South Africans continue to embrace mobile banking, and FNB’s app remains one of the most capable in the market. In 2025 it is far more than a balance checker: it is a secure money hub, a rewards engine, and a lifestyle companion that helps you pay, save, invest, manage your vehicle and home, and even keep an eye on wellness.
This guide explains 15 genuinely useful functions you can start using today, with clear “where to find it” pointers and practical tips.
TL;DR (for skim-readers)
- Turn on real-time notifications and biometric security first.
- Use PayShap, Scan-to-Pay, and eWallet for fast, flexible payments.
- Create Virtual Cards with limits for safer online shopping.
- Switch on nav»Money budgets and track your net worth.
- Stack eBucks with My Coupons and digital vouchers to stretch your spend.
- Use nav»Car for licence disc renewals and fines, and nav»Home for valuations and home-loan journeys.
- Open Global Accounts for travel and international payments, and invest in-app for long-term growth.
1) Instant Payments and PayShap
Why it matters: Settle quickly with friends, suppliers, or small businesses. Instant transfers reduce awkward “I have paid, please check later” conversations and make weekend payments feasible.
Do with it
- Make real-time payments to participating banks.
- Use cellphone-number identifiers where available for easier recipient set-up.
- Schedule once-off or recurring payments for bills and subscriptions.
Where to find it: Pay → choose recipient → select instant options (including PayShap where applicable).
Pro tip: Save frequent recipients and add clear payment references for simpler reconciliation.
2) eWallet: Pay People Without Bank Accounts
Why it matters: Not everyone has a bank account. eWallet lets you send money instantly to a cellphone number. Recipients can withdraw at ATMs or participating retailers or spend digitally.
Do with it
- Send to any valid South African mobile number.
- Set and share the withdrawal PIN securely.
- Move eWallet funds back into your account when needed.
Where to find it: Pay → Send Money → eWallet.
Pro tip: Use a unique, time-limited PIN and share it via a secure channel.
3) Scan-to-Pay (QR)
Why it matters: Pay at tills, markets, invoices, or websites by scanning a QR code. No digging for a wallet, and no shared terminals.
Do with it
- Scan merchant QR codes for quick checkout.
- Approve in app with biometrics.
- Store favourite merchants for repeat use.
Where to find it: Pay → FNB Pay → Scan to Pay (or the quick-launch icon).
Pro tip: Use a Virtual Card as the funding source for an extra security layer.
4) Chat Pay in Secure Messaging
Why it matters: In 2025, FNB’s Secure Messaging includes Chat Pay so you can send money directly inside a verified chat with another FNB or RMB app user. It is convenient and avoids copying account numbers.
Do with it
- Start a secure chat with a contact in your phone’s address book.
- Tap the pay icon to send funds instantly.
- Keep the full audit trail inside the chat.
Where to find it: Messages → Secure Messaging → open a contact → Chat Pay.
Pro tip: Use chat threads for clubs, stokvels, and group activities to centralise payments and notes.
5) Virtual Cards with Dynamic CVV
Why it matters: A Virtual Card reduces exposure when shopping online. You can create cards for specific merchants, set limits, freeze instantly, and benefit from a CVV that changes periodically.
Do with it
- Create single-use or multi-use Virtual Cards.
- Set monthly or per-transaction limits.
- Freeze, unfreeze, or delete cards in seconds.
- Add to your mobile wallet for tap-to-pay.
Where to find it: Cards → Virtual Cards.
Pro tip: Keep a separate low-limit Virtual Card for subscriptions to simplify cancellations and reduce risk.
6) Smart inContact: Real-Time Alerts and Approvals
Why it matters: Immediate visibility equals peace of mind. You receive push notifications for card swipes, EFTs, debit orders and more, and can approve or decline certain high-risk actions in-app.
Do with it
- Choose alert thresholds to avoid notification overload.
- Approve online purchases and sensitive actions securely.
- Report suspicious activity instantly.
Where to find it: Profile → Notifications or Smart inContact settings.
Pro tip: Set merchant-level alerts for problem areas (for example, online marketplaces) to spot anomalies quickly.
7) Card Controls: Freeze, Limits, Channels
Why it matters: Misplaced your card? Freeze it. Travelling? Adjust international, ATM, and online channels. These granular controls limit fraud and put you in charge.
Do with it
- Temporarily block or permanently cancel a card.
