Quick Facts

• Minimum income requirement: R84,000 per year (about R7,000 per month)
• Up to 55 days interest-free on purchases if you pay in full
• Interest rates: Personalised rates from around 19% to 22.5% APR
• Automatic eBucks rewards on all spending
• Free global travel insurance when you buy tickets with your card

What is an FNB Credit Card?

An FNB credit card is a payment card from First National Bank. It lets you borrow money up to a set limit to buy things. You must pay back what you spend each month.

FNB is one of South Africa’s biggest banks. They offer credit cards for different income levels. Each card has different benefits and costs.

How it works: You use the card to buy things. FNB pays the shop for you. Then you must pay FNB back. If you pay back everything within 55 days, you pay no interest. If you don’t pay everything back, FNB charges you interest on what you still owe.

Types of FNB Credit Cards

FNB offers several credit cards. The card you can get depends on how much money you earn each year. Here are the main options as of November 2025:

Standard FNB Credit Card

Who can get it: People earning at least R84,000 per year (about R7,000 per month)

What you get: Up to 55 days interest-free, automatic eBucks rewards, free travel insurance

Monthly fees: Varies based on your account type, typically around R60-R150

FNB Premier Credit Card

Who can get it: People earning R240,000 to R849,999 per year

What you get: Dedicated premier banker, free mobile app purchases, better eBucks rewards

Monthly account fee: R92

FNB Private Clients Credit Card

Who can get it: People earning R750,000 to R1,799,999 per year

What you get: Private banker, free SLOW lounge visits (8 per year), up to 50% eBucks rewards

Monthly fees: R143 account fee + R171 credit facility fee + R175 initiation fee

FNB Private Wealth Credit Card

Who can get it: People earning R1.8 million+ or with R15 million+ in assets

What you get: Metal credit card, highest credit limit (R100,000-R300,000), premium travel benefits

Monthly fees: R275 account fee + R171 credit facility fee + R175 initiation fee

Who Can Apply for an FNB Credit Card?

To apply for an FNB credit card, you must meet these basic requirements:

Basic Requirements

• Be a South African citizen. You must have a valid South African ID book or smart card. Foreign nationals cannot get FNB credit cards because they cannot be held legally responsible for debt in South Africa.
• Earn at least R84,000 per year. This is about R7,000 per month before tax. Higher income cards need more.
• Have a good credit record. FNB checks your credit score with credit bureaus. A score of at least 610 is needed.
• Be at least 18 years old. You must be an adult to enter into a credit agreement.

Documents You Need

• Valid South African ID (barcoded green book, smart card, or valid passport)
• Recent payslip (not older than 3 months)
• 3 months of bank statements
• Proof of residence (not older than 3 months) – utility bill, municipal account, or lease agreement

FNB Credit Card Fees and Costs (2025)

Understanding the costs of your credit card helps you avoid surprises. Here are the main fees you need to know about:

Fee Type	Amount
Monthly account fee (Standard)	R60 – R150
Monthly account fee (Premier)	R92
Monthly account fee (Private Clients)	R143
Credit facility fee	R17 – R171 per month
Initiation fee (one-time)	R175
Interest rate (APR)	Personalised (typically 19% – 22.5%)
International currency conversion fee	2.75% of transaction value
Cash withdrawal at ATM	Transaction fee applies + interest from day 1

How Interest Works

If you don’t pay your full balance, FNB charges interest on what you still owe. As of November 2025, the prime rate is 10.50%. Your credit card interest rate is usually prime + 9% to 12%, giving you a rate of around 19% to 22.5% per year.

Example: If you owe R5,000 and your interest rate is 20% per year, you’ll be charged about R82 in interest for that month if you don’t pay it off.

✅ How to Apply for an FNB Credit Card

There are three ways to apply for an FNB credit card. Choose the method that works best for you:

Option 1: Apply Online (Easiest)

Step 1: Go to www.fnb.co.za and choose the credit card you want.

Step 2: Click the orange “Apply now” button at the top right.

Step 3: Enter your ID number, email address, and cellphone number.

Step 4: Follow the prompts and upload your documents.

Step 5: Wait for FNB to review your application. This usually takes a few business days.

Option 2: Apply by Phone

Call FNB on 0860 FASTAP (0860 327 827). An FNB representative will help you through the application process. Have all your documents ready.

Option 3: Visit an FNB Branch

Find your nearest FNB branch using their branch locator tool at www.fnb.co.za. Bring all your documents with you. A consultant will help you apply in person.

How Long Does Approval Take?

FNB usually reviews applications within a few business days after you submit all required documents. They will contact you by SMS or email to tell you if you’re approved. If approved, your card will be delivered to your address within 5-10 working days.

Benefits and Rewards

FNB credit cards come with several benefits. The more expensive cards give you better benefits. Here’s what you can get:

eBucks Rewards

When you spend with your FNB credit card, you automatically earn eBucks. You can use eBucks to get discounts at Pick n Pay, Engen, Takealot, and other stores. Higher-level cards earn more eBucks. In 2025, some cards give you up to 50% eBucks back at certain stores.

Free Travel Insurance

When you buy your return travel tickets with your FNB credit card, you get free global travel insurance. This covers up to R5 million for medical expenses and up to R1 million for personal liability if something happens while you travel.

Interest-Free Period

You get up to 55 days without paying interest if you pay your full balance on time. This means free credit for almost two months!

Purchase Protection

Items you buy with your credit card are protected for 30 days. If something happens to your purchase, you can claim up to R12,500 per item at no extra cost.

