FNB will be shutting down its contactless ‘tap-to-pay’ functionality in April this year.
FNB customers can still use the feature, which recently underwent maintenance, though they may have to de-register and re-register to do so before it dies in April.
However, FNB is advising customers to switch to an alternative solution sooner rather than later or make use of FNB’s scan-to-pay feature which uses QR codes instead of the NFC-powered (near-field communication) tap-to-pay.
The decision to remove the feature was mostly a result of global contactless payment methods gaining traction among FNB customers, FNB’s head of card digitisation Jason Viljoen told TimesLive. He also said the bank was focused on making its customers’ in-app journey simpler by providing the option to register for and add virtual cards to Google Wallet within the FNB app.
No more TTP for FNB
Google Wallet, which launched in SA in 2022, seems to offer a more robust set of features, allowing users to integrate the payment method with their compatible smart wearable devices and even Google’s Chrome web browser.
If you don’t like the idea of giving Google even more of your data; Fitbit Pay (for now), Garmin Pay, Samsung Pay (which is now part of Samsung Wallet), and ‘SwatchPAY!’ are alternatives Viljoen suggested for Android users that support FNB card functionality. While Google Wallet can be found on the App Store, iPhone users will still need to use Apple Pay.
If this is the first time you’ve heard about tapping your smartphone or smartwatch to make a payment, firstly welcome to 2024, secondly, you’ll need to make sure your devices support NFC and HCE (host card emulation) for contactless payments. Then, you’ll need to hope your bank supports the digital wallet you’ve chosen.
8 Comments
Just one more reason to switch banks. Will be longer queues at the supermarket as customers log into apps before paying etc
Nope. You simply unlock your phone and pay. It runs in the background. A lot faster than finding and pulling out a card from a purse or wallet.
Yes it’s quicker than using cards
I don’t care about this but do not approve of all cards being black. as per FNB. The small writing denoting the type of card, credit or debit annoys me is not fit for purpose. I am close to my eighties and do not have good eyesight and am also very anti credit cards as a prelude to becoming indebted. I see no alternative but to open another account.
Timothy Munyai
Abducting people and accessing their banking apps has become a national sport. Is this not making it easier for them?
Not happy at all. I still want to have a choice to choose which method I would like to pay. I don’t like virtual cards and will not be using it.
Jankeye also an elderly lady
Have been with FNB for decades
Why all these changes
Agree with other clients
I want to use my choice paying with my card.