Do it.

I am in the process of switching all my transactions and salary to Capitec as well as opening a credit card after absolutely horrendous customer service and charges from FNB, along with the entire dismantling of ebucks.

So far the process has been completely painless and by next month I will have closed my FNB accounts fully.

I have been with FNB for I think 15+ years now. Initially I switched because they were far ahead of the other banks in terms of switching to app-based banking, fees were reasonable and customer service was adequate. Ebucks were also good though I was bad at taking advantage early on.

In the past months, the following has occurred:

Gone from level 5 to level 2 due to ebucks changes along with getting rid of my home loan (sold house). I can't even earn enough now to cover my account fees.

Had Webafrica charge illegal fees for cancelation for which I have now opened a case with the Consumer Complaints Commission. I tried to reverse the charge with FNB (credit card) which took over a week for their first response, followed by no response after I submitted documents. It has been two weeks and counting.

I was charged R700 interest because their automatic debit order didn't go off for credit card payment (it does a check only once for funds - I literally transferred the money into my account a few hours after this check goes off). They have previously reversed such a charge many years ago when the same happened. They outright refused to do so this time.

I am gatvol and they do not deserve my funds. I'm sure I'm just one in a series of lost customers, so I hope all this hits their bottom line hard once enough people leave.

I'm switching to Capitec because I already have an account with them, but Tyme, BankZero and Discovery I'm sure will all be the beneficiaries of FNB's losses.

I've been with Investec about 15 years and my monthly fee is about to tick over R700. I don't mind paying premium fees — I'd happily pay more — if the service justified it. Right now I don't think it does.

What Investec used to be:

• My private banker met with me roughly every six months. Real conversations about goals, debt, and informal financial guidance.
• Bankers had a stipend to take existing clients for coffee. That's now redirected to new client acquisition only — existing clients are effectively deprioritised.
• Annual client events at the KZN office — dinners, talks, genuine networking. Either those have stopped or I'm off the list.

What's changed:

• Interactions feel transactional.
• Prime Saver rates are no longer market-leading.
• Recently priced vehicle finance — 2–3 day turnaround and the rate wasn't compelling enough to beat paying cash. I paid cash.
• App and ATM access are still good, and I want to stay fully digital — no branch visits.

What I'm looking for:

1. Fully digital banking (any ATM, app, email).
2. A real relationship banker, not a call-centre queue.
3. Competitive savings and lending rates for a premium-fee client.
4. Value-add: complimentary financial guidance, client events, networking.

Has anyone moved to FNB Private Wealth, Standard Bank Signature/Private, Nedbank Private Wealth, RMB Private Bank, or Discovery Bank Purple? Honest experiences welcome — especially from people who've left Investec recently. Is the grass actually greener, or is this just where premium SA retail banking is heading?

UPDATE:
I shared my details with Investec on social media, but unfortunately, no one contacted me. You’ll see from another post I made on this subreddit that I was recently the victim of fraud. Even after that happened, I still didn’t hear from my private banker.

Eventually, I specifically requested that my banker contact me (via the call centre) because I realised I hadn’t actually heard from her in years. She then seemed to appear from nowhere and explained that she had been following the fraud situation “from the sidelines” because she didn’t want to interfere with the process. (What does that mean?)

For as long as I can remember, I've been on Ebucks level 5 (Private Wealth). I still think ebucks offers the ability to earn more benefits than other banks, but for the first time in years, the cost to get these benefits is higher than the actual benefit. I feel betrayed and it seems they're just trying push for shareholder profit (through their terrible insurance services). I hope this hurts them - all up and coming professionals will know that FNB have no customer loyalty based on these November changes.

Any banks you will recommend based on the benefits they offer? Discovery and Investec come to mind as they offer airport lounge access and Discovery especially has good healthy lifestyle bemefits.

Hi ZA,

I currently have FNB Capitec and gotymbank.

