In short: You collect FNB eWallet cash without a bank card at an FNB ATM or a selected retailer. Confirm the current collection list on FNB’s eWallet page before you travel. Do not treat Shoprite as a guaranteed point. For send limits and reversal rules, see FNB eWallet.
How to Withdraw FNB eWallet Without a Card (2026)
Complete guide for South African residents
Last updated: 29 August 2026
Quick Facts
- No bank card needed to withdraw
- Works at FNB ATMs and selected retailers — confirm the current list on FNB’s eWallet page
- FNB pricing guides describe one free withdrawal per Send Money transaction, limited to a maximum of four at any time; confirm current fees in the FNB App or pricing guide
- Maximum eWallet balance: R14 000
- PIN valid for 16 hours
Table of Contents
What is FNB eWallet?
FNB eWallet is a way to send and receive money using just your cellphone number. You do not need a bank account or bank card to receive eWallet money. The money is kept safe in a digital wallet on your phone.
Anyone with a South African cellphone number can receive eWallet money. The person sending you money must be an FNB customer, but you do not need to bank with FNB to receive and withdraw the money.
Key Benefits:
- No bank account needed
- No bank card needed to withdraw
- Money arrives instantly
- Withdraw at ATMs or shops
- Can use for airtime, electricity, or shopping
How eWallet Works: Simple Explanation
Step 1: Receive the Money
When someone sends you eWallet money, you will receive an SMS on your phone. The SMS tells you how much money you received and gives you instructions.
Step 2: Activate Your eWallet
You must activate your eWallet before you can use the money. Dial *120*277# on your phone. If you have no airtime, dial *130*277# to buy airtime first using your eWallet money.
Step 3: Get Your PIN
After activating, you can request a temporary ATM PIN. This PIN allows you to withdraw cash. The PIN is valid for 16 hours only.
Step 4: Withdraw Your Money
Use your phone number and the PIN to withdraw money at an FNB ATM or participating shop. No card needed!
✅ How to Withdraw at FNB ATMs (Step-by-Step)
Before you go to the ATM:
- Make sure your eWallet is activated (dial *120*277#)
- Request your temporary ATM PIN by selecting option 1 for ‘Withdraw Cash’, then option 1 for ‘FNB ATM’
- You will receive an SMS with your PIN (valid for 16 hours)
- Write down or remember: your phone number and the PIN from the SMS
At the FNB ATM:
Step 1: Start the Transaction
Press the green “Proceed” or “Enter” button on the ATM. You do NOT insert a card.
Step 2: Select eWallet Services
The ATM screen will show different options. Select “eWallet Services” or “Cardless Services”.
Step 3: Enter Your Phone Number
Type in your cellphone number (the number that received the eWallet money).
Step 4: Enter Your Temporary PIN
Type in the temporary ATM PIN that you received by SMS. Be careful to enter it correctly.
Step 5: Choose Amount
Select how much money you want to withdraw. You cannot withdraw less than R20 at an ATM.
Step 6: Take Your Money
Wait for the ATM to give you your cash. Count your money before leaving. Press “Cancel” to end the transaction completely.
⚠️ Important: Always press “Cancel” and make sure the ATM screen returns to the start before walking away. This protects your account.
✅ How to Withdraw at Shops (Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Spar)
Retailer participation changes, so FNB’s current eWallet page is the list to use before you travel. Retailers that have accepted eWallet withdrawals include:
- Shoprite
- Checkers
- Usave
- Pick n Pay
- Spar (selected stores)
- Boxer
Step-by-Step at the Store:
Step 1: Request Your OTP
Dial *120*277*4# on your phone. You will receive a one-time PIN (OTP) and a reference number by SMS. This OTP is valid for 30 minutes only.
Step 2: Tell the Cashier
When you are at the till, tell the cashier you want to withdraw eWallet money. Tell them how much you want to withdraw.
Step 3: Give Your Phone Number
The cashier will ask for your cellphone number. Give them the number that received the eWallet money.
