Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku | GP News Media – Community Newsroom Images: Supplied
Johannesburg — 24 November 2025:
FNB is forecasting another robust surge in consumer activity this Black Friday, predicting total spend through its platforms to exceed R3.3 billion. The bank says early 2025 data already indicates sustained customer spending, strong digital payment adoption and ongoing momentum across both online and physical retail.
Last year, FNB processed more than R5.4 billion in transactions through its Speedpoint devices over the Black Friday weekend, with e-commerce emerging as one of the biggest drivers of spend. Online transaction values jumped 37%, while transaction volumes leapt 76%. Virtual Card usage surged 59% year-on-year, contributing more than R600 million to overall Black Friday spend.
With that trajectory, FNB is confident that 2025 will mirror last year’s strong performance.
Digital Payments Set to Dominate
Digital wallets, virtual cards and contactless payments remain among the fastest-growing payment methods, while cash usage continues its steady decline. Online shopping in particular is expected to accelerate as consumers chase convenience, safety and aggressive promotions.
Akshay Bhayroo, FNB Credit Card Business Development Head, says behavioural shifts throughout the year point toward a digitally driven Black Friday:
“Customer behaviour shows that South Africans are making deliberate choices about how and when they spend—shifting budgets towards essentials, prioritising discounts and timing purchases around promotional periods. We expect digital payments to play an even larger role this Black Friday as customers look for convenience, safety and real value.”
He adds that the foundational growth seen in 2024 has continued throughout 2025.
Early Shopping Trend Continues
The trend of Black Friday promotions starting earlier is expected to continue this year. In 2024, consumer spend a week ahead of Black Friday grew 25%, compared to 7% the previous year. The same pattern is already visible in 2025, with many retailers launching promotional campaigns long before the traditional date.
FNB expects grocery, clothing and entertainment categories to dominate, while tourism and apparel are forecast to show resilient purchase activity.
Demand for Digital Safety Features Surges
As digital transactions rise, customers are increasingly relying on safety tools built into FNB’s digital banking ecosystem.
- Virtual Cards with a dynamic CVV that changes regularly
- Free Purchase Protect Insurance of up to R15,000 on qualifying online purchases
- Nav Smart Budgeting on the FNB App to help customers plan festive spending
Last year, online purchases accounted for 42% of all FNB credit card spend — a 17% increase year-on-year — while digital wallets represented 18% of all in-store transactions, growing 43% year-on-year.
These shifts, FNB says, reflect a deeper transformation in consumer behaviour, marked by growing trust in secure digital payments and a desire for frictionless, modern purchase experiences.
Supporting Customers Through the Festive Season
FNB says it will continue to help customers make the most of the promotional period through:
- safe transacting practices
- budgeting tools
- rewards utilisation to stretch household spending
The bank also issued a strong reminder for customers to remain vigilant:
An FNB representative will never ask for card PINs, passwords, login credentials or other sensitive banking information.
