Absa Tax-Free Call Investment
Earn interest tax-free with immediate access to your money
The Absa Tax-Free Call Investment Account lets you grow your savings with zero tax on interest earned - up to the annual limit of R36,000 and lifetime limit of R500,000 set by SARS.
Unlike fixed deposits, this call account gives you immediate access to your funds while still earning competitive interest rates. It's ideal for South Africans looking to build an emergency fund or save for medium-term goals tax-efficiently.
Quick Facts
Interest Rate
Up to 8.5%
Tax-free earnings
Monthly Fee
R0
No account fees
Access
Immediate
Call account access
Key Features
100% Tax-Free Interest
All interest earned is exempt from income tax, unlike regular savings accounts where interest above R23,800 (under 65) is taxed.
Immediate Access
Unlike fixed deposits, you can access your funds at any time without notice period or penalties.
Guaranteed Capital
Your capital is guaranteed - you can't lose your initial investment, unlike unit trusts or equity investments.
Zero Fees
No monthly fees, no administration fees, no transaction fees. 100% of your money works for you.
Flexible Deposits
Make deposits anytime up to the R36,000 annual limit. Perfect for regular monthly savings or lump sums.
SARS Tax-Free Limits
Annual Limit
R36,000
Maximum you can contribute per tax year across ALL tax-free products
Lifetime Limit
R500,000
Maximum total contributions over your lifetime
Important: Exceeding these limits results in a 40% penalty tax on the excess amount. The limit applies to contributions, not the growth.
Interest Rates
| Balance | Interest Rate (p.a.) |
|---|---|
| R0 - R9,999 | 6.5% |
| R10,000 - R49,999 | 7.5% |
| R50,000 - R99,999 | 8.0% |
| R100,000+ | 8.5% |
* Interest rates are variable and subject to change. Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly.
Example: Tax-Free vs Taxable Savings
See how much more you earn with tax-free savings over 5 years (R36,000 annual contribution at 8% interest):
Tax-Free Account
Taxable Account (45% bracket)
* Simplified example. Actual tax depends on your marginal rate and interest exemption used.
Requirements to Open
Eligibility
- South African tax resident
- 18 years or older
- Valid SA ID number
- No minimum opening balance
Documents Needed
- Valid SA ID document
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income (if required)
* Existing Absa customers may have documents on file
How to Open
Absa Banking App (Fastest)
Log in to the app and go to Apply > Savings & Investments > Tax-Free Savings.
Online Banking
Log into Absa Online and navigate to Products > Savings & Investments.
Branch Visit
Visit any Absa branch with your ID and proof of residence to open in person.
Call Centre
Call 0860 100 372 to open over the phone with assistance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 100% tax-free interest
- Immediate access to funds
- Guaranteed capital - no risk
- Zero monthly or admin fees
- Competitive interest rates
- Easy to open digitally
Cons
- R36,000 annual contribution limit
- Variable rates can decrease
- May not beat inflation long-term
- Lower rates than fixed deposits
- Penalty for exceeding limits
Who Should Choose This Account?
Ideal For:
- Emergency fund savers who need quick access
- Conservative investors who want guaranteed capital
- High earners who exceed the interest exemption
- Those building medium-term savings
Consider Alternatives If:
- You want higher returns (consider tax-free ETFs)
- You don't need immediate access (consider fixed deposit)
- You're saving for 10+ years (consider tax-free unit trusts)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple tax-free accounts?
Yes, but your R36,000 annual limit applies across ALL tax-free products (bank accounts, unit trusts, ETFs). SARS tracks this via your ID number.
What happens if I withdraw and re-deposit?
Withdrawals don't restore your contribution limit. If you deposit R36,000, withdraw R10,000, then re-deposit R10,000, you've used R46,000 of your limit.
Is my money safe?
Yes, deposits are guaranteed by Absa and your capital cannot decrease. The account is also covered by the deposit insurance scheme up to R100,000.
Do I need to be an Absa customer?
Anyone can open this account, but existing Absa customers enjoy a simpler application process with documents already on file.