- Toggle online, international, and ATM usage on or off.
- Set daily and per-transaction limits.
- Replace cards and change PINs.
Where to find it: Cards → Manage.
Pro tip: Keep lower limits on cards used for online purchases and raise them only when necessary.
8) nav»Money: Budgets, Categorised Spend and Net Worth
Why it matters: You cannot improve what you do not measure. nav»Money automatically categorises your spend, lets you set budgets, and shows an assets-versus-liabilities snapshot of your net worth.
Do with it
- Track monthly budgets by category such as groceries, fuel, data, and entertainment.
- Identify merchants or categories that are creeping up.
- Log assets and debts to monitor net-worth progress.
Where to find it: nav-igate life → nav»Money.
Pro tip: Schedule a monthly five-minute review and adjust budget caps based on the last 90 days.
9) Goal-Based Savings (including GoalSave)
Why it matters: Goals make saving tangible. Create separate pockets for an emergency fund, school fees, a deposit, or a holiday. Automate top-ups so saving happens without thinking.
Do with it
- Open a new savings pocket in minutes.
- Set a target amount and date.
- Automate weekly or monthly transfers.
- Choose optional withdrawal rules to curb impulse spending.
Where to find it: Save/Invest → Open → Goal-based savings.
Pro tip: Name goals clearly and add a target photo to keep motivation high.
10) eBucks Rewards: Earn, Track and Spend Smarter
Why it matters: eBucks remains one of the most valuable rewards programmes in South Africa. The app helps you understand your level rules, track monthly earn, and spend on groceries, fuel, travel and tech.
Do with it
- Monitor your level and complete boosters.
- Spend eBucks in-app or at partner retailers.
- Combine virtual-card spend with partner rules to increase earn rates.
Where to find it: eBucks tab.
Pro tip: Stack My Coupons and digital vouchers with eBucks at participating partners to stretch value even further.
11) My Coupons and Digital Vouchers (including WiCodes)
Why it matters: Inflation bites. Coupons and vouchers reduce everyday costs. Generate barcodes or WiCodes that cashiers can scan quickly.
Do with it
- Activate relevant retailer coupons before you shop.
- Purchase digital vouchers for streaming, gaming, gifting, or travel.
- Pay for vouchers with eBucks to preserve cash.
Where to find it: Shop or eBucks → Coupons & Vouchers.
Pro tip: Build a monthly “voucher basket” for recurring spends like data, fuel, or groceries.
12) nav»Car: Licence Disc Renewal, Fines, Values and Cover
Why it matters: Sort out motoring admin without queues. nav»Car consolidates licence disc renewals (with delivery), traffic fine checks, vehicle values and optional cover.
Do with it
- Renew licence discs with door-to-door delivery.
- Check and pay fines, and set reminders.
- View a ballpark value of your vehicle.
- Explore cover options and roadside assistance.
Where to find it: nav-igate life → nav»Car.
Pro tip: Set fine and licence reminders inside nav»Car to avoid penalties and last-minute stress.
13) nav»Home: Search, List, Value, Finance
Why it matters: Whether buying, selling or refinancing, nav»Home places search, free valuations, listings and home-loan journeys in one place.
Do with it
- Browse properties nationwide.
- Get a free estimated valuation for your current home.
- List a property for sale privately or via agents.
- Get pre-approval or explore switching your existing bond.
Where to find it: nav-igate life → nav»Home.
Pro tip: Use pre-approval early in your search to set a realistic budget and strengthen offers.
14) Forex and Global Accounts
Why it matters: Travellers, freelancers paid internationally, and small importers benefit from holding and managing foreign currency. A Global Account lets you convert rands, hold balances, and spend abroad.
Do with it
- Open currency accounts such as USD, EUR or GBP.
- Convert funds when rates are favourable.
- Spend abroad with a linked global debit card.
- Make international payments from the same hub.
Where to find it: Forex hub; Global Accounts within Forex or Invest.
Pro tip: Avoid converting at the last minute; watch indicative rate movements and plan ahead.
15) Invest In-App: TFSA, Unit Trusts and Shares
Why it matters: Building wealth is easier when investing lives in the same app as your spending and saving. You can open and fund a Tax-Free Savings option, invest in unit trusts, or buy JSE shares through simplified pricing options.
Do with it
- Open a Tax-Free Savings Account and set automated contributions.
