eBucks: The Ultimate Guide to South Africa’s Leading Rewards Programme
Complete guide for South African residents
Last updated: November 2025
Quick Facts
- South Africa’s oldest and largest bank rewards programme (since 2000)
- Over 6 million active members earning rewards monthly
- Free to join for all FNB and RMB Private Bank customers
- Earn up to 30% back on groceries and up to 40% off travel
- eBucks now paid out on 15th of every month (eBucks PayDay)
- 1 eBuck = R0.10 (10 eBucks = R1)
Table of Contents
What is eBucks?
eBucks is South Africa’s oldest and most popular bank rewards programme. It started in October 2000 and is run by First National Bank (FNB). Over the past 25 years, eBucks has paid out more than R15 billion in rewards to South African customers.
When you bank with FNB or RMB Private Bank, you earn eBucks on your everyday purchases and banking activities. You can then use these eBucks to save money on groceries, fuel, travel, shopping, and much more.
The basic exchange rate is simple: 1 eBuck = R0.10, which means 10 eBucks = R1. So if you have 5,000 eBucks in your account, that equals R500 in spending power.
eBucks is completely free to join if you have a qualifying FNB or RMB Private Bank account. There are no monthly fees for the eBucks programme itself.
How eBucks Works: Three Simple Steps
Step 1: Qualify for eBucks
To start earning eBucks, you must meet certain requirements. These vary depending on which FNB account you have. Generally, you need to:
- Have an active FNB or RMB Private Bank account
- Meet minimum deposit or balance requirements for your account type
- Log into the FNB Banking App at least once per month
- Keep all your accounts in good standing (not overdrawn or in arrears)
Step 2: Earn Reward Level Points
Your reward level determines how much you earn. You collect points based on how you bank with FNB. The more FNB products you use and the better your banking behaviour, the higher your reward level. There are five reward levels (Level 1 to Level 5).
Your reward level is reviewed around the 8th of every month. This means you could be on a different level each month depending on your banking activities.
Step 3: Earn and Spend eBucks
Once you qualify and have a reward level, you start earning eBucks on qualifying purchases. Every month on the 15th (eBucks PayDay), your earned rewards are deposited into your eBucks account. You can then spend them at partner stores or on the eBucks Shop.
Who Can Join eBucks?
To register as an eBucks member, you need:
- A valid South African ID number or passport
- An active FNB or RMB Private Bank transactional account
- To register online via the FNB Banking App or at www.ebucks.com
Qualifying Requirements by Account Type:
| Account Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| FNB Easy | Monthly deposit of at least R2,000 |
| FNB Aspire | Monthly deposit of at least R7,500 or balance of R25,000 |
| FNB Premier | Monthly deposit of at least R16,000 or balance of R60,000 |
| FNB Private Clients | Monthly deposit of at least R32,500 or balance of R75,000 |
| FNB Private Wealth | Monthly deposit of at least R60,000 or balance of R500,000 |
✅ Understanding the Five Reward Levels
Your reward level is the key to maximising your eBucks earnings. The higher your level, the more you earn back on every purchase. Your level depends on how many reward level points you collect each month through your banking behaviour.
How to Collect Reward Level Points:
- Use FNB products: Having multiple FNB products (savings accounts, investments, insurance, vehicle finance) earns you points
- Maintain good credit: A healthy credit score earns you points every month
- Grow your savings: Increasing your savings balance by at least R1,400 per month can earn up to 1,000 points
- Use digital banking: Making payments through the FNB App earns points
- Check the app regularly: Viewing “Track My Rewards” in the app once a month earns 500 points
- Use nav» Home: Visiting this feature quarterly earns 500 points
- Have insurance: Qualifying FNB Life insurance can earn up to 3,500 points monthly
What Each Level Means for You:
Reward Level 1 (Entry Level)
Basic rewards on all qualifying spend. Good starting point for new customers or those with simpler banking needs.
Reward Level 2
Increased earning rates. Free WhatsApp messaging when you spend R1+ on FNB Connect.
Reward Level 3
This is where significant value starts. Good discounts and earning rates for customers who engage moderately with FNB.
Reward Level 4
Excellent rewards. For example, you can earn R2 per litre on fuel (Level 3 only earns 75c per litre).
Reward Level 5 (Maximum)
The highest earning potential. You could earn R4 per litre on fuel, up to 30% back on groceries, and up to 40% off travel bookings.
