In the ever-evolving financial landscape of South Africa, digital banking continues to transform how customers transact, save, and manage money. First National Bank (FNB), one of the country’s leading financial institutions, has introduced various innovative features to improve the customer experience.
Among them is the “Clear Now” payment option—a swift and convenient way to transfer funds instantly between banks. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the Clear Now service, outlines its associated costs, and explains how it compares to other transaction types available at FNB in 2025.
What is FNB Clear and Clear Now?
“Clear Now” (previously known as “Pay and Clear Now”) is FNB’s real-time payment feature that allows customers to send money instantly to recipients at other South African banks. Traditional electronic funds transfers (EFTs) can take hours or even a full business day to reflect. Clear Now payments, on the other hand, are designed to be processed within 60 minutes, even between different banks.
This service is particularly valuable when urgent payments are required, such as paying rent, settling invoices, or sending emergency funds to family or friends.
How Does It Work?
FNB customers can access the Clear Now option through the bank’s digital platforms, including:
- FNB Mobile App
- Online Banking Portal
- ATM interfaces (selected machines)
To initiate a Clear Now transaction, a customer selects the option while making a payment. Instead of choosing the standard EFT, they opt for “Clear Now” to ensure the funds reach the recipient without delay.
Cost of FNB Clear Now in 2025
The cost for using Clear Now payments is relatively affordable for the convenience it offers. However, it’s important to note that FNB applies tiered pricing based on the amount being transferred.
Here is the fee structure as of 2025:
| Transfer Amount | Fee Charged |
|---|---|
| R0 – R3,000 | R7 per transaction |
| R3,001 and above | R15 per transaction |
These charges are in addition to the monthly account maintenance fees customers pay, depending on the type of account they hold. Notably, this service is non-refundable, meaning if the transaction fails or is reversed, the fee is still charged.
When Should You Use Clear Now?
Clear Now is ideal in the following situations:
- Time-sensitive payments: Rent, school fees, medical emergencies.
- After business hours or weekends: When standard EFTs may be delayed.
- Business-to-business transactions: To ensure faster cash flow.
- Sending money to someone who needs it urgently.
Comparison with Standard EFT and eWallet
FNB offers various payment solutions. Here’s a comparison of Clear Now with other options:
| Feature | Standard EFT | Clear Now | eWallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 1–2 business days | Within 60 minutes | Instantly (mobile) |
| Cost (under R3,000) | R1 per transaction | R7 per transaction | R2 + R2.40/ R100 |
| Recipient Requirement | Bank Account | Bank Account | Cellphone Number |
| Refundable? | Yes | No | No |
Account Types and Related Transaction Fees
The type of FNB account you use may also affect your total monthly costs. Below is a brief overview of popular FNB accounts and the typical monthly charges and transaction costs they incur in 2025.
FNB Easy Zero
- Monthly Fee: R0
- EFT Fee: R1
- ATM Withdrawals: R7 per R1,000
- Card Swipes: Free
- Clear Now Fee: R7 (up to R3,000)
Ideal for students and entry-level users, Easy Zero offers basic banking without monthly charges.
FNB Easy PayU
- Monthly Fee: R5 – R6.50
- EFT Fee: R1
- ATM Withdrawals: R2.20 per R100
- Card Swipes: Free
- Clear Now Fee: R7 / R15 depending on amount
Offers slightly more features than Easy Zero while maintaining affordability.
FNB Easy Smart Account
- Monthly Fee: R65
- EFT Fee: Free
- ATM Withdrawals: Free up to R2,000
- Card Swipes: Free
- Clear Now Fee: R7 / R15
Includes bundled services and is ideal for users with moderate banking needs.
FNB Aspire Account
- Monthly Fee: R115
- EFT Fee: Free
- ATM Withdrawals: Limited free withdrawals
- Card Swipes: Free
- Clear Now Fee: R7 / R15
Aspire is targeted at mid-income users who need a combination of savings, credit, and convenience.
Premier and Private Accounts
- Premier Account Fee: ~R220/month
- Private Client Fee: R450+/month
- Transaction Fees: Often bundled, with Clear Now included at no cost in some plans
These accounts cater to high-net-worth individuals and include added perks like financial planning, investment tools, and premium support.
Benefits of Using FNB Clear Now
- Speed: Instant delivery across different banks.
- Convenience: Easily accessible via the app and online banking.
- Security: Encrypted transactions with two-factor authentication.
- Flexibility: Ideal for emergencies or business-critical payments.
Drawbacks to Consider
- Cost: Can be expensive if used frequently.
- Non-Refundable: Fees apply regardless of transaction success.
- Confusion Over Charges: Some users have reported unexpected fees due to lack of clarity.
User Feedback and Community Insights
Online forums like Reddit and financial review platforms have highlighted both praise and criticism of Clear Now. Users appreciate the speed and convenience, especially in emergencies. However, some have complained about hidden charges or unexpected deductions, particularly when the service is used frequently.
A Reddit user noted:
“I sent R2,800 to a friend and it showed up instantly, which was great. But I only realized after that I was charged R7 when I could’ve waited a day and paid R1. Lesson learned.”
Another user shared:
“I like Clear Now for my small business. Payments reflect quickly, which helps with inventory purchases. I just wish there was a discount for frequent use.”
Tips to Reduce Costs
- Plan Ahead: Use standard EFT when time allows.
- Bundle Services: Opt for an account type that includes Clear Now or offers discounts.
- Track Transactions: Monitor charges through the FNB app.
- Limit Use: Reserve Clear Now for essential or time-sensitive payments only.
The Future of Instant Payments at FNB
With South Africa’s growing digital economy, real-time payments will likely become more commonplace. FNB may introduce dynamic pricing, bulk discounts, or even bundled Clear Now payments in its premium packages. Integration with digital wallets and AI-driven alerts could also enhance user experience.
FNB is also expected to improve transparency by providing clearer breakdowns of charges before and after transactions.
Related:
Conclusion
FNB’s Clear Now payment option has revolutionized how customers handle urgent financial transfers in South Africa. While it offers convenience and speed, the associated costs should be weighed carefully. With a fee of R7 for transactions under R3,000 and R15 for larger payments, Clear Now is best reserved for time-sensitive situations. Understanding your account type, usage habits, and available alternatives can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary fees.
As FNB continues to innovate, it remains crucial for users to stay informed about new features and pricing structures. By doing so, they can make the most of their banking experience while managing costs effectively.