My International FNB Horror Story:

Last month I opened an FNB Global Account linked to my online banking profile and funded it with my savings for the trip. I requested a card but it was not delivered to my nearest branch before I left. A forex consultant advised me in branch to create a Virtual Card I could add to my Apple pay during my trip. I have been using this method of paying since arriving but one evening while checking my balance on the FNB App from abroad, my face was not recognised during the login and my banking app was blocked from then on. Incidentally this also happens from SA, as my family member has also had her profile blocked in this exact way previously. FNB can only offer assistance from a branch and even that experience is horrific as the branch staff are not concerned to assist or educated how to. Every attempt to reset my login failed and I contacted FNB from Ireland to enquire what could be done. They then told me my profile was blocked for ***** and I would need to prove my residence in Ireland by getting an Embassy Letter and certified copies of my ID and Passport, also from the Embassy. They did not care for the time and cost to me in securing such documents, not to mention the wait time for the appointment at the SA Embassy. Essentially I now find myself in a foreign destination with no ability to check my balance, or top up my global card etc. FNB has little regard for it's customer's once they leave SA. I am seriously disappointed by both the lack of customer care and service I have experienced. I am warning as many friends and family members back in SA against using FNB while travelling and furthermore in general the bank has shown a rapid decline in recent years in terms of customer service. Will never be banking with them ever again!