FNB, "How can we help you"? Maybe, Not

In 2020 I app**** for debt review due to financial constraints in a failed business. With the help of Zero Debt the process started in Jan 2020. We initiated it with all the debtors and started an almost 6 year longs journey. From the start FNB was not happy with the application which I do not blame them. We took one year to settle on a repayment plan for two accounts. One, my cheque account was supposed to have been closed and restructured on acceptance which never happened. Only in 2023 we successfully got the account closed and restructured which meant the balance ballooned to more than 20% the original balance. They also kept debiting my other account from it and after numerous requests we got this resolved. It also took more than two years to get the process approved by the courts as FNB and two other debtors kept on fighting against the order.

Fast forward to November 2025. I finally got the chance to settle all the accounts. FNB and Capitec was the last. Capitec when asked for discount provided an awesome 20% discount which I'm very grateful for. Talk about a bank that cares. FNB, when asked just plainly said, nope, we are not running any discounts at this stage. I've been a client for over 20 years. "How can we help you". Words I don't believe anymore.

My initial balances with FNB in almost 6 years drop around 15% when settled. I did settle them so now the fight to get paid up letters from them. 5 business days to get a letter that you don't owe us any money anymore.

Banks that stand out when needed, Nedbank and Capitec. I will definitely move any of my accounts to them.

Also note, I was a Private client with FNB which just shows you, It does not matter what you have with them, you are still just a number.