- Invest in domestic or global unit trusts within your risk tolerance.
- Trade selected shares or ETFs on a simple fee structure.
- Track performance and top up with a few taps.
Where to find it: Invest tab (Retail Investments) or Wealth journeys.
Pro tip: Automate contributions the day after payday and review allocations twice per year.
Bonus Features Worth Knowing
A) Custom Alerts That Reduce Noise
Fine-tune Smart inContact thresholds so you get alerts that matter (for example, balance drops below a set amount, or spends above a certain figure). This keeps attention on meaningful events and reduces notification fatigue.
B) Receive Payments With Your Own QR
If you run a side-hustle, generate a QR for customers to pay you on the spot. It is neat for market stalls, home services, and freelancers, and removes the need for dedicated hardware.
C) Card-Present Safety
When paying at a restaurant, check the card return and total. Use the app to verify the amount via your instant alert before leaving. If something looks off, freeze the card immediately and contact support.
Security: What The App Gets Right In 2025
- Biometrics and 2FA: Unlock and authorise sensitive actions with fingerprint or facial recognition plus app approvals.
- Tokenisation: For digital payments, card numbers are replaced with secure tokens.
- Secure Chat: Chat Pay happens inside a verified, encrypted environment.
- Granular Controls: Freeze cards, toggle channels, and set limits on the fly.
- Real-Time Visibility: Smart inContact shows movement as it happens, enabling swift action.
User checklist
- Enable biometrics for login and approvals.
- Turn on Smart inContact for all accounts and cards.
- Set conservative spend limits and raise only when needed.
- Use Virtual Cards online; avoid storing your physical card on websites.
- Keep devices updated and do not install apps from unknown sources.
Five-Minute Power Set-Up (Do This First)
- Update the app to the latest version on your device.
- Enable biometrics and Smart inContact under Profile and Notifications.
- Create a Virtual Card and set a monthly limit for online shopping.
- Open nav»Money and set your first budget; add assets and debts to see net worth.
- Activate eBucks and My Coupons, then try Scan-to-Pay on your next shop.
FAQs
Is Scan-to-Pay free to use?
There is no extra fee for using the QR feature itself. Standard card transaction pricing applies in line with your account.
Can I pay someone inside a chat?
Yes. Secure Messaging supports Chat Pay with FNB and RMB app users. It is quick and keeps an auditable trail.
Do I still need my physical card for online shopping?
No. Virtual Cards are ideal for online purchases and subscriptions and can be frozen or deleted at any time.
Can I renew my licence disc in the app?
Yes. nav»Car supports licence disc renewals with delivery and lets you check and pay fines.
Does FNB show live forex rates?
The Forex hub provides indicative rates, tools for conversion, and Global Accounts for holding balances in foreign currency.
How To Maximise Everyday Value
- Stack rewards: Use Virtual Cards at eligible partners, activate My Coupons, and pay with eBucks where allowed.
- Automate savings: Funnel a fixed amount into Goal-based savings the day after payday.
- Review monthly: Use nav»Money to adjust budgets and identify waste.
- Consolidate admin: Handle licence discs, fines, valuations and even doctor consults without leaving the app.
- Separate spending: Keep subscriptions on a dedicated Virtual Card and freeze if a service becomes problematic.
Conclusion
In 2025, the FNB App can run most of your financial life: instant payments via PayShap and Chat Pay, safer online spending with Virtual Cards, meaningful money management with nav»Money, strong rewards through eBucks and My Coupons, plus lifestyle rails such as nav»Car, nav»Home, Forex and in-app investing. Switch on the features above and you will save time, reduce risk, and stretch every rand further.
Lethabo Ntsoane holds a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from the University of South Africa. He is a Financial Product commentator at Rateweb. He is an expect financial product analyst with years of experience in reviewing products and offering commentary. Lethabo majors in financial news, reviews and financial tips.
He can be contacted:
Email: lethabo@rateweb.co.za
Twitter: @NtsoaneLethabo
Sponsored
Start trading with a free $30 bonus
Trade stocks, forex, commodities, metals and CFDs on stock indices with an internationally licensed and regulated broker. For all clients who open their first real account, XM offers a $30 trading bonus without any initial deposit needed. Learn more about how you can trade over 1000 instruments on the XM MT4 and MT5 platforms from your PC and Mac, or from a variety of mobile devices.
