FNB ends tap-to-pay for Android

This week, FNB informed its clients via SMS that the functionality will no longer be supported come April.

This change caught some customers off guard, and they took to social media to voice their frustrations.

Why has FNB made this decision?

FNB was the first bank in Africa to launch a contactless tap-to-pay digital card wallet in 2016.

It is discontinuing the feature in the wake of many new payment platforms and virtual cards.

Customers are encouraged to use platforms like Google Wallet, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, Swatch Pay, Apple Pay or QR code payments from the banking app at various participating merchants.

The change comes after discussions about the future of digital banking for FNB as the bank's app will integrate platforms like Google Wallet and others for the ultimate aim of making the in-app experience easier for customers.

What you need to know...

The bank asked users to de-register and re-register tap-to-pay for them to be able to continue using the platform before it is retired using the banking app.

However, clients who have not de-registered and re-registered can still tap-to-pay at points of sale.

Once you've re-registered, users are encouraged to select their virtual card and select to add it to Google Wallet from within the FNB app.

In the process of adding the card to Google Wallet, you will be prompted to change your default wallet on your device.

Confirm the change of the default to Google Wallet and complete the process.

Viljoen confirms that using options like Google Wallet and other virtual card platforms on or off the FNB app is safe and secure.