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Free payments, simpler pricing, and stronger rewards unlock real everyday value for customers
As South Africans navigate rising living costs and increasingly complex financial lives, FNB is placing payments and everyday money movement at the centre of how it delivers customer help. From 1 July 2026, the Bank will introduce simpler pricing, faster payments, and more accessible ways to manage money anchored by free everyday digital payments.
Fees on EFT payments will be removed across key segments, significantly reducing the cost of everyday banking. At the same time, customers will benefit from expanded real-time payment capabilities, simplified pricing structures, and enhanced value through the eBucks rewards programme.
These changes form part of FNB’s annual pricing and value review, designed to respond to evolving customer behaviour including the rise of real-time payments, side-income earning, and the growing need for greater financial visibility and control.
“Customers are under immense financial pressure, but they are also more active in how they earn, spend and move money. These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to meet the evolving needs of individuals, families and businesses by delivering excellent value in all economic conditions,” says Senzo Nsibande, CEO of FNB Core Banking, Retail and Business Banking.
“Managing money should feel simple and empowering. By removing everyday payment costs and simplifying pricing, we are helping customers unlock more value through the way they transact,” he adds.
Recognising that payments are central to everyday life, FNB’s latest updates make it easier and more affordable for customers to move money with:
- Continued free FNB-to-FNB payments and EFTs across key account segments
- Free Real-Time Payments (RTPs) within bundles from Easy accounts upward
- Expanded payment value for Solopreneurs, including 20% more transactions at no cost
- Continued inclusion of transfers, debit orders and digital payments in bundles
“For many customers, particularly small businesses, managing money is no longer a monthly exercise, but a daily one. Faster payments and reduced transaction costs mean that income received can be used immediately, improving cash flow and giving customers greater control over how and when they allocate funds,” he adds.
FNB has also introduced simplified, transparent pricing on key services:
- PayShap ID payments priced at R3
- Real-Time Payments to accounts priced at R5 (Easy & Aspire)
- Send Money transactions priced atR11 (up to R500) and R30 (above R500)
- Prepaid electricity purchases from R1 to R2.50 across segments
“These changes reflect our view that payments are the heartbeat of the financial system,” adds Nsibande. “By removing cost barriers, we are enabling customers to participate fully in the economy whether supporting family, running a business, or managing multiple income streams,” he says.
“As digital payments become more embedded in how businesses operate, the cost and flexibility of accepting payments is becoming just as important as making them. FNB continues to expand its merchant solutions, giving businesses access to payment acceptance options suited to different trading environments.
The bank’s merchant pricing model is structured to support growth, with lower commission rates linked to higher transaction values, helping businesses manage costs as they scale,” says Nsibande.
In addition to free payments, FNB is enhancing value across its broader pricing structure:
- Zero monthly fees remain on entry-level accounts such as Easy Zero, eWallet Extra, and First Business Zero.
- Reduced monthly fees on Fusion accounts versus previous account fees in Premier and higher segments
- 50% discount on spouse or partner account fees in Aspire and above
- No monthly fees for children on qualifying accounts
- Monthly fees waived for qualifying customers, including seniors and Private Wealth clients
Cash access remains competitive, with the following highlights:
- Free withdrawals and deposits within bundles
- Transparent cash pricing for retail customers, including:
- Cash@Till withdrawals at R3
- ATM withdrawals at R2.80 per R100
- ATM deposits at R1.80 per R100
FNB is also strengthening how everyday banking behaviour translates into tangible rewards through eBucks. “Customers should feel the benefit of their banking choices,” says Pieter Woodhatch, CEO of eBucks.
“We are enhancing the value of eBucks, and this year we are proud to announce what we believe is our most significant investment in customer value to date. Discount budgets will increase by 20%, with more than R2.7 billion in value being returned to our customers over the course of the year.
