No Service!

On 14 May 2020 I logged a query to have a business account opened in my name, from the FNB website. I do not have an FNB account, and need a business account for purposes of transacting on PayPal and other payment gateways. The query was logged under reference number ***Q.

I received an email reply one day later from a Zanele Mahlaba, stating the following: Good day NICOLAAS J REDELINGHUYS

This email is with regards to the query that was forwarded to us.

Attached is a detailed step by step how to guide that you have to follow on your desktop or laptop. The cell phone app is not compatible for the service.

For more information with regards to the FNB PayPal Top Up and Withdraw Service please contact us directly on ***or *** . to speak to a consultant

I rep**** to the mail, informing Zanele as follows: Good day Zanele,

I do not have a FNB account. This was the why I contacted FNB in the first place, because I do not have any means of transferring funds from my PayPal to a South African bank account.

On the same day I decided to register my business through BizPortal. The application process provided the option to open a business account with a number of institutions, so I naturally chose FNB. I have not yet heard anything from FNB about that particular application.

Yesterday (4 June 2020) I was urged by another payment gateway to obtain a business account that reflects the name of my business, before they would accept my application to use their service. I immediately tried to submit an application through FNB's online application process, but upon submitting the form it would not go through; certain fields were not filled out and information was lacking. I tried to follow the errors and supply the information, but it just kept indicating more and more errors. For instance, one error pertinently indicated I had to select the second option, but which 'second' option in which section, I have NO idea!

After all of this, I decided to go in to my nearest branch (Somerset Mall) to apply in person. Unfortunately the branch was "closed due to unforseen circumstances".

I decided to try and use the customer care contact number, but was sent hither and tither. Two of the options resulted in a dead end, where the "hold music" went quiet and the line eventually cut off.

I had an FNB account years ago, and went over to Capitec because of declining service and to get away from unnecessary banking costs. I now HAVE to make use of FNB again for the sake of my business and I am already starting off on a bad footing.