First National Bank (FNB) ,unveiled the FNB Banking App 5.0, the newest version of the App which has a range of digital firsts in Africa. FNB App 5.0 features industry-leading solutions such as FNB Pay, Fingerprint ID, Secure Chat, Smart inContact, 1-touch Report Fraud, as well as the FNB Watch App.

Jacques Celliers, FNB CEO says the bank views the App as a gateway into the future of banking. “The App is attuned to solve for crucial customer needs such as more control of one’s bank account, cost-saving, better security and the need to bank anywhere, anytime.

“The intuitive new features of App 5.0 are a clear demonstration of how we are prioritising customer needs.  This platform also puts us in a much better position to continue capitalising on the seamless convergence of banking and telecoms, to produce integrated solutions,” he says.

The distinctive and pioneering feature of FNB App 5.0 is FNB Pay, a globally accepted contactless payment solution which allows customers to purchase goods by simply tapping their smartphone on a contactless enabled point of sale terminal. A first in Africa, FNB Pay enables customers to quickly and conveniently purchase goods below R200 without entering their card PIN. Customers have options on how they can securely perform transactions through FNB Pay.

Raj Makanjee, FNB Premium CEO says, “As of today, FNB customers with an NFC enabled Android device can download the latest version of the FNB App and start making purchases at any contactless payment terminal. Once FNB App 5.0 has been downloaded, the customer automatically gets FNB Pay and can link it to any of their FNB cards.”

“The timing is perfect for contactless technology in South Africa as local merchants are gradually increasing contactless infrastructure. This is one of the reasons why 100% of the new or replacement cards we are now issuing are contactless cards across our Debit and Credit portfolios. Not only does the functionality make it effortless for customers to pay for goods and services, it helps merchants to process transactions far quicker, thus assisting in reducing queues,” adds Makanjee.

With fraud being a global concern for clients that use digital platforms, FNB App 5.0 brings industry-leading security features to enable customers to detect and report fraud. The industry first inContact solution has evolved to introduce Smart InContact, which notifies customers of transactions as low as one cent, with full control to report fraud with 1-touch of the Smart inContact notification to the 24/7 FNB Fraud line.

Smart inContact also replaces SMS OTPs as a secure way to approve, reject or report fraud for any Online Banking transactions. Logins from unknown or suspicious devices also trigger a Smart inContact notification for the customer to verify or reject the device. This is built off the existing intelligence of FNB’s systems to notify customers of potentially risky transactions or devices accessing their profiles, allowing them take control to approve or reject these transactions. Customers without FNB App 5.0 will continue to receive SMS notifications and OTPs until they download or update to the latest version of the app.

App users can now authenticate themselves through Fingerprint ID available to both Android and iPhone owners, which uses a fingerprint sensor to verify the user before giving access to the account profile.

FNB clients who qualify for premier and private banking services will also be able to use Secure Chat to enquire about services or send instructions to their private banking support team, all done through the App after securely logging in.  Secure Chat gives customers 24/7 banking support without the risks of phishing or identity theft.

Another exciting revelation is the FNB Watch App, which extends key features of the FNB Banking App onto an Android or Apple smartwatch.  To signify the launch of the Watch App, FNB customers get up to 40% discount when purchasing a smartwatch via the eBucks Online shop.

“All these features have enhanced the FNB Banking App both from a functionality and most importantly, security point of view.  The growing active-user base and global accolades of the App attest to the compelling proposition of the platform. App 5.0 will go a long way towards improving customer experience, making banking easier, safer and convenient,” concludes Makanjee.