How to Earn eBucks
You earn eBucks in two main ways: through your everyday banking behaviour and by shopping at partner stores. The amount you earn depends on your reward level.
1. Banking Behaviour
- Card purchases: Earn 0.4% to 2.5% back on qualifying purchases with your FNB card
- Online shopping: Earn more when using your FNB Virtual Card online (up to 1% back)
- Digital payments: Use the FNB App for all payments, transfers, and transactions
- Savings growth: Earn points when your savings balance increases
- Insurance premiums: Earn up to 15% back on qualifying FNB Life insurance
- Foreign exchange: Earn eBucks on qualifying forex transactions
2. Shopping at Partners
This is where you can earn the most eBucks! Here are the current earning rates as of November 2025:
| Category | Earning Rate |
|---|---|
| Pick n Pay groceries | Up to 20% back in-store (higher levels) |
| Pick n Pay asap! delivery | Up to 30% back (Private Clients & above) |
| Pick n Pay Clothing | Up to 20% back or R150/month (Aspire) |
| Engen fuel | Up to R4/litre back (Level 5 with extras) |
| SPAR | Up to 15% back in eBucks |
| Airtime (all networks) | Up to 15% back |
| FNB Connect | Up to 40% back |
| Prepaid electricity | Up to 15% back |
⚠️ Important: What You CAN’T Earn On
You won’t earn eBucks on:
- Cash withdrawals
- Casino gambling transactions
- EFT transfers
- Debit orders (outgoing)
- Foreign exchange notes or traveller’s cheques
- Deposits into your account
Where to Earn and Spend Your eBucks
Major Partnerships (as of November 2025)
Groceries & Food
- Pick n Pay: Primary grocery partner since April 2025. Earn and spend in-store and online
- Pick n Pay asap!: On-demand delivery service with premium earning rates
- Pick n Pay Clothing: Fashion and homeware
- SPAR: Still available for earning eBucks
- Kauai: Monthly vouchers for qualifying customers
- Starbucks, Wimpy: Complimentary vouchers for higher-tier accounts
Note: As of 31 March 2025, you can no longer earn or spend eBucks at Shoprite or Checkers stores.
Fuel
- Engen: Main fuel partner with enhanced rewards for WesBank vehicle finance customers
Shopping
- Takealot: Online shopping
- Superbalist: Fashion online
- Mr D Food: Food delivery
- eBucks Partner Shop: Access to various products on the FNB App
Note: As of 1 July 2025, iStore is no longer an eBucks partner. Apple products are now available through the eBucks Partner Shop on the FNB App.
Travel & Accommodation
Special Benefits for Easy Account Holders
99c Bread Offer: FNB Easy and Easy Bundle customers can buy up to 4 loaves of Pick n Pay bread per month for just 99c each. Simply swipe your FNB Easy Debit Card at Pick n Pay and you’ll receive a voucher code via SMS.
Monthly Grocery Vouchers: Receive R25, R50, or R100 in grocery vouchers when you spend at least R250 at Pick n Pay with your FNB Easy Bundle Debit Card.
eBucks PayDay: Get Your Rewards on the 15th
In October 2025, FNB introduced a major improvement called “eBucks PayDay”. Now, all eBucks members receive their monthly rewards on the same day – the 15th of every month.
Why This Matters:
- Predictability: You know exactly when your rewards will arrive
- Planning: You can plan your monthly shopping or bookings around the 15th
- Mid-month boost: Perfect timing to help with expenses between paydays
- Consistency: No more wondering when your rewards will be deposited
According to Pieter Woodhatch, FNB eBucks CEO: “This mid-month ‘PayDay’ will create a predictable schedule for receiving rewards, making planning simpler and easier.”
✅ Enhanced Travel Benefits (November 2025 Updates)
eBucks Travel has become one of the most valuable benefits in the programme. In November 2025, FNB announced major improvements to how travel rewards work.
Big Change: Full Ticket Discounts
Previously, eBucks discounts on domestic flights only applied to the base fare (excluding taxes and baggage). From November 2025 onwards, your eBucks discount applies to the full ticket price including all taxes, baggage fees, and other charges.
