FNB Loan Review

First National Bank (FNB), originally established as the Eastern Province Bank in Grahamstown in 1838, boasts a long and storied history deeply rooted in South Africa’s financial landscape. Throughout its journey, FNB has undergone significant transformations and steady expansion, solidifying its position as one of the nation’s leading and most reliable financial institutions. Today, FNB proudly operates as a division of FirstRand Bank Limited, embodying a legacy of excellence and unwavering commitment to its customers.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of three essential financial services offered by FNB: temporary loans, personal loans, and consolidation loans. It delves into each loan type’s features, benefits, and eligibility criteria.

FNB Loans at a Glance

Loan amount: Loan amount: R100 – R10 000 (temporary loan) / R1 000 – R300 000 (personal loan)
Loan term: 31 days (temporary loan) / 1 month – 60 months (personal loan)
Interest rate: Up to 5% Monthly (temporary loan) / 17.50% – 29.25% per annum (personal loans)
Initiation Fee: Up to 13% of the loan amount (temporary loans) / R1 207.5 (personal loans)
Monthly Service Fee: R69

3.2

Get Loan Offers

What You Should Know about FNB:

FNB, a reliable financial institution in South Africa, caters to diverse financial needs and operates across multiple sectors like investments, insurance, and loans. While FNB loans are more readily accessible to their existing customers, it is not limited to them alone, as any South African citizen can apply. FNB extends its loan offerings to include temporary, personal, and consolidation loans, providing a range of options to suit individual requirements.

Pros of FNB

FNB provides payment breaks in January for customers whose personal loan repayments are up to date.
FNB is flexible in terms of loan amount and repayment terms.

Cons of FNB

FNB is that it requires that borrowers take out credit insurance for long-term personal loans, increasing the monthly payment.
If you have a poor credit score, FNB may charge you extremely high interest rates.

Review stats provided by Hellopeter

Perhaps You Can Do Better than FNB..

Fill out the application to find out.

Get Pre-approved Loan Offers

*Representative example: Estimated repayments of a loan of R30 000 over 36 months at a maximum interest rate, including fees of 27.5% APR would be R1 232.82 per month. BetterLoans is an online loan broker and not a lender. Our service is free, and we work with NCR-licensed lenders in South Africa. Interest rates charged by lenders can start as low as 20% APR, including an initiation and service fee determined by the lender. The interest rate offered depends on the applicant’s credit score and other factors at the lender’s discretion. Loan amount R500 – R350 000. Repayment terms can range from 3 – 72 months. The minimum APR is 5%, and the maximum APR is 60%.

How FNB Loans Stand Out?

FNB allows borrowers to take a payment break each January. By granting this flexibility, FNB acknowledges the importance of supporting its customers’ financial well-being and aims to alleviate any potential financial burdens they may face during the early months of the year.

FNB is a highly reputable and widely recognised financial institution in South Africa, boasting an extensive network of nearly 600 branches nationwide. With its strong presence and established track record, FNB has become a trusted household name for individuals and businesses alike.

FNB Loan Products

Personal Loans

FNB provides personal loans with a customisable interest rate and flexible repayment options from R1 000 to R300 000. These loans allow you to choose a repayment term of up to 60 months. If your personal loan duration exceeds six months and you consistently make your monthly payments on time, you are eligible for a payment break every January.

Short-term Loans

FNB provides short-term loans, known as temporary loans, which are available to all FNB customers. Customers can apply for a cash amount of R10 000 through this loan. It is interest-free and specifically designed to assist individuals facing financial emergencies and needing immediate cash. Payments for temporary loans must be made within one month (31 days).

Consolidation Loans

FNB allows you to apply for a personal loan, enabling you to consolidate your existing credit into a single, manageable payment. With a consolidation loan, you can borrow up to R300 000 and enjoy a repayment period of up to 60 months.

Benefits of Taking a Loan from FNB

FNB prioritises responsible lending practices in accordance with the guidelines established by the National Credit Regulator (NCR). As part of this commitment, penalty fees are eliminated when customers decide to settle their loans ahead of schedule.

FNB provides various loan options tailored to meet diverse financial requirements. With flexible loan amounts, individuals can secure funding that aligns with their specific needs, whether it’s for education, home improvements, or business investments. Moreover, FNB offers flexible repayment terms, empowering borrowers to select a repayment schedule that suits their financial capabilities and preferences.

FNB Loan Interest Rate and Fees

FNB temporary loans are specifically designed for small amounts and short repayment periods, extending until the next month, and they do not include any additional interest rates. However, the initiation fee for a temporary loan varies depending on the loan amount, with a maximum of 13% of the loan.

On the other hand, personal loans offered by FNB do come with additional interest rates and fees. The specific interest rates and fees associated with personal loans are determined based on the duration of the loan, whether it is a short-term or long-term loan.

For short-term personal loans with a repayment period ranging from 1 to 6 months, the maximum interest rate that can be charged is up to 5% per month. This rate allows FNB to account for the relatively shorter duration of these loans and the associated risk.

The interest rates are slightly higher for long-term personal loans lasting from 1 to 60 months. The minimum interest rate applied to these loans is 17.50% per annum, while the maximum interest rate reaches 29.25% per annum. These rates reflect the longer repayment period and the increased risk associated with lending funds over a more extended period.