Step 4: Enter Your OTP
The cashier will ask you to enter the OTP on the card machine. Type in the OTP from your SMS. You will then receive your cash.
⚠️ Fees and Limits You Must Know
Withdrawal Fees (as of October 2025):
| Where You Withdraw | Cost |
|---|---|
| First withdrawal at FNB ATM | Often FREE (depends on sender) |
| Additional withdrawals at FNB ATM | R11 per withdrawal |
| At participating retailers (Shoprite, Checkers, etc.) | Usually FREE |
| At non-FNB bank ATMs | Free withdrawal does not apply |
Important Limits:
- Maximum eWallet balance: R5,000
- Minimum ATM withdrawal: R20
- Maximum ATM withdrawal per transaction: R1,000 (may vary)
- PIN validity: 16 hours for ATM PIN
- OTP validity (for retailers): 30 minutes
- Activation deadline: 12 business days from receiving money
💡 Money-Saving Tip: If you need to withdraw eWallet money, consider doing it at a shop like Shoprite or Checkers while you are buying groceries. This way, you avoid the R11 ATM fee and get your cash for free!
What You Need to Withdraw eWallet
Basic Requirements:
- A working cellphone – The phone must receive SMS messages
- A South African cellphone number – The number that received the eWallet money
- Airtime – Enough airtime to dial USSD codes (*120*277#). If you have no airtime, dial *130*277# to buy airtime from your eWallet first
- The temporary PIN or OTP – You get this by SMS after activating your eWallet
You Do NOT Need:
- ❌ A bank account
- ❌ A bank card
- ❌ An ID document (for basic withdrawals)
- ❌ To be an FNB customer
- ❌ A smartphone (any phone that receives SMS works)
Important Activation Rules:
You must activate your eWallet within 12 business days of receiving the money. If you do not activate within this time, the money will be returned to the sender. After activation, you can take your time to withdraw, but remember that PINs expire (16 hours for ATM PIN, 30 minutes for shop OTP).
🚨 Safety Tips and Scam Warnings
Criminals target eWallet users with scams. Protect yourself by knowing what to watch for:
Common eWallet Scams to Avoid:
❌ Fake eWallet SMS
Scammers send fake SMS messages that look like FNB eWallet messages. They tell you to click a link or call a number. Never click links in SMS messages about eWallet. FNB only sends information, not links to websites.
❌ OTP/PIN Requests
Criminals call or message you pretending to be from FNB. They ask for your OTP or PIN. NEVER share your OTP or PIN with anyone – not even someone who says they are from FNB. FNB will never call to ask for your OTP.
❌ SIM Swap Fraud
Fraudsters trick your mobile network provider into moving your phone number to their SIM card. They then access your eWallet. Protect yourself: Set a SIM swap PIN with your mobile network provider. If your phone suddenly has no signal, contact your network provider immediately.
❌ “Help Me” Scams
Someone calls pretending to be FNB support. They say there is a problem with your eWallet and offer to help. They ask you to give them codes or install software. Never let anyone remotely access your phone. Hang up and call FNB yourself on 087 575 9405.
Safety Rules You Must Follow:
- Never share your PIN or OTP – Not with anyone, including people who say they are from the bank
- Cover the keypad at ATMs – When entering your PIN, use your hand or body to block others from seeing
- Check your eWallet balance regularly – Dial *120*277# to check if money is missing
- Report lost or stolen phones immediately – Call your mobile provider to block your SIM. Then call FNB on 087 575 9405 to block your eWallet
- Be careful at ATMs – If someone is standing too close or if something looks wrong with the ATM, go to a different ATM
- Keep your phone secure – Use a phone lock PIN or fingerprint
What to Do If You Are Scammed:
- Call FNB Fraud Line immediately: 087 575 9444 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
- Ask them to block your eWallet to stop more money from being stolen
- Write down the reference number they give you
- Report the crime at your nearest police station
- Complete the FNB fraud claim form within 3 days
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: “My PIN has expired”
Solution: ATM PINs expire after 16 hours. Dial *120*277# again and select option 1 for ‘Withdraw Cash’, then option 1 for ‘FNB ATM’ to get a new PIN.
