FNB
Deepest digital SME stack in SA, anchored by Cash Advance (merchant cash advance against Speedpoint/Speedee/QR card turnover) and the Vumela Fund for B2B suppliers.
FNB's Cash Advance is the best-in-class big-bank MCA — if you run Speedpoint, it's a one-tap offer in the app. Vumela is one of SA's best enterprise-development funding programmes for black-owned B2B suppliers. Their instalment-holiday + redrawable facilities are well-designed for seasonal businesses.
About FNB
First National Bank tiers SMEs by turnover: First Business Zero / Gold Business (R0-R5m), Platinum Business (R5m-R60m), Enterprise Business (R60m-R150m+). Recognised as SME Bank of the Year at the Global SME Finance Forum and Best Bank for Women Entrepreneurs. Flagship product is FNB Cash Advance (launched Oct 2024) — 100% digital MCA via the FNB App, pre-approved against card turnover, fixed cost upfront, no monthly fees, repaid via daily holdback. Also: Business Loan (R2k-R10m, up to R400k typically unsecured), Business Flexi Loan (re-access at 15% repaid), Business Revolving Loan, Business Bond, Overdraft (prime+1% minimum), Asset Based Finance (incl. Shari'ah, 12-72 months), WesBank Fleet Services, Commercial Property Finance, Debtor Finance, Selective Invoice Discounting (funded within 48 hours), Leveraged Finance / Private Equity via RMB Corvest, Trade Finance + First Trade 360 platform, Business ecoEnergy Loan (R2k-R1m, matched to asset life), and business credit cards with eBucks Rewards. Industry specialists for Agriculture, Franchise Finance, Tourism, Healthcare, Motor Dealership, Education, Islamic Banking, Chinese Business. Flagship enterprise development programme: Vumela Fund (R100k-R2m per deal, scale-up to R20m+) for >51% black-owned B2B suppliers in corporate supply chains.
Is FNB a fit?
Typically fits
Merchant-services SMMEs with Speedpoint devices (Cash Advance is FNB's strongest differentiator), B2B suppliers in corporate supply chains (Vumela), franchise / tourism / medical SMEs, and businesses wanting a re-drawable facility.
Probably not a fit if
SMEs under R500k turnover or without an FNB business account for 15+ months — FNB's core lending pipeline needs that runway.
Products
FNB Business Loan
Term loanR2k up to ~R10m (≤R400k typically unsecured). 3 months-5 years. Optional 3-month repayment holiday. Apply via App, Online Banking or banker.
- Rate
- Prime-linked (risk-based)
- Speed
- A few business days
- Amount
- R2k – R10m
- Term
- 3-60 mo
Best for: FNB Business account customers with 15+ months of banking history and R500k+ turnover needing a fixed-instalment loan.
Apply directly with FNBFNB Cash Advance
Revenue-basedPre-approved MCA against Speedpoint / Speedee / QR card turnover. Fixed cost upfront, no monthly fees, repay via daily holdback off card settlement.
- Rate
- Fixed rand fee (no APR shown)
- Speed
- Same-day (24 hours)
Best for: FNB Business account holders running a qualifying Merchant Services device who need 24-48 hour working capital.
Apply directly with FNBSelective Invoice Discounting (SID)
Invoice financeInvoice-level, funded within 48 hours, self-liquidating. Against quality pre-approved debtors.
- Rate
- Fee per invoice (discount to face value)
- Speed
- 48 hours
- Term
- 1-4 mo
Best for: B2B SMEs with a few large corporate debtors paying on 30-90 day terms.
Apply directly with FNBFunding types FNB covers
FAQ
Is FNB a registered credit provider in South Africa?+
FNB operates in the South African SME lending market. For specific regulatory status (NCR registration, FSP licence), check their website or the regulator's public register.
How fast can FNB fund a business?+
Decision times depend on the specific product and your documentation. Frank shows typical speed per product, your specific application can go faster or slower based on the docs you have in hand.
What documents does FNB need?+
Standard SA lender paperwork: last 3-6 months of bank statements, CIPC company documents, director IDs, and, depending on size, latest financials or management accounts. Frank surfaces the exact requirements per product before you apply.
Why apply via Funded by Frank rather than directly?+
Same rates, same application, but Frank walks you through it and compares FNB to alternatives before you commit. If FNB isn't the right fit, Frank points you at the better option.
Does Funded by Frank charge me to apply?+
No. Frank is free for businesses. We earn a referral fee from FNB only if your application lands, that doesn't change the rate or terms you get from them.
Not sure if FNB is the right fit? Let Frank walk you through the options.
Answer a few quick questions about your business and Frank will show the funding shapes that typically fit, with the lenders who offer them.
See your funding options