launches come at a time when digital payments are surging across Uganda.

According to Bank of Uganda’s Integrated Annual Report June 2025, active mobile banking users increased by 6.5% to 2.1 million, while the value of mobile banking transactions soared 39.4% to UGX 15.5 trillion.

Chad Pollock, VP and GM Visa East Africa added, “I’m proud to witness Absa Uganda launch Absa Pay, Multicurrency Virtual Cards, and Pay-by-link for Merchants.

These innovations arrive at a time when digital payments in Uganda are surging. With over 2.1 million active mobile banking users and transaction values reaching UGX 15.5 trillion, it is clear that Ugandans are ready for digital-first solutions that are seamless, safe, and fit for purpose.”

“The rapid growth in digital payments over the last four years confirms that Ugandans are ready for fast, secure, and convenient digital-first payment solutions, both locally and internationally. Therefore, these new solutions are timely and relevant as they align with the rapid digital transformation taking place in Uganda,” Rutahigwa added.