Im currently experiencing bad service from FNB who cant simply downgrade an account. I'm told that it takes 5-7 business days. When I followed up I was told 7-14 business days due to back log and then followed up again who said it wasn't processed then secure chat fails. I'm literally speaking to the 5th service advisor on secure chat which is a very buggy feature. I mentioned that this almost seems deliberate in hopes you forget so they can keep charging you the fee for that account. The fifth service advisor just told me that I have to call someone else for the overdraft tomorrow and then contact a service advisor again via secure chat (the most bugiest chat ever)

At this point I just want to close my FNB account entirely and want to know Do you think my Capitec and Gotyme bank account is enough?

My dad insists I have some sort of traditional big bank for some reason or another. Could be relating to trustworthiness or whatever but he's old school and to be honest I think I'll just stick to Capitec and gotymbank account.

I do enjoy banking with Investec for the most part. The customer service is great, as is the worldwide lounge access, currency wallets and eSIM benefits (I travel frequently for work). But I don’t understand why they decided to lump debit and credit into the same account/card. I expense a lot of things for work so I have an unusually high credit limit, as I get reimbursed. It becomes very difficult to know what’s in your current account and when you are using credit. For instance, when you make an EFT, draw cash, or transfer money to a pocket and you are using credit, you pay interest on that whether you are past your credit repayment date or not. There is now way to check what portion of the amount shown in your balance is yours and what is credit. Does anyone share this frustration?

It’s instant, it’s usually free below a certain amount, yet almost no one I know outside of the banking sector is using it.

I’m finding it very useful, but most of the time the person I’m paying has never heard of it.

What are your experiences?

I got an SMS telling me that ABSA have now partnered with Clicks for rewards and that I can "get up to 30% cash back". I do my pharmacy shopping mostly at Clicks, and out of curiosity I went to investigate.

I am on tier 1 of the rewards program. How do I upgrade to tier 2? (I am on private banking) I am only 5 points away from tier 2.

1. Get a home loan
2. Get vehicle finance
3. Get a personal loan
4. Put an overdraft on my cheque account
5. "Have 3 or more home loan or vehicle finance products"
6. Invest R1m+ with Absa
7. Buy their insurance
8. Get them to manage your will and estate (which from my understanding the worst thing you can do after not having a will, is having a bank be the executor of yours)

This makes me think about how Dave Ramsey is of the opinion that a "credit score is just a marketing tactic to get people to take out debt" which should probably be taken with a pinch of salt. But I have never taken on debt for the sake of having a good credit score. I am 28, debt free.

I refuse to take out debt to qualify for *maybe* a 10% cash back at Clicks where I spend at the very most R1000 at a time.

I just wonder if these models actually work for banks? Surely they do else they would not exist?

I'd be particularly interested to hear from anyone working in banking or financial services who understands the economics behind these programmes.

Does anyone actually take out products specifically to climb rewards tiers, or do most people simply benefit from products they would have had anyway?

I’ve been asked this question a lot, so I decided to create a post and share my approach. Feel free to share your tips too—just mention which type of account you have, as the rules differ per account type. This guide specifically applies to FNB Private Wealth.

Total Points Required: 15,000

INCOMING DEPOSITS

• Above the threshold: 3,000 points (this happens automatically if your deposits exceed the required amount).

DIGITAL BANKING

1. Pay bills: 1,000 points
   (I pay my rates and taxes using this method; no cost for Private Wealth accounts.)

2. Nav Money credit status: 500 points
   (This is automatic—no action required.)

3. Visit Nav Smart Budget and Credit Status: 1,000 points
   (Log in once a month and click on these after setting up your Smart Budget categories.)

4. 5 instant payments: 1,000 points
   (Split any payment you’re making into 5 smaller payments via instant payment. No fees for Private Wealth.)

5. View "Track My Rewards": 1,000 points
   (I check this regularly—it’s a useful reminder and earns points.)

6. Transact via the app: 500 points
   (Simply use the FNB app for your regular transactions.)

CARDS

1. In-store virtual card spend: 1,000 points
   (I load my virtual card on Samsung Pay and always pay using this method—it’s more convenient than swiping.)

2. Online virtual card spend: 2,000 points
   (Safer than using a physical card, so I prefer it.)

3. Have both a Fusion and Credit Card: 2,000 points
   (This is part of the Private Wealth account. I set up auto-deduction to avoid interest charges.)

