FNB plans major Smart ID expansion to 240 branches across South Africa

South Africa’s First National Bank (FNB) is expanding access to Smart ID and passport services as part of a wider effort to make government services easier to reach through the country’s banking network. 

The bank plans to offer Department of Home Affairs services at 240 branches nationwide by December 2026, allowing more South Africans to apply for Smart ID cards closer to where they live and work. 

The expansion builds on a decade-long partnership between FNB and Home Affairs, which has allowed banks to connect directly with the department’s systems and support the government’s move toward digital identity services. 

FNB said the rollout has already gained traction, with Smart ID services available at more than 51 branches across all nine provinces. More branches will be added each month as the program expands.

FNB brings Home Affairs services closer to customers 

Since the new digital model launched earlier this year, FNB has issued more than 14,000 Smart ID cards through its branch network. The bank said the service has helped customers avoid long queues, reduce repeat visits and complete applications more efficiently. 

“Our ambition has been to meaningfully shift how South Africans experience access to essential services, making it more seamless, more inclusive and more responsive to their everyday needs,” FNB CEO Lytania Johnson said. 

Zibu Nqala, CEO of Retail and Business Banking Distribution at FNB, said the bank’s focus is on making essential services available in locations customers already know and trust. 

She said bringing Home Affairs services into bank branches has improved convenience by reducing travel time and making the application process more predictable for customers.

Smart ID rollout supports move away from green ID books 

Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber said the partnership with FNB and other banking institutions represents an important step in the department’s Home Affairs @ Home reform program. 

“More than half a million South Africans have already made the switch from the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book through our Digital Partnership with the banking sector in less than five months,” Schreiber said. 

He added that every Smart ID card issued reduces reliance on outdated identity documents and strengthens efforts to provide safer and more reliable public services. 

FNB customers will continue paying the standard Department of Home Affairs application fee of R140, with no additional convenience or logistics charges. Passport services are expected to be introduced at participating bank branches in the future.

FNB strengthens digital banking and public service access 

Founded in 1838, FNB is one of South Africa’s largest financial institutions and a division of FirstRand.

The bank offers retail, business and digital banking services, with a focus on using technology to improve customer access and everyday financial solutions. 

As the Smart ID rollout expands, FNB and Home Affairs expect the partnership to play a greater role in changing how South Africans access identity services, bringing more government services into locations people already visit regularly.