How Much You Can Save on Flights:
| Your Reward Level | Discount (No Insurance) | Discount (With Insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1-5 | Up to 20% off | Up to 40% off |
| Higher discounts (up to 80%) available with qualifying insurance products | ||
Other Travel Benefits:
- Accommodation: Book hotels, guest houses, and lodges directly through the FNB App
- Car rental: Up to 40% off when booking through the app and paying with eBucks
- Bus tickets: Up to R100 off for Easy/Aspire customers, up to 40% off for Premier and above
- SLOW Lounge access: Free airport lounge visits (number depends on your reward level)
- Bonus lounge visits: Extra visits when booking through eBucks Travel on the app
Real Example: If you’re on Reward Level 5 with FNB insurance and you book a R3,000 domestic flight, you could get up to R1,200 off (40% discount), paying only R1,800 with your eBucks.
🚨 Protect Yourself: eBucks Scams and Safety
As eBucks has become more popular, criminals have created scams to steal your rewards or banking details. In 2025, digital banking fraud in South Africa almost doubled, with losses exceeding R1.4 billion. Here’s how to stay safe.
Common eBucks Scams to Watch For:
1. “Unclaimed Rewards” Email Scam
The Scam: You receive an email saying you have thousands of Rand in “unclaimed eBucks” (for example, R42,000). The email includes a link to “claim” them.
The Truth: This is a phishing scam. The link takes you to a fake website designed to steal your FNB login details.
Red Flags: Generic greetings like “Dear Customer”, urgent language, spelling errors, suspicious email addresses
2. Fake “eBucks Purchase Confirmation” SMS
The Scam: You get an SMS saying you’ve purchased 100,000 eBucks for R3,799. It includes a link to “cancel” the transaction if you didn’t authorise it.
The Truth: There’s no such thing as “purchasing eBucks”. This scam tricks you into clicking the link and entering your banking details.
Red Flags: You can’t buy eBucks with money – you only earn them through banking and spending
3. “Security Update Required” Messages
The Scam: Messages claiming your eBucks or FNB account needs a “security update” or will be “suspended” unless you click a link to verify your details.
The Truth: FNB will never ask you to update your details through email or SMS links.
Red Flags: Threats of account closure, urgent timeframes, requests to “confirm” personal details
4. AI Deepfake Voice Scams (New in 2025)
The Scam: You receive a phone call from someone who sounds exactly like an FNB representative. They know your name and some account details. They say there’s suspicious activity and need your OTP to “secure” your account.
The Truth: Criminals are now using AI to clone voices and create very convincing fake calls. SABRIC has warned that victims have lost over R100,000 to these scams.
Red Flags: Any request for your OTP, PIN, or password – even if the voice sounds real
How to Stay Safe:
- Never share your OTP: FNB and eBucks will NEVER ask for your One Time PIN under any circumstances
- Never share your password or PIN: Not via email, SMS, phone call, or in person
- Check email addresses carefully: Official eBucks emails come from @ebucks.com domains
- Don’t click links in emails or SMS: Rather open the FNB App or go to www.ebucks.com directly
- If someone calls claiming to be from FNB: Hang up and call FNB directly on 087 575 9404
- Use the official FNB Banking App: Never download banking apps from links sent via WhatsApp or email
- Enable two-factor authentication: Use FNB’s Verified by Visa for online purchases
- Check your eBucks balance regularly: Log into the FNB App to monitor your account
If You’ve Been Scammed:
- Contact FNB immediately: Call 087 575 9404 (available 24/7)
- Contact eBucks: Call 087 320 3200
- Report the scam: Email onlinefraud@ebucks.com
- Report to SABRIC: South African Banking Risk Information Centre
- Change your passwords: Immediately change your FNB and eBucks passwords
- Monitor your accounts: Check for any unauthorised transactions
- Report to the police: Open a case at your local police station
How to Register for eBucks
Getting started with eBucks is simple and completely free. Here’s how:
Option 1: Register via the FNB Banking App (Easiest)
- Download the FNB Banking App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Log in with your FNB banking details
- Look for the eBucks icon on the home screen
- Tap on it and follow the prompts to register
- Accept the terms and conditions
- You’re done! You can start earning immediately
Option 2: Register Online
- Go to www.ebucks.com
- Click on “Join eBucks”
- Enter your South African ID number or passport number
- Provide your FNB account details
- Create your eBucks profile
