You now have to own a smartphone to earn eBucks

<p>FNB are terrible to bank with. However, its saving grace is eBucks. Moving forward from 1 July 2016, Premier cheque account holders will be required to download the FNB app and interact with it at least once a month. <br /><br />This is truly unfair to members to have made an informed decision not own such a device or those who simply cannot afford the upkeep (data costs) of such a device. The plan here is to get members to download their app and to push the FNB network. This is the reason why you will no longer earn eBucks for airtime purchases.<br /><br /></p> <p>According to them:</p> <p>In order to qualify to earn eBucks, you'll now need to download the FNB Banking App and then make sure you log in at least once a month using your own banking profile.<br />You'll no longer get discounts on your monthly Uncapped ADSL subscription through FNB Connect, but you can still earn up to 40% back in eBucks on your total qualifying monthly FNB Connect spend, which now includes fixed LTE.<br />The reward rate for in-store shopping purchases made using your FNB Premier Cheque Card will now be a standard 0.25% across all reward levels. The reward rate for online shopping purchases made using your FNB Premier Cheque Card will now be a standard 0.5% across all reward levels.<br />You'll no longer earn eBucks on prepaid airtime purchases from other networks, but you'll continue to earn up to 40% back in eBucks on your total qualifying monthly FNB Connect spend, which includes FNB Connect prepaid airtime.</p> <p> </p> <p>This information wasnt even communicated properly. Many Premier clients won't even know this happened. I had to log in aand by chance saw the updates on the reward page. It is pretty accurate to say that FNB makes money on ignorance.</p> <p> </p> <p>The consumer appreciates that FNB upped the potential to earn eBucks and we will sweep under the carpet that the reward rate has conveniently been standardised. However, not being able to earn them at all is not on especially because it is a 'strategic business decision' to increase app use/downloads. It seems it would be better to downgrade to Gold because the actuaries at FNB assume that the entire Premier LSM has smartphones. You actually get better value with Gold - being on Premier level only means you have the same benefits but you have to jump through more hoops. <br /><br />Classic bait-and-switch here. They did it with the airport lounges and are doing it again. Bravo!</p>