A New Era for FNB eBucks Rewards

First National Bank (FNB) has rolled out massive changes to its banking fees and eBucks rewards program spanning 2025 and 2026. These updates affect everything from where you buy your groceries to how you book your holidays.

While the bank promises better value and more transparency, many customers are scrambling to understand how to keep their reward levels high. This guide breaks down the most critical updates so you can keep maximizing your rewards.

Major Retail Shift: Goodbye Checkers, Hello Pick n Pay

One of the most noticeable changes for everyday consumers is the shift in FNB’s grocery partnerships. FNB officially terminated its long-standing eBucks partnership with Checkers on March 31, 2025.

Shoprite and Checkers benefits have now moved over to Standard Bank’s UCount rewards program. In response, FNB has partnered with Pick n Pay, allowing customers to earn massive rewards on their grocery spending.

Here are the key benefits of the new Pick n Pay partnership:

• Massive Cash Back: Premier, Private Clients, and Private Wealth account holders can earn up to 30% back in eBucks when using the Pick n Pay asap! delivery app.
• In-Store Savings: Shoppers can get up to 20% back on in-store spending and clothing purchases.
• The 99c Bread Deal: FNB Easy and Aspire customers can access vouchers to buy a loaf of bread for just 99 cents every week.

2025/2026 Banking Fees and Point Thresholds Explained

FNB adjusts its banking fees every July, and the 2025/2026 cycles brought several changes that impact your wallet.

Account Fee Increases

Most account maintenance fees saw an inflation-based hike. The monthly charges have been adjusted as follows:

• FNB Aspire: Increased by R5 to R120 per month.
• FNB Premier: Increased by R10 to R250 per month.
• Private Wealth: Saw a sharper increase of R30, bringing the fee to R625 per month.
• Cash Limits: The limit for free cash transactions dropped from R3,000 to R2,000, meaning fees kick in much sooner if you use cash.

Reaching Level 5: Easier Thresholds but Harder Points?

To help customers reach higher reward tiers, FNB lowered the point thresholds required to level up. For example, the Level 5 threshold was dropped by 1,000 points.

However, FNB also changed how you earn those points. In November 2025, FNB reduced the reward points given for free habits, like using a virtual card or checking the app. To successfully reach Level 5 today, you might need to rely on:

• Taking up FNB Customised Insurance products (which can earn you up to 3,500 points).
• Opening family accounts or maintaining a healthy credit status.
• Investing your money or saving at least R1,400 monthly.

New Features: eBucks PayDay and Enhanced Travel

FNB has introduced eBucks PayDay, a fixed allocation date designed to make reward tracking easier. Starting in October 2025, customers now reliably receive their eBucks on the 15th of every month.

Travelers also have major reasons to celebrate. FNB changed its travel benefit so that discounts now apply to the full ticket price, including expensive taxes and surcharges, rather than just the base fare.

• More Airlines: The bank increased its supported international airlines from four to ten.
• Massive Discounts: Depending on your tier and insurance products, you can get up to 80% off domestic flights booked through the FNB app.

Additionally, FNB brought on new lifestyle partners, allowing users to earn and spend eBucks at the gaming retailer Koodoo and the Golfers Club.

Relief at the Pumps: The 2026 Fuel Boost

To combat skyrocketing petrol and diesel prices, FNB launched a temporary Fuel Boost campaign from May to June 2026.

Customers who spend at least R450 a month at Engen get a guaranteed 50% increase in the eBucks they earn on fuel. A Private Banking client on Level 5 who meets all criteria could earn an incredible R12 back per litre during this promotional period.

Customer Reactions: Are the Changes Worth It?

While FNB highlights billions of Rands returned to clients, customer reactions have been mixed. On online forums like Reddit, many long-time users expressed frustration over the November 2025 rule changes.

Some clients feel betrayed, stating that reaching Level 5 now forces them to buy FNB insurance products that they don’t want. “The cost to get these benefits is higher than the actual benefit,” noted one user. Consequently, some professionals are moving their accounts to competitors like Investec, Discovery Bank, and Capitec, which offer different perks like airport lounge access and straightforward fee structures.

Despite the backlash, eBucks remains one of South Africa’s top rewards programs, with over 6 million vouchers issued and an incredible 87% active user rate. For customers willing to engage fully with FNB’s digital and insurance ecosystems, the rewards are still highly lucrative.