Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 02-08-2018

After introducing the feature in May, FNB has announced that customers can now make payments through their VISA enabled FNB Banking Cards by simply tapping their compatible Fitbit or Garmin Wearable on any contactless enabled point-of-sale device.

To make payment, a customer simply selects the wallet feature and then taps their wearable on the contactless point of sale, just as they would when paying with their FNB Pay enabled smartphone or their contactless card.

Jason Viljoen, Head of Digital Payments at FNB, says the latest offering complements a number of the banks digital solutions that enable customers to conveniently make payments without the need for carrying a physical card or cash.

“It further aligns to our ongoing strategy to migrate customers to digital channels where we continuously provide them with innovative and customer-centric solutions that meet a diverse range of needs.”

FNB says Multiple layers of security, such as encryption and tokenization, make this one of the most secure methods of making a payment and customers can rest assured that their card details will remain private and secure as they will never be shared with retailers, Fitbit or Garmin.

Vijoen says as a further security measure, whenever the Fitbit or Garmin device leaves your wrist you will be required to enter your wearable pass-code once placed back on your wrist in order to re-activate the functionality.

“The device stays authenticated for 24 hours or until you take it off your wrist. In addition, the point of sale device will also prompt you to enter your card PIN for certain transactions. Both your card PIN and device passcode should never be shared with anyone.”

FNB’s new payment solution is available to existing FNB/RMB Private Bank cardholders, who have a compatible Fitbit or Garmin device and have downloaded the Fitbit or Garmin App onto their cellphones.

Upon linking an FNB Banking Card on the Fitbit or Garmin App, customers will be sent an OTP message via the FNB Banking App, SMS or email.

Customers will receive transaction notifications via the Banking App, SMS or email. They will also be able to view their transactions on their Fitbit or Garmin App 24/7.

Twitter: @FaizelPatel143