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ABSA Bank vs Standard Chartered - Complete Bank Comparison 2025

Compare ABSA Bank and Standard Chartered side-by-side. Interest rates, fees, branch network, digital services, and customer reviews. Find out which bank is right for you.

Last verified: January 2026
Data from official bank websitesHow we verify data →

At a Glance

Best Rate
ABSA Bank Kenya
Lowest Fees
ABSA Bank Kenya
Fastest Approval
ABSA Bank Kenya
Overall Winner
ABSA Bank Kenya
Feature
ABSA Personal Loan
ABSA Bank Kenya
ABSA Business Credit Card
ABSA Bank Kenya
Interest Rate
14% - 16.5% p.a.
2.17% - 2.17% p.a.
Best Rate
Loan Amount Range
KES 50,000 - KES 10,000,000
N/A
Repayment Period
12 - 72 months
N/A
Fees
Processing: 2.5%%
Annual: KES 3500
Key Features
  • Loan amounts up to KES 10 million
  • Flexible repayment up to 6 years
  • Competitive interest rates from 14%
  • Quick approval within 48 hours
  • Salary advance up to 3x net salary
  • Separate business and personal expenses
  • Interest-free period up to 45 days
  • Free employee cards (up to 5)
  • Detailed monthly business expense reports
  • Online expense management portal
View Details & ApplyView Details & Apply

ABSA Personal Loan

Pros

  • +Loan amounts up to KES 10 million
  • +Flexible repayment up to 6 years
  • +Competitive interest rates from 14%
  • +Quick approval within 48 hours

ABSA Business Credit Card

Pros

  • +Separate business and personal expenses
  • +Interest-free period up to 45 days
  • +Free employee cards (up to 5)
  • +Detailed monthly business expense reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: ABSA Bank or Standard Chartered?

Both ABSA Bank and Standard Chartered are reputable CBK-licensed banks in Kenya. ABSA Bank has 80 branches while Standard Chartered has undefined branches. ABSA Bank was established in 1916 and Standard Chartered in 1911. The best choice depends on your specific needs, location, and the type of financial product you're looking for.

What are the main differences between ABSA Bank and Standard Chartered?

ABSA Bank is headquartered in Nairobi and offers Over 100 years of banking experience, Strong international banking network. Standard Chartered is headquartered in Nairobi and is known for competitive rates. They differ in their product offerings, interest rates, fees, and branch networks.

Which bank has better interest rates: ABSA Bank or Standard Chartered?

Interest rates vary by product type. For personal loans, rates typically range from 13-18% p.a. at both banks. ABSA Bank may offer lower rates for salary-backed loans, while Standard Chartered might have better rates for secured loans. Always compare specific products on PesaMarket for current rates.

Can I have accounts at both ABSA Bank and Standard Chartered?

Yes, you can have accounts at both ABSA Bank and Standard Chartered. Many Kenyans maintain multiple bank accounts to take advantage of different products and services. Both banks offer mobile banking integration with M-Pesa for easy transfers.

Which bank has better mobile banking: ABSA Bank or Standard Chartered?

Both banks have robust mobile banking apps. ABSA Bank offers Absa Banking App with M-Pesa integration, while Standard Chartered provides SC Mobile services. Check app store ratings and features that matter most to you.

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