- Verify your cellphone number
After Registration:
- Check the FNB App around the 8th of each month to see your reward level
- Use “Track My Rewards” to see how to earn more points
- Start using your FNB cards at partner stores
- Wait for the 15th of the month to receive your first eBucks payout
How to Check Your eBucks Balance
There are several ways to check how many eBucks you have:
1. FNB Banking App (Best Method)
- Open the FNB Banking App
- Tap on the eBucks icon on the home screen
- Your balance is displayed at the top
- You can also see your reward level and track your progress
2. Online Banking
- Log into FNB Online Banking at www.fnb.co.za
- Click on “My eBucks”
- Your balance and reward level are shown
3. SMS (R1 per SMS)
- Send an SMS with the word “balance” and your ID number to 32224
- You’ll receive your eBucks balance by SMS
- Cost: R1 per SMS
4. Phone Call
- Call the eBucks Contact Centre on 087 320 3200
- Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
✅ Your Consumer Rights
As an eBucks member, you have important rights under South African law:
Under the Consumer Protection Act:
- Right to fair and honest dealing
- Right to clear information about the programme
- Right to privacy (your data is protected under POPI Act)
- Right to complain if terms are not honoured
Important eBucks Terms to Know:
- eBucks don’t expire: As long as your account remains active
- eBucks can’t be converted to cash: They can only be used at partners or in the eBucks Shop
- Terms can change: FNB may update partners, earning rates, and rules (they will notify you)
- You need qualifying accounts: If your account no longer meets requirements, you won’t earn that month
Where to Get Help:
| Issue Type | Contact |
|---|---|
| eBucks queries | 087 320 3200 |
| FNB general queries | 087 575 9404 |
| Fraud or scams | onlinefraud@ebucks.com or 087 575 9404 |
| Banking complaints | Banking Ombudsman: 0860 800 900 |
| Financial Sector Conduct Authority | 0800 110 443 or www.fsca.co.za |
Our Final Recommendations
Is eBucks Worth It?
Yes, absolutely – if you’re already an FNB customer. eBucks is completely free to join and can genuinely save you hundreds or even thousands of Rand every year, especially on essentials like groceries and fuel.
Tips for Maximum Value:
- Focus on your reward level: Use the “Track My Rewards” tool monthly to see how to reach the next level. Even moving from Level 3 to Level 4 can double your fuel rewards.
- Shop strategically: Do your grocery shopping at Pick n Pay on or after the 15th when your eBucks land. Combine with Smart Shopper for double rewards.
- Use your Virtual Card: This often earns higher rates than your physical card, especially for online shopping.
- Book travel through the app: You’ll get better discounts booking through eBucks Travel on the FNB App rather than online.
- Grow your savings: Increasing your savings by R1,400 monthly can earn up to 1,000 reward level points.
- Protect yourself: Never share your OTP or password. Be extremely cautious of unsolicited calls or messages about your eBucks.
Who Benefits Most?
- Families who shop at Pick n Pay: The 20-30% earning rates can save R500+ monthly on groceries
- Regular travellers: Up to 40% off flights makes a huge difference for business or family trips
- Car owners: The fuel rewards at Engen (up to R4/litre) add up quickly if you fill up weekly
- Aspire account holders: You get excellent value without needing the higher-tier accounts
Remember:
eBucks rewards smart banking behaviour, not just spending. You don’t need to be a high earner to benefit. Even at Level 1, you’re still earning rewards. The programme is designed to help all South Africans get more value from their money.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in November 2025. eBucks programme terms, earning rates, partners, and requirements may change. FNB typically announces changes with advance notice. Always verify current information through the FNB Banking App, www.ebucks.com, or by calling 087 320 3200 before making financial decisions based on eBucks benefits.
For complaints or disputes about eBucks, contact FNB first on 087 320 3200. If unresolved, contact the Banking Ombudsman on 0860 800 900. For regulatory complaints, contact the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) at 0800 110 443 or visit www.fsca.co.za
FNB eBucks is operated by First National Bank, a division of FirstRand Bank Limited. Authorised Financial Services Provider and Credit Provider (NCRCP20). Terms and conditions apply.
I have accumulated Ebucks on my account but have never used them. Do I need an Ebucks card with an Ebucks number to use the points? if not, how do I spend the points?
Thank you
Rose Blignaut
RoseBlignaut@outlook.com