FNB plans to expand Smart ID card application services to more than 240 branches across South Africa as part of a new partnership with the Department of Home Affairs. Picture Credit: Galleria Mall
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – FNB says it is preparing to roll out expanded Smart ID card application services across its branch network after successfully completing testing of the system. The service will soon be available to the public as part of a broader initiative to bring Department of Home Affairs services into bank branches.
While FNB has offered Home Affairs services for over a decade, the programme has previously been limited to a small number of branches where Home Affairs staff were stationed.
Since the introduction of the pilot programme in 2015, the bank has issued more than 570,000 Smart ID cards and passports through seven designated branches.
A new digital partnership model announced last year will now allow the bank direct access to the Department of Home Affairs’ back-end systems. This is expected to improve processing speed, reliability and expand access to the service.
The upgrade will allow South Africans to apply for the re-issue of Smart ID cards directly at FNB branches and, in the future, through the FNB Banking App. “We are incredibly proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to going live with this expanded capability,” said Harry Kellan, CEO of FNB.
“Smart ID Cards are essential for accessing vital services, securing employment and participating fully in the economy. “With the DHA’s modernised technology, we can now reach millions more South Africans through our infrastructure, and that is what real help is all about.”
FNB said it plans to expand the service to more than 240 branches over the next year as part of a nationwide rollout.
Branches offering the service will be listed on the bank’s website and app, with more locations expected to be added weekly as the rollout progresses.
Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber said the partnership forms part of efforts to modernise the department’s services. “By connecting banks directly to our digital systems, we are laying the foundation to expand access to Smart ID services through trusted institutions that people already use every day,” he said.
“Partnerships like this will help us modernise Home Affairs, strengthen the integrity of our national identity system, and make it easier for every South African to obtain the documents they need to participate fully in society and the economy.”
Standard R140 fee remains, during the initial phase of the rollout, customers will only pay the standard Home Affairs Smart ID application fee of R140, with no additional convenience or logistics charges.
“Our branch network plays a vital role in reaching communities that have historically struggled to access Home Affairs services,” said Zibu Nqala, CEO of FNB Points of Presence. “This expansion will allow us to bring essential identity solutions closer to our customers’ doorsteps, ensuring inclusive access regardless of where they live.”
The bank added that the expansion will make it easier for South Africans to access key Home Affairs services while helping reduce queues, travel time and administrative delays.
Customers will be able to complete their applications at selected FNB branches, with additional digital channels set to be introduced in future to further simplify the process.
