First National Bank may have opened its PayPal services to customers at other banks, getting it to works has proven to be quite a headache
It’s great that FNB has not only brought PayPal’s wider services to SA, but have opened it up to customers at other banks as well.
However, trying to link my PayPal account to a non-FNB bank account to be able to write an article on the experience has proven troublesome to say the least.
While writing this piece, I was on the phone to FNB’s online banking support who seem to be as confused as I am about the whole situation.
It turns out that the FNB online banking system, despite the fact that I registered the profile on Monday, is detecting an old eBucks account that I got with my student account – an account which was closed more than 5 years ago.
According to the FNB online banking support representative that handled my case, I’ll have to go into a branch and explain to them that they have to fix my online banking profile. A prospect that is as daunting as it is unlikely to happen.
The special circumstances surrounding my particular case aside, there were a number of general issues that came to light when registering for an FNB PayPal account:
1. User names, passwords, and e-mail addresses
Usernames have to be 8-30 characters long and passwords have strict requirements placed on them.
Password must contain mix of alphanumeric characters (capital and lowercase) as well as a special character, and consecutive characters aren’t allowed. This means that if you want to use a long (and safe) password – such as “bearyoketomatooccupation” – you can’t because of the repeating characters.
FNB doesn’t let you use the Gmail trick of adding a plus and any text behind your email address. This trick is handy to both label incoming mail and track who is giving away (or selling) your email address, so it’s sad that FNB doesn’t allow it.
2. Submitting FICA documentation
Once you’ve completed the registration for your new FNB Online Banking profile you’ll need to send them a standard batch of FICA documents: Proof of identity, residence, and banking.
However, the e-mail address provided (applications@PayPalLink.co.za) didn’t work and the PayPal support desk had to supply me with another: paypalkyc@fnb.co.za.
Once you’ve submitted your FICA documents you have to wait for FNB to validate your profile. In my experience this was nice and quick.
3. Possible bugs in FNB online banking portal
While trying to figure out how to access the “PayPal Services” section of my FNB Online Banking profile I came across numerous bugs on the website. However, it is unclear whether these are general bugs, or whether they manifest because of the issues surrounding my account.
4. Online support queries don’t work
In trying to get my account to work I tried to use the support query form on the FNB Online Banking portal. No response.
Your best bet is to phone the call centre (0861-PAYPAL, or 0861-729725) or send an e-mail (paypalenquiries@fnb.co.za).
Lessons learnt
Here’s what you should know if you’re considering using FNB PayPal to transfer money into your non-FNB account.
If you’ve ever had an FNB account, or have a dormant/inactive eBucks account you’ll probably have to go into a branch.
Usernames have to be 8-30 characters long.
Passwords must contain mix of alphanumeric characters (capital and lowercase) as well as a special character, and consecutive characters aren’t allowed.
E-mail FICA documentation to paypalkyc@fnb.co.za and not the address provided.
Don’t try to get support from the FNB Online banking portal – call or e-mail instead.
http://mybroadband.co.za Jan Vermeulen
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