Problem: “I have no airtime to activate my eWallet”
Solution: Dial *130*277# (this is a free call). This will let you buy airtime using your eWallet money. After buying airtime, dial *120*277# to activate your eWallet.
Problem: “The ATM says ‘Invalid PIN'”
Solution: Check that you are entering the temporary PIN from your SMS correctly. Make sure your PIN has not expired (valid for 16 hours only). If you made a mistake too many times, you may need to wait and try again later with a new PIN.
Problem: “I lost my phone”
Solution: Call your mobile network provider immediately to block your SIM card. Then call FNB eWallet Call Centre on 087 575 9405 to block your eWallet. After you get a new SIM card (SIM swap) from your provider, call FNB again to unblock your eWallet.
Problem: “The ATM won’t let me withdraw less than R20”
Solution: FNB ATMs have a minimum withdrawal of R20 for eWallet. If you have less than R20, you can use the money for airtime, electricity, or withdraw at a participating retailer instead (some retailers allow withdrawals under R20).
Problem: “I forgot to activate my eWallet and it’s been more than 12 days”
Solution: Unfortunately, if you do not activate within 12 business days, the money is automatically returned to the sender. You will need to contact the person who sent you the money and ask them to send it again.
Still have problems? Contact FNB eWallet Call Centre on 087 575 9405. They can help you Monday to Sunday, but wait times may be longer during busy hours. Have your phone number ready when you call.
Other Things You Can Do With eWallet
You don’t have to withdraw all your eWallet money as cash. Here are other options:
Use Your eWallet Money For:
- Buy prepaid airtime – Dial *120*277# and select the airtime option
- Buy prepaid electricity – Dial *120*277# and select the electricity option
- Send money to someone else – You can send part of your eWallet to another person’s eWallet
- Pay for shopping at selected Spar stores – Use your eWallet to pay at the till without withdrawing cash
- Transfer to your FNB account – If you have an FNB bank account, you can transfer the money from your eWallet to your account using the FNB App
💡 Smart Tip: If you do not need cash right away, keep the money in your eWallet. You can use it for airtime or electricity when you need it, without paying withdrawal fees!
Where to Get Help
| For Help With | Contact |
|---|---|
| eWallet questions and problems | 087 575 9405 FNB eWallet Call Centre |
| Report fraud or theft | 087 575 9444 FNB Single Fraud Line (24/7) |
| General FNB queries | 087 575 9405 FNB Customer Service |
| Complaints about FNB | 0860 800 900 Banking Ombudsman |
| Lost or stolen phone | Contact your mobile network provider: Vodacom: 082 135 MTN: 135 Cell C: 084 140 Telkom: 081 180 |
Our Final Recommendations
Best practices for using FNB eWallet safely and cheaply:
- Activate quickly: As soon as you receive eWallet money, activate it by dialing *120*277#. Don’t wait until the last day.
- Save money on fees: Withdraw at shops like Shoprite or Checkers instead of ATMs to avoid the R11 fee.
- Never share your PIN or OTP: This is the most important safety rule. FNB will never call or SMS asking for these codes.
- Use it for utilities: Instead of withdrawing cash, use your eWallet to buy airtime or electricity directly – it’s convenient and saves fees.
- Set up SIM security: Contact your mobile provider and set a SIM swap PIN to prevent fraud.
- Keep FNB numbers saved: Save the eWallet help line (087 575 9405) and fraud line (087 575 9444) in your phone so you can call quickly if needed.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in October 2025. Financial regulations, fees, and requirements may change. FNB updated their pricing guides in July 2025, and fees shown are accurate as of that date. Always verify current information with FNB directly before making financial decisions.
For the most current fees and terms, visit www.fnb.co.za or call 087 575 9405.
For complaints or disputes about financial services, contact the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) at 0800 110 443 or visit www.fsca.co.za. You can also contact the Banking Ombudsman at 0860 800 900.