In addition to the interest rates, FNB also imposes certain fees on personal loans. This includes a one-time initiation fee of R1 207,5 for new loans, which covers the administrative costs of setting up the loan. Furthermore, borrowers are also subject to a monthly service fee of R69, which contributes to the ongoing maintenance and management of the loan throughout its duration.

How To Qualify For FNB Loan

These are the requirements that an applicant has to meet to qualify for a loan from FNB:

Be an FNB Customer: To be eligible for a short-term or temporary loan from FNB, you must have an active transactional account with the bank for at least six months. This ensures that you have an established relationship with FNB and have been actively using their services.
Age and Citizenship: You must be 18 years of age or older and a South African citizen to qualify for an FNB loan. This is the age that you can legally enter into a loan agreement in South Africa.
Affordability and Credit Scoring Assessment: Passing an affordability and credit scoring assessment is crucial to qualify for a short-term loan. This assessment evaluates your financial capability to repay the loan and assesses your creditworthiness. Factors such as income, expenses, and existing debt obligations are considered.
Required Documentation: When applying for an FNB loan, specific documents are necessary:
- South African Identification Document: This can refer to a South African ID book, a smart ID card, or a valid South African passport if you are a resident. It serves as proof of your identity and residency status.
- Proof of Residence: You’ll also need to provide proof of residence in your name, not over three months.
Proof of Income and Financial Information: Supporting your loan application requires providing proof of income and financial details. This can include pay slips, bank statements, and tax returns. These documents help FNB assess your income level and financial standing, allowing them to determine your loan amount eligibility and verify your ability to make repayments.

By meeting these criteria and providing the necessary documentation, you can increase your chances of qualifying for an FNB loan.

How to Apply for FNB Loan

The best way to apply for FNB loan is to use BetterLoans. In addition to FNB, we request loan offers from other top lenders. You can easily compare and choose the best loan offer.

When it comes to applying directly for a personal, temporary, or consolidation loan from FNB, you have various options. The first option is to apply online through their website for online banking. This website offers a convenient platform where you can easily submit your loan application without needing any physical paperwork.

The second option available to you is to download and use the FNB banking application on your mobile device. This application is designed to be easy to navigate, allowing you to complete and submit your loan application directly from your phone. It offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the application process, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

If you prefer a more personal touch, FNB has nearly 600 branches located across South Africa, where you can visit in person. These branches provide face-to-face interaction with knowledgeable representatives who can help you with your loan application. Visiting a branch gives you the opportunity to discuss your financial needs and receive personalised guidance from experts who understand FNB’s loan products and services.

In addition to the online and branch options, FNB also offers the convenience of applying for a loan through Cellphone Banking. By simply dialling *120*321# on your mobile phone, you can access FNB’s Cellphone Banking service and proceed with your loan application. This option suits those who prefer using their mobile devices for banking transactions and find it more convenient than visiting a branch or using a computer.

Lastly, if you prefer to speak directly with a representative, FNB provides a dedicated phone line for loan inquiries and applications. You can contact them by calling 087 730 5596, and a knowledgeable representative will assist you with your loan application over the phone.

How Long It Takes FNB to Approve a Loan

FNB temporary loans can be approved within minutes, provided all the necessary information in your application and your FNB account is in order. FNB’s efficient approval process ensures that you receive a swift response, allowing you to access the funds you need without delay.

On the other hand, the approval timeline may extend to a business day or two for a personal loan application. This slight delay is attributed to the additional assessment and verification procedures required for personal loans, ensuring responsible lending practices. However, once your personal loan is approved, FNB aims to disburse the funds on the same day. This prompt disbursement makes sure that you can address your financial requirements quickly, whether it is consolidating debt, funding a major purchase, or covering other significant expenses.

Is FNB a Trusted and Reliable Lender?

FNB operates as a division of FirstRand Bank Limited, a trusted financial services provider group licensed by the Reserve Bank of South Africa. With a strong presence in the country, FNB has become one of the most well-known and widely used banks in South Africa. Customers rely on FNB for various financial services, including banking, lending, and investments.

FNB is registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR) as part of its commitment to responsible lending practices. This affiliation ensures that the bank adheres to the regulations set forth by the NCR, as outlined in the 2005 National Credit Act. By complying with these regulations, FNB aims to protect consumers and promote fair and transparent credit practices in South Africa.

Regarding customer feedback, FNB has garnered nearly 85 000 reviews on the popular South African review website, HelloPeter.com. However, it’s important to consider the context of these reviews. While the overall rating for FNB on HelloPeter.com averages 1.5 out of 5 stars, it’s worth noting that online platforms often attract more complaints than compliments. Therefore, it’s advisable to approach these reviews cautiously and consider a broader range of factors when evaluating FNB’s services.

FNB Contact Details

Office Address: Simmonds St, Johannesburg, 2001
Open: 09:00 – 16:00 (Monday-Friday) and 08:00 – 13:00 on Saturdays (might differ per branch)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 087 730 5596
Website: www.fnb.co.za

Foli has an MSc. Economics degree, and has been active in South Africa lending space for years. Whenever he is not writing, you will find him building websites.