FNB Item paid no funds

I have various accounts with FNB and have been banking with them for over 10 years.

On the 25th Apr 2026 I noticed a transaction of R341.00 that came off with the reference "Item Paid No Funds" on my gold cheque account (no overdraft or anything like it was agreed to) Spoke to an FNB consultant on the secure chat, and I was informed that this is done when the bank "honours" a transaction if there aren't enough funds. They do not give you an option to proceed at an additional fee nor do they decline the transaction.

Apparently it happens when the bank pays the merchant on your behalf, and then charges you UNKNOWINGLY for this transaction, even if you immediately transfer money into the account to bring it to a positive balance after the transaction, and even though you DID NOT AGREE to it.

This seems to simply be a way for FNB to take money from loyal clients without their knowledge or agreement.

I honestly would prefer the transaction be declined, or at least to be given the option to proceed at an additional fee.