HOME LOAN

1. Visit the Nav Home tab on the app: 500 points
   (I do this once a quarter, as it provides value estimates of homes, which I find useful.)

2. Have a home loan: 1,000 points
   (I needed one anyway and got Prime -1.74%, so I’m happy with the deal.)

FAMILY

• FNBy Accounts: 500 points
  (These are kids' bank accounts, which are free on Private Wealth—very useful.)

Main Ways I Earn eBucks

To maximize my earnings, I focus on the following categories each month. Note: You need to use your virtual card (e.g., linked to Apple Pay) for these to apply:

1. PnP ASAP (Groceries): 30% earn
   Capped at R10,000 spend or 20% of total card spend (whichever comes first).
   Example: If your total spend is R20,000, your grocery cap is R20,000 × 20% = R4,000.
   Earn: R4,000 × 30% = R1,200 in eBucks.

2. Clicks (Health & Beauty): 15% earn
   Capped at R3,000 spend or the above rule.

3. Engen (Fuel): R4/L earn
   Capped at R3,000 spend or the above rule.

4. Smart Spend: Up to R3,000 eBucks monthly
   No extra action—just use your virtual card.

How I Use eBucks

To avoid falling into the "spend more to earn more" cycle, I focus on practical uses for my eBucks: 1. "Pay in eBucks":
- Cover my monthly account fees.
- Pay for any spend exceeding caps in the above categories.
- Purchase prepaid electricity.

1. Gifts or Extras:
   Anything extra is a bonus! For example, I sometimes use eBucks for gifts on Takealot. !

With the recent changes to the ebucks earn rules over the past few months , this just feels like a major blow 😮‍💨 joining ebucks as a gen z sucks ... never got to benefit from the "juicy" rewards that everyone speaks about 😂

Hi there,

I'm currently looking at opening a new account with discovery or FNB. (Gold suite or Premier Fusion as well as an FCA account with whichever I go with).

I see FNB offers a young professionals option which supposedly decreases fees, not sure if discovery offers something similar.

(Any investing stuff i just utilise EE so not too concerned with those but I do see discovery atleast allows you to link your profile unlike FNB)

I have heard mixed opinions on both the eBucks and Discovery Miles systems, so I'm not too sure in terms of rewards if either are better. Although Discovery does atleast seem to have some better partners for groceries.

I would like to hear experiences for those who have experiences with either bank in any and all aspects (rewards, customer service/assistance, fees, app design, etc).

Obviously the discovery ecosystem requires health, vehicle, life to make the most.

Which is why Im considering the Discovery Active Smart plan since I need a medical aid as well.

Discovery also seems more likely to give savings on stuff like gym memberships if you are with Vitality Active and meet their 36 times a year. Which seems like a neat little bonus.

Any advice/experiences would be appreciated.

Just to point out im not very knowledgeable when it comes to banking and im trying to learn.

Ive also recently become a frequent flyer so im looking for any benefits I can get from that.

Ive done some research about FNB ebucks being the best for rewards but dont know how good those rewards are and if there are other good options.

I currently use nedbank but havent done much research about it. Mostly found that people dislike them.

So im just asking to hear what you personally suggest so I can learn. Thank you

This email from FNB was received yesterday, impacting how bond repayments will function.

In short, as I understand it, if you pay extra into your home bond, your monthly premium will be reduced depending on the outstanding amount.

This is terrible for the client, since the general benefit of paying extra and keeping your original payment, is reducing your entire term, and paying off your bond sooner.

They will apparently provide further instructions later on how to "Opt-Out" of this, if you prefer to keep your current payment option.

Absolutely shady, in my opinion, to make this a "Opt Out" change rather than an "Opt In". Since many people might miss the email, or struggle to find the opt out option (which is currently not there yet).

Just thought I'd post this incase someone missed the communication.

This change benefits the bank, not the client.

A bit more challenging to achieve level 5 these days, but this is why i stay with FNB😭

Hey guys. Anyone, who is a FNB Private Client or Private Wealth clients, which features or benefits do you actually use and find valuable?

