Your FNB username is the unique name you create to log into First National Bank's online banking and mobile app
When you set up online banking with FNB (First National Bank), you choose a username — a text string that belongs only to you and works alongside your password to prove who you are. This is different from your account number or card number. The username is what you type into the login screen every time you want to check your balance, transfer money, or pay bills through FNB's website or app.
FNB is one of the largest banks in South Africa, and most of their customers access accounts online rather than only by visiting a branch. Your username is the first piece of information the bank asks for when you log in. It is not the same as your email address, though you may have used your email to register for the account.
Key Takeaways
- Your FNB username is a text string you create yourself during online banking setup, separate from your password and account number.
- You use your username plus password every time you log into FNB's website or mobile app to access your accounts.
- If you forget your username, FNB can send a reminder to the email or phone number on file with your account.
- Your username is not the same as your account number, card number, or email address, even if you used email to register.
- FNB keeps your username confidential — the bank will never ask you to share it via email, text, or phone call.
Where you use your FNB username
You enter your username on the FNB login page at fnb.co.za (for the website) or when you open the FNB mobile app on your phone. After you type your username, the system asks for your password. Both pieces together prove you are the account holder.
Once you are logged in, you can view your account balance, see transaction history, transfer money between your own accounts or to other people, pay bills, set up standing orders, and manage your cards. The username stays the same for all of these actions — you do not need a different username for different tasks.
How to find or reset your FNB username
If you have forgotten your username, you do not need to visit a branch. FNB offers a self-service reset through their website. Go to fnb.co.za and look for a link that says "Forgot your username?" or "Username reminder" near the login box. Click it, and the system will ask you to enter your ID number or passport number and the email address or phone number linked to your account.
FNB will then send your username to that email or phone number within a few minutes. Check your email inbox (including spam or junk folders) or your text messages. If you do not receive it after ten minutes, try the process again or contact FNB's customer service line.
If you cannot remember the email or phone number you registered with, or if you do not have access to them anymore, you will need to call FNB directly or visit a branch in person. A staff member can verify your identity using your ID number and other details, then update your contact information and send you a username reminder.
Why FNB asks for a username instead of just your account number
Banks use usernames because they are easier for people to remember than long account numbers, and they add a layer of security. Your account number is printed on your statements and cheques — it is not secret. Your username, by contrast, is something only you know (along with your password). This two-part system means that even if someone sees your account number, they cannot log into your account without also knowing your username and password.
The username also stays the same even if you change accounts or add new accounts to your online banking profile. You log in once with your username and password, and then you can see and manage all the accounts linked to that login.
What to do if someone asks for your FNB username
FNB staff and customer service will never ask you to share your username via email, text message, or phone call. If someone claiming to be from FNB asks for your username, it is a scam. Hang up, do not reply to the message, and do not click any links.
The only time you should enter your username is directly into the FNB website (fnb.co.za) or the official FNB mobile app that you downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Do not type your username into a link sent to you in an email or text, even if the message looks like it came from FNB.
If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from FNB, forward it to FNB's fraud team or report it through your online banking profile. You can also call FNB's customer service number (which you can find on the back of your FNB card or on their official website) to confirm whether the message was real.
The difference between your username, password, and account number
| Item | What it is | Who knows it | Where you use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Username | A text string you create during online banking setup | Only you (and FNB's system) | FNB website and mobile app login |
| Password | A secret code you create, usually a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols | Only you (and FNB's system) | FNB website and mobile app login, after username |
| Account number | A unique number assigned by FNB to each account you hold | You, FNB, and anyone you give it to (for transfers or payments) | Statements, cheques, wire transfers, bill payments |
Your account number is not secret — you share it with people who need to send you money. Your username and password are secret and should never be shared with anyone, including FNB staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my FNB username after I create it?
Yes. Log into your FNB online banking profile, go to Settings or Profile, and look for an option to change your username. You will need to enter your current username and password to confirm the change. Your new username takes effect when ready, and you will use it the next time you log in.
Is my FNB username the same as my email address?
No. Your username and email address are separate. You may have used your email to register for online banking, but the username you chose during setup is what you type into the login box. If you want to confirm which email is linked to your account, check your FNB profile settings.
What if I create an FNB username that someone else might guess?
FNB's security system protects your account even if your username is straightforward. After three or four wrong password attempts, the login is locked for a period of time, so someone cannot keep guessing. Still, it is a good idea to choose a username that is not your full name or a common word, and to use a strong password (a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols).
Do I need a different username for each FNB account I have?
No. You use one username to log into your online banking profile, and that single login gives you access to all the FNB accounts linked to it. You do not create a new username for each account.
Can FNB staff see my username and password?
FNB staff can see your username, but they cannot see your password — the bank's system stores passwords in encrypted form that even FNB employees cannot read. This is why FNB will never ask you for your password over the phone or email. If you tell a staff member your password, you are giving away access to your account.