Why the FNB app needs your location data for payments

[777Styx777]

So I don't mind them having access to my location. What I do mind is not being able to pay something if if the app can't get location data. I was unable to get a GPS signal the other day and had to do an urgent payment but got blocked.

 

[longboy]

So I don't mind them having access to my location. What I do mind is not being able to pay something if if the app can't get location data. I was unable to get a GPS signal the other day and had to do an urgent payment but got blocked.

You can use Google Location Service (spyware) for location if you don't have a GPS signal.

 

[supersunbird]

This POS FNB app is draining my phones battery whenever the location service is turned on even is the app had not been opened, it easily chows 15 to 25% of the battery.

 

[Rickster]

If I uninstall the app, FNB starts charging me 50c for each transaction notification

I got the app but still receive SMS notifications, am i Paying for those?

 

[Rickster]

This POS FNB app is draining my phones battery whenever the location service is turned on even is the app had not been opened, it easily chows 15 to 25% of the battery.

It's probably BT and wifi scanning under location settings, turn that kak off.

 

[Totempole]

I got the app but still receive SMS notifications, am i Paying for those?

Not anymore. As long as you keep your FNB app up-to-date, they send the SMS's for free.

Fail to update your app (assuming automatic updates are disabled), and you'll start noticing SMS charges again.

 

[JollyFerret]

Curious if anyone is still bothered by this in 2026. I have not made a single bank transfer or payment on my app since this privacy invasive policy was implemented. It's very frustrating. Even if I want to buy airtime for myself I need to share my location which is INSANE.

How is everyone else coping?

 

[Smiggles]

Curious if anyone is still bothered by this in 2026. I have not made a single bank transfer or payment on my app since this privacy invasive policy was implemented. It's very frustrating. Even if I want to buy airtime for myself I need to share my location which is INSANE.

How is everyone else coping?

If you trust your bank with your salary but not your location you have much bigger issues.

 

[JollyFerret]

If you trust your bank with your salary but not your location you have much bigger issues.

My bank doesn't need to know where I am every time I want to do a transaction. I do transactions all the time on desktop and my location is not required. Furthermore, this policy is fairly new. For decades people didn't have to share their location to transact.
So your argument makes no sense.

Moreover, who says I trust my bank with my salary?

 

[Smiggles]

My bank doesn't need to know where I am every time I want to do a transaction. I do transactions all the time on desktop and my location is not required. Furthermore, this policy is fairly new. For decades people didn't have to share their location to transact.
So your argument makes no sense.

Moreover, who says I trust my bank with my salary?

Like I said you have bigger issues.

 

[JollyFerret]

Like I said you have bigger issues.

Clearly, you don't understand the importance of privacy.

 

[Smiggles]

Clearly, you don't understand the importance of privacy.

Just like you don't understand the importance of security.

 

[JollyFerret]

Just like you don't understand the importance of security.

You don't need to share your location to insure the security of your account. Most banks in the world do not require that you share your location to make transactions. In fact, FNB is the only major South African bank that has this requirement. I don't think the accounts of ABSA and Standard Bank users are in danger because they don't share their location.

And if it's so important, why not require location for desktop transactions?

 

[Conack]

If you trust your bank with your salary but not your location you have much bigger issues.

This definitely wins retard of the day.

 

[Smiggles]

You don't need to share your location to insure the security of your account. Most banks in the world do not require that you share your location to make transactions. In fact, FNB is the only major South African bank that has this requirement.

Capitec requires it.

https://www.capitecbank.co.za/privacy-centre/capitec-app-privacy-notice/

For example, we need your location to let you play Lotto on our Capitec App and to accept payments with our Merchant Device. We also use location services to monitor for fraud and risk. You might need to allow the Capitec App to access your location while using it.

I'm sure the rest does as well.

This definitely wins retard of the day.

Insults lol. Go suck a tailpipe.

 

[Dean]

And how about Standard Bank requiring access to your Phone app just to login to their bank apps at all?

For their "scam call protection" feature.
I get it, useful feature for some. But for those who don't feel the need for their bank to have access to their call log and contacts, a privacy invasion.

 

[mr_norris]

How is everyone else coping?

Coping by not caring.

It is less friction to use the app than it is to find a desktop or to go through the pains of using the website on my phone than it is to just share my location.

In the grand scheme of things, FNB getting my location now and then is probably a drop in the ocean of my data being shared / sold.

 

[Swa]

If you trust your bank with your salary but not your location you have much bigger issues.

It is not about the bank having the info. It is about the additional security hole it creates every time an app insists on a feature.

 

[Bad Ballie]

If the location data is genuinely helping prevent fraud etc, why does it bother you so much that FNB is using it?

Part of the general overreach we are seeing from many private companies that have no right to your data.

 

[Bad Ballie]

The UK/Australian style, why did you draw cash, how much cash do you have, what are you using the cash for style questions will be next. massive overreach.