This includes greater earning potential, with more points available and reduced thresholds required to reach Reward Levels 3, 4 and 5. For many SMEs, electricity and fuel are non-negotiable expenses required to power equipment, enable daily operations and support deliveries.”
Through eBucks, business customers can earn up to R6 per litre on fuel at Engen and up to 15% back on electricity, directly offsetting two major cost drivers that have seen significant price increases. The April 2026 award in Atlanta USA of Best B2B Loyalty program worldwide is testament to this value available for our business customers.
“eBucks is central to the integrated value we offer our retail and business customers across FNB and RMB Private Bank as well as the way we shape behaviour to help our customers better manage their money. We’ve made great strides in tailoring our rewards to cater to the real needs of consumers across all income segments, through the smart use of consumer insights. Over the next year, clients can expect enhanced app and online interfaces, delivering a more seamless and intuitive experience. This will be complemented by increased gamification, as well as a fully simplified eBucks journey for customers,” explains Woodhatch.
Customers can unlock up to 30% back in eBucks at Pick n Pay through asap! This also now includes Clothing bought on ASAP, with 20% back in-store and on clothing, alongside everyday value such as weekly bread for 99c for our retail customers, For the first time, FNB Aspire clients will now qualify for the Bread discount offering, unlocking an additional R44 in monthly value. Expanding this benefit from Entry-level into Aspire also supports greater simplicity in eBucks’ value proposition and messaging to customers.
Redemption continues to gain strong momentum, with rates increasing by 49% year-on-year and more than 6 million vouchers issued to customers.
The introduction of Koodoo in June to the eBucks Partner Shop further expands rewards choice, enabling customers to spend their eBucks on PlayStation consoles, games and accessories.
This partnership strengthens the device and appliance offering, with customers now able to receive up to 100% back on selected PlayStation purchases. In addition, extending device and appliance deals to Aspire clients means they now qualify for up to 20% back on these purchases, further enhancing overall value for customers.
Beyond groceries, customers can benefit from enhanced travel and leisure savings, including up to 80% off domestic and international flights through FNB Short-Term Insurance. With rising global fuel costs often reflected in surcharges and taxes making up a significant portion of the total ticket prices, this offer applies to the full fare, rather than just the base ticket price. This ensures greater savings for customers and a more transparent, simplified experience, particularly in a rising cost environment. These discounts now extend across 10 international airlines, up from 4, providing broader coverage across key global desitinations. Furthermore, another big announcement customers around leisure, is the introduction of up to 30% back in eBucks at Golfers Club, including an option to pay or part-pay in eBucks.
“We are also expanding everyday relevance through ongoing benefits such as up to R120 in Clicks Clinic vouchers quarterly. To date more than 6 million burgers have been given to customers through our Burger Friday deal at PnP.” said Woodhatch.
“In addition, eBucks understands that purchasing a property is more than just a transaction but a journey filled with exciting milestones, memories, and meaningful moments. Customers who take up a new Home Loan or switch to FNB, could qualify for up to R30 000 in rewards,” he adds.
For private banking customers, the latest updates reflect the increasing complexity of managing wealth across multiple accounts, instruments and geographies. “Today’s clients are managing interconnected financial lives, across portfolios, assets and borders and expect their banking to reflect that complexity with simplicity,” says Philani Potwana, CEO of Private Core Banking and Credit Card. “Our focus is on removing friction in everyday transactions while strengthening the overall value delivered through rewards. This enables clients to manage their financial priorities with greater clarity, confidence and control.”
“Banking must do more than enable transactions. It must actively support clients in growing, managing and protecting their wealth,” adds Potwana. “By simplifying payments, enhancing rewards and improving the day-to-day banking experience, we are enabling clients to extract more value from how they bank at every touchpoint.
“These changes reinforce our commitment to delivering clear, relevant and differentiated solutions – grounded in advice, simplicity and long-term partnership, ensuring that our clients experience meaningful value, particularly when it matters most.” Potwana concluded.
INFO SUPPLIED.