How To Open an FNB Bank Account Online in South Africa


I personally bank with FNB (First National Bank) so I must say if you’re thinking of opening a bank account with them, you’re making a great decision. They offer all sorts of benefits like eBucks, airport lounge visits and discounts on flights, etc. The best part? You can open an account online without walking into a branch.

To open an FNB bank account online you need to go through these 3 steps:

  1. Gather the documents that you’ll need to open an FNB bank account.
  2. Choose an FNB account that will suite your needs.
  3. Apply for the FNB bank account online.

Ready to get started? Great, in the next sub-heading, we’ll take a quick look at the documents you need on hand.

01. Documents You’ll Need To open an FNB Bank Account Online

As with any bank account application, you’ll need to get all your paperwork in order before starting the application. Because you’re applying online, scan these documents and save them on the same computer you’ll be using during the online application.

Documents you’ll need as a South African:

  • Proof of identity. You can use a passport, I.D, or even a valid driver’s license.
  • Recent payslip. *Not required for FNBy bank account.
  • Three months of bank statements if you have any. *Not required for FNBy bank account.
  • Proof of address. Generally, they accept a utility bill, or a letter from the owner of the property along with a utility bill if you’re a tenant.
  • Minimal opening deposit. This amount will depend on the FNB bank account you choose in the next step. Just as a thumb suck, though, it’s generally around R50 for a savings account. *Not required for FNBy bank account.

Documents you’ll needs as a foreigner living in South African:

  • Use a passport as proof of identity.
  • Visa, work, or study permit. Or literally any documents you can use that you got from the Home Affairs proving that your stay in South Africa is legal.
  • Minimum deposit. The amount will depend on the FNB bank account you choose in the next step. Just as a thumb suck, though, it’s generally around R50 for a savings account.

Have you got these documents together? Great. Now it’s time to choose which FNB bank account will best suit your situation.

02. Which FNB Bank Account Should You Choose?

FNB has around nine different account options, so if you’re not sure which one to go for, I don’t blame you, all the options can get pretty overwhelming.

To help you make a decision, I laid all the options out below along with a few of my thoughts on each account. I hope this helps you choose!

FNB Bank Account:Annual Income Needed:Cost Per Month:Access to eBucks Rewards?Perfect for:Learn More:
FNBy accountR0R0 to R12NONon-earning youths under 25 years old.VIEW
FNB Easy accountR0 to R119 999R59NOLow income earners.VIEW
Over 55s accountR240 000 to R749 999R35 to R45YESSeniors over 55.VIEW
FNB Fusion Gold AccountR84,000 to R359,999R109YESMid income earners that needs access to credit.VIEW
Gold Cheque AccountR120,000 to R359,999R109YESMid income earners that needs access to credit.VIEW
Gold Credit CardR84,000 to R359,999R51YESMid income earners that needs access to credit.VIEW
Premier bundleR240 000 to R749 999R219YESMedium to high income earners that are on the go.VIEW
FNB Fusion PremierR240 000 to R749 999R209YESMedium to high income earners that are on the go.VIEW
Premier Cheque AccountR240 000 to R749 999R219YESMedium to high income earners that are on the go.VIEW
Premier Credit CardR240 000 to R749 999R92YESMedium to high income earners that need access to credit.VIEW
Private ClientsR750 000 to R1 499 999R399YESHigh income earners.VIEW
Private WealthR1.5 million+R470YESHigh income earners that needs access to quick credit.VIEW
Table comparing FNB bank accounts based on annual income needed, monthly fee and eBucks rewards.

Still not sure which account to go for?

Then I highly recommend you either walk into a local FNB branch or call an FNB representative; they’ll be able to discern your situation a lot more effectively to help you make the best decision. And, if you’d like, they could also help you with the application process.

03. Apply For the FNB Bank Account Online

Now that you have all your documents together, and you know exactly which bank account you’d like to open, it’s time to apply for the account online.

Since you’ve already gathered all the documents you’ll need, this step should be simple!

Here’s how to open a FNB bank account online:

  1. Choose the FNB bank account you would like to open here. *Not sure which FNB bank account to choose? Scroll up to the table that compares all FNB accounts.
  2. Click on the orange ‘Apply Now’ button on the top right of your screen.
  3. Then follow the prompts.

If you get stuck during the process, I highly recommend you call an FNB representative. You can get FNB’s contact details here.

Tried to apply online but you would prefer a more conventional option?

Here are 3 other ways that you can apply for an FNB bank account:

Once you’ve sent through your online application it will generally take a few days for them to get back to you.

Final Thoughts

Opening a bank account with FNB can be easy only if you prepare well. So make sure you get your documents together and know which FNB account you want to open before starting.

YOUR TURN: Did you have any issues opening your FNB bank account online? How did you solve your problem? Let us know in the comments below so that we can learn from each other!

Also if you feel I missed something, please let me know in the comments so that I can add the information to this article.

10 thoughts on “How To Open an FNB Bank Account Online in South Africa

  1. I want to close my present account with FNB and open a new one online. The reason is that i live outside SA and since I lost the phone with a south african simcard i am no longer able to use that account. FNB has not helped me in anyway and their info@fnb email is no longer working. Their 087 numbers have finished my money im airtime. I cannot even cross the border to go to the branch because of covid restrictions. Cam you please help Sir I beg you!

  2. Hi… I used to bank with you meant is it possible to reopen both my Business Acc and Personal Acc and not change the Account Numbers… Which documents do you need for submission of Reopening my Accounts

  3. I would like to open a Savings Account. I live overseas, but I have a South African address. My salary is paid into a Nedbank account, but I am not satisfied with their service.

    My average monthly deposit is R53 000 (around $3700 US). My main requirement is that I should be able to transfer money from my SA bank account to Lebanon using an online medium..

    What is required from me?

    Myles Holloway

  4. Hi I have a 32days account with FNB so I want to know how can I check my balance without going to the branch. Thank you in advance.

  5. Goodday

    We are from Namibia and have two children that is going to study in Potchefstroom this year. Want to apply for their bank accounts with FNB SA but not able as they only have Passport Numbers and/or Namibian ID Numbers. How can I apply

  6. Good day

    Can i open a Savings account online with you? I don’t see the option on the list for the type accounts that you offer.

    Thank you
    Driekie

  7. I need to open Fnb account what if I’m using Capitac bank statement because I don’t have ryt now proof of residence thank you

  8. I would like to open a savings account and I don’t know if it’s oryt to use capitec bank statement as a proof of residence

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