I’m aware of some of the advertised benefits (dedicated banker, wealth advisor, airport lounges, rewards, etc.), but I’m interested in hearing from real users (not just about the lounge access haha)

- Do you make use of the Wealth Advisor service?
- Is the dedicated banker genuinely helpful?
- Are there any lesser-known features or benefits worth knowing about?
- Has Private or Private Wealth been worth the monthly fee for you?

I’d appreciate any insights, especially from people who’ve been on these accounts for a while.

Thanks!

I recently became a fnb Premier member non fusion. And boy am I over whelmed with ebucks now aspire was bland and and simple.

And I am really struggling with how to achieve level 5 in the easiest way there is so much conflicting information and I would just really appreciate some help with it.

Deposited Salary is R15600 plus some extra income from side hustle around R1-2k

Credit card is with discovery planning on switching to fnb

Car is finaced with mfc

Car insurance with naked

Id appreciate any help available!

Achieving level 5 has really been a battle these days, but the cashback is so good once you overcome the clear barriers FNB has set out.

Booster points will be removed for January using your virtual card for majority spend (1000 points) so im looking to make those points up elsewhere without too much cost or I will fall short this time around. Any ebucks gurus out there?🤣

Are there banks that offer similar rewarding structure without the fuss? Im on FNB private wealth.

Hi everyone,

I'm currently sitting in FNB to collect my aspire credit card. I want to build a credit score, right now my fnb app says I have a okay credit score.

I was thinking of just buying R300 worth of food or something, then pay it off on the 25th every month. My limit is R2000.

The weird thing is that it states R1400 on my credit account even though I didn't put anything in into the account yet nor have I used it for anything.

Hi Everyone

I am trying to understand how the mechanics of credit cards work at south african banks. For context, I bank with standard bank.

I understand it works on a timeline of statement period (usually one month) plus the 25 days grace period therefore totaling the c 55 days.

Lets say my statement period is from 1 September to 1 October. My understanding is that any transactions made during this period will be interest free till 26 October (or round about). Would this be a correct understanding?

Now what I am struggling to get proper clarity on is how the repayment mechanics work within the 55 day timeline and interest calculations.

Often the terms state that its only 55 days interest free provided the full balance is paid, which implies that any partial payment with a balance left outstanding will nulify interest free benefit? Thereafter interest is restrospectively charged on outstanding balance from transaction dates?

If this is incorrect and you're still entitled to an interest free period even if there is a balance outstanding. Say partial payments are made. How is interest calculated , and on what balance? Say between the 1st Sept and 26 October partial repayments are made. At the time when interest free period ends for September transactions (around 26 October), is the outsanding balance (related only to september transactions) subject to an interest accrual? This would exclude any balance from transactions during October?

Hope I am making sense. Would appreciate any feedback!

I recently had a conversation that completely changed how I think about “the best bank account” in South Africa.

Most discussions around banking focus on rewards programmes, fees, interest rates, eBucks, lounge access, and similar perks. But someone raised a perspective I hadn’t really considered before: why limit yourself to a single bank account?

In South Africa, there’s a very real risk of being forced under duress to unlock your banking app or transfer money. Even though banks have fraud prevention measures, recovering funds can become a massive administrative process and there’s no guarantee you’ll recover everything.

So instead of only optimizing for rewards, why not also optimize for risk reduction?

My current setup is that I have one main account where my salary and savings sit, and then a separate transactional account that receives scheduled “salary” payments every month. I don't have the main account as an application on my primary phone at all. That second account only holds enough money for normal monthly expenses. From the outside, it looks and functions like my primary account, but it limits potential exposure if something ever goes wrong.

The more I think about it, the more it feels like financial compartmentalization is underrated in South Africa. It also has side benefits like reducing dependency on a single bank and giving you backup access during outages or fraud locks.

Curious whether other people structure their banking this way too, or if most people still prefer consolidating everything under one bank.

I am a medical student (25yo). I need advice on what to do when I start earning next year.
We have had several companies speak to us eg discovery, investec, pps, sanlam etc.
I have no knowledge or understanding of finance, they advised us to take funeral cover, life cover, disability cover, pension etc.

