Punished for a Small Mistake 19 Years Ago — No Credit from FNB

I’m extremely disappointed with FNB and their unwillingness to provide any form of credit facility, despite my strong financial standing.

Back in 2007, when I was young and running a small business, the business unfortunately went bankrupt. At the time, I had a small entry-level banking facility with FNB. The turnover was low, and the amount involved was minimal. This was 19 years ago.

Since then, I’ve rebuilt my life and created a successful business. I earn a solid income every month, my credit record is excellent according to both TransUnion and Experian, and other banks actively offer me credit facilities.

A few years ago, I moved back to FNB specifically to build credit and grow my financial relationship with them. More than two years later, I still cannot access even the most basic credit — I can’t even buy something through the eBucks shop. Yet FNB is perfectly happy to take my savings and hold my money.

I initially assumed I needed to “build credit,” so I app**** for a small credit card. Rejected. I waited a few months, app**** again with even stronger financials. Rejected again.

Over the last 6–7 months, I’ve tried repeatedly, including applying for a personal loan for a time-sensitive purchase. FNB dragged the process out, and I contacted Secure Chat three times, only to be told they couldn’t assist. I visited the branch multiple times and even spoke to the branch manager.

Eventually, I was told that despite my strong income and excellent credit record, FNB refuses to extend credit because they allegedly wrote off a small amount — likely around R5,000 — back in 2007.

This is extremely unfair. Nineteen years later, after rebuilding my financial standing and maintaining a spotless credit record, I am still being penalised for a small amount from my early twenties. Meanwhile, other banks are willing to support me today based on my current financial profile.

It’s frustrating that FNB encourages customers to grow with them but refuses to acknowledge real financial recovery and responsible behaviour over nearly two decades.

If this is how long FNB holds past mistakes against customers, I seriously question why anyone would try to build a long-term relationship with them.

Very disappointed. 😞