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.