Budget Facility

For big purchases, you can move them to a budget facility. This means you pay them off over time at a lower interest rate. In 2025, FNB is offering prime + 2% for the first 6 months on budget facility purchases made between November 2024 and January 2025.

🚨 CRITICAL: Credit Card Scams to Avoid

WARNING: Criminals are targeting FNB credit card holders with sophisticated scams. According to FNB’s fraud detection team, there has been a major increase in phishing and digital wallet fraud in 2024-2025. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Phishing SMS Scams (Most Common)

Scammers send fake SMS messages that look like they’re from FNB. The message says there’s a problem with your account or that you’ve received money. It includes a link that takes you to a fake FNB website.

RED FLAGS:

• SMS asks you to click a link to verify your account
• Message says your account will be suspended if you don’t act immediately
• Link doesn’t go to www.fnb.co.za (check carefully!)
• SMS asks for your username, password, or PIN

REMEMBER: FNB will never ask for your login details via SMS, email, or phone.

Digital Wallet OTP Scam (New 2024-2025)

This is a new scam that has affected many South Africans in 2024-2025. Criminals send you an SMS saying you have a parcel waiting at the Post Office. The message has a link to a fake website. When you try to “pay” for the parcel delivery, the criminals are actually loading your card onto their digital wallet.

How it works: The criminals enter your card details on their phone. FNB sends you an OTP (one-time pin). The fake website then asks you for this OTP. If you give it to them, they can now use your card with their own fingerprint on their phone!

HOW TO STAY SAFE: Never give anyone your OTP. A real OTP from FNB will say exactly what you’re buying and how much. If the OTP doesn’t match what you think you’re doing, stop immediately and call FNB on 087 575 9444.

Fake Facebook Ads Scam (December 2024)

Criminals are stealing credit card details from data breaches. They then use these details to pay for fake Facebook ads. The ads promote fake online shops. When you see unauthorised “Facebk” transactions on your statement, report them immediately.

Vishing (Voice Phishing) Calls

Someone calls you claiming to be from FNB. They say there’s a problem with your card and ask you to confirm your details. They might know some of your information already to make it seem real.

WHAT TO DO: Hang up immediately. Call FNB back on the official number on the back of your card (087 575 9444). Never give card details to someone who calls you.

Remote Access Software Scam

Criminals call you and ask you to install software like TeamViewer or AnyDesk on your computer to “fix a problem”. This gives them complete control of your computer and access to your online banking.

NEVER install any software if someone calls and asks you to. FNB will never ask you to do this.

Card Skimming at ATMs and Shops

Criminals put devices on ATMs that copy your card details. They also use hidden cameras to see your PIN. At shops, staff might swipe your card through a hidden device.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

• Check ATMs before using them. Look for anything loose or unusual.
• Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN.
• Never let your card out of your sight at shops.
• Use contactless payment or FNB Pay on your phone instead when possible.

Your Consumer Rights Under South African Law

The National Credit Act (NCA) protects you when you use credit cards. As of 2025, these protections are stronger than ever. Here’s what you need to know:

Right to Affordability Assessment

FNB must check if you can afford the credit card before giving it to you. They must look at your income and expenses. If they give you credit you cannot afford, this is called “reckless lending” and you can report it to the National Credit Regulator.

Right to Clear Information

You have the right to:

• Receive all credit agreement information in simple language you can understand
• Know exactly how much interest you’ll pay
• See all fees before you sign
• Get a free copy of your credit agreement

Right to Dispute Transactions

If you see transactions on your statement that you didn’t make, you can dispute them. You must report them within 40 days. FNB must investigate and tell you the outcome.

Right to Debt Counselling

If you cannot pay your credit card debt, you have the right to apply for debt counselling. A registered debt counsellor can help you negotiate with FNB to reduce your monthly payments.

Maximum Interest Rate

Under the National Credit Act, the maximum interest rate is the repo rate (currently 7%) + 14%. This means the highest legal interest rate in 2025 is about 21-22%. If FNB charges more, report them.

Where to Get Help

Organisation	Contact	What They Help With
FNB Customer Service	087 575 9404	General queries and complaints
FNB Fraud Line	087 575 9444	Report scams and fraud
Banking Ombudsman	0860 800 900	Disputes with FNB
National Credit Regulator	0860 627 627	Reckless lending complaints
FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority)	0800 110 443	Financial misconduct
SABRIC (Banking Risk Centre)	www.sabric.co.za	Report banking scams

⚠️ Important Things to Remember

• Pay your full balance on time to avoid interest charges. Set up a debit order or calendar reminder.
• Keep your credit limit reasonable. Don’t ask for more credit than you can afford to pay back.
• Never withdraw cash with your credit card unless it’s an emergency. You pay interest from day one and extra fees.
• Check your statements every month. Look for transactions you don’t recognise.
• Use virtual cards for online shopping. They’re safer than using your physical card details.
• Never share your PIN, OTP, or online banking password with anyone – not even FNB staff.

FNB credit cards can be useful tools if you use them responsibly. They offer good rewards through eBucks and free travel insurance. The 55 days interest-free period is one of the best in South Africa.

Best for: People who earn a regular salary, have a good credit record, and can pay their full balance each month. The eBucks rewards are especially valuable if you shop at Pick n Pay, Engen, or Takealot regularly.

Not recommended if: You struggle to manage debt, don’t have a stable income, or cannot pay your balance in full each month. The interest charges can add up very quickly.

Most important tip: Stay alert for scams. The number of credit card fraud cases has increased dramatically in 2024-2025. Never share your OTP or card details with anyone, no matter how convincing they seem.