How long does it take to open a business account with FNB?!

I've about had it with FNB now. I am so disappointed that such a forward-thinking bank (of which I am a long standing client) could provide such atrocious service!

I recently decided to open a business account via FNB, choosing to also register my business through FNB's portal. With the promise of a quick turnaround time (10 days) and the convenience of concluding everything online, I mistakenly assumed everything would run smoothly. Ironically, CIPC actually completed the business name registration rather quickly (contrary to their reputation), following which FNB would then proceed with the account creation. Three (3) weeks passed by without any word or notification from FNB, prompting me to call the Call Centre.

Call 1: Consultant told me there was a problem with the mailbox I sent my verifying documents to and that all clients who sent to that mailbox was affected. Promised to escalate the issue and I would be contacted shortly.

Two weeks pass by without any word from anyone at FNB...

Call 2: Consultant says my application was picked up and is halfway to account creation. I inquire whether it usually takes two (2) weeks to complete half of an account creation process and whether the remaining process would also take two (2) weeks. Consultant promises someone will contact me shortly.

Nothing.

Call 3: Asked for a manager. Held on forever. Manager is helpful and promises to resolve the issue and call me back with feedback.

No call from manager. Instead I received a generic email confirming the account is created with activation instructions. I try to activate the account following the instructions. No luck. Annoyed I leave it alone and it again this morning. Still not working.

Call 4: Hold on forever. Consultant verifies all my business account details but needs to put me back to the verification prompt for my personal account details?? Puts me on hold, I verify, never picks the call up again. After 10 mins I put down and call back.

Call 5: New consultant tells me I should verify my account at the ATM and that the other options for verification don't seem to be working. Great. Ask consultant about my bank card (which I did not receive, not did anyone ask or call me to inquire about). Consultant says there is no card ordered on the system and that she will order one. Puts me on hold, comes back to say the system isn't allowing the order to be placed. Puts me on hold again to speak to the KYC division. Ten (10) minutes of holding later, comes back to say they are not picking up.

This has got to be a new record for opening an account. How about another 2 week delay to set another account creation record for two (2) months?

Right now I am seriously considering changing banks, with all my accounts and products. I refuse to be treated this way. It is a clear sign of things to come if I continue to transact with FNB. I am so disappointed and furious with FNB!!