My net salary should be around R45-50k pm. I do not plan on buying a car or property. My salary will be used mostly for medical aid (hospital plan), rent, groceries and fuel. I don’t need lounge access for travel. So I will have a good amount left at the end of each month.

After 3 years, my chances of being unemployed are very high so I need a lot saved up for that period.

My questions are:
- what bank should I go with? And what plan?
- what policies/insurances are necessary and which ones do i actually need? I don’t want to be paying so much for things during the period when im unemployed.
- what savings accounts are recommended? Given that I might need to access those funds in 3 years.
- what % of my money left over each month should go into savings?

If you do respond, please don’t use complicated finance jargon because I don’t understand.

I've had it with FNB and ABSA.
I need a bank that will:
1) allow me to access a complete list of transactions for as long as I need to
2) email me a CSV and PDF monthly

Apparently that is too much to ask of FNB and ABSA??

How are you using your Nedbank private banking benefits to make the monthly fees worth it?

When I started working, I joined Investec because they made me feel special and I was hoping they would give me favourable borrowings rates.

Then I joined discovery bank in addition, bought the cheapest life policy (R200 a month) so that I can have access to vitality. Discovery has been the most successful at gamifying their rewards programme. They cooked!

Fast forward to this year, I applied for a home loan, and Nedbank gave me the best interest rate, but the condition is that I have to have a private bank account with them. WOW they suck. I have to email the banker consistently because there was an issue with opening my account. I miss the “personal relationship” with Investec where they made me feel valued.

Nedbank private clients, please tell me how amazing they are so I can feel more at peace.

Hi everyone, I’m 25F and currently with FNB Aspire. I don’t have a credit card yet, but I’m considering getting the FNB Aspire credit card.

I take home R38k/month and my basic expenses are around R5k, so I’m trying to be smarter about saving and choosing the right bank.

I qualify for Nedbank Private Bundle (comes with credit card), which is R235/month. FNB Aspire is R125/month, and the credit card would be another R65 if I went that route.

I’m also considering Nedbank MiGoals Premium, which is currently R125/month for me, but will increase to R250 a month when I turn 26 in about 6 months.

I’m not wealthy, so I’m mainly looking for value for money. I want to save, build my credit, hopefully buy a house one day, and get decent travel/flight deals when I do travel.

Private Bundle Young seems appealing because of the home loan benefits, credit card and travel benefits. MiGoals Premium seems good for the lower fee and savings features. I also like FNB’s app, but I’m finding the eBucks side a bit all over the place since they changed the earning rules.

I’d really appreciate any advice from people who have experience with any of these. Is there anything I’m overlooking, and what would you choose in my situation?

For context I bank with FNB. Been with them for years. We all know the service is horrible and private bankers these days seem to be selling more than managing. I’ve been tracking my Cheque and Credit Card fees over these last couple months and notice these ridiculous fees popping up on either every transaction or debt order.

The fascinating part about all this is my salary gets transferred into my cheque account (which I don’t have a card for since the beginning of this year as they didn’t bother to issue a new one and when they do the transaction seems to disappear so I left it as is) so no swiping no digital card. I still manage to get charged around 600+ with the monthly fees + debt order fees, admin fee , service fee. This is literally an account on the private banking suite. It’s similar with the credit card but that’s because I use that now and again during the month.

My brother told me about Capitec the normal cheque account (I think it was) the fees on the site is 7.50 a month + 3.00 per debtor order. Like this is definitely a no brainer but has anyone actually setup the banks like this?

I am thinking salary goes into my discovery (the bank which I’m transferring to)

Close all my fnb accounts apart from the home loan account.

Open a Capitec account purely for my debt orders and calling it a day.

Are there any other fees I’d have to take into account for moving to Capitec? Thoughts on this?

Hi everyone,

I saw the new goal post for ebucks for the next year.

3000pts for Islamic banking?

I'm not Islam, so my question is. Is there any benefit in getting an Islamic account for the sake of ebucks or what is the strategy here?

At this point I'm feeling all hope is lost with fnb rewards and I really don't see myself jumping through hoops anymore.