what are the new ebucks rules for 2026
Here’s the quick scoop on the new eBucks rules for 2026: FNB rolled out major changes from 1 July 2026, including easier access to Level 5 for some premium clients, more app-based earning actions, fewer rewards for virtual-card-heavy spending, and lower Smart Spend earnings in some tiers. The updated rules also add new earning paths tied to Islamic Banking products, while some partner- benefit rules changed as well.
What changed
- Level 5 thresholds were reduced for some premium accounts.
- App engagement now pays again at 500 points per category, but you need to complete specific in-app actions.
- The virtual card bonus was removed.
- Smart Spend rewards were reduced for certain customers.
- New earning opportunities were added for Islamic Banking products.
Main rule updates
| Change | What it means |
|---|---|
| Level 5 access | Premier dropped from 10,000 to 9,500 points; Private Clients from 12,000 to 11,000; Private Wealth from 13,500 to 13,000. | [1]
| App engagement | Clients can earn 500 points for engaging with selected app features, including “Track my rewards” and “Earn more”. | [1]
| Virtual cards | The 500-point reward linked to spending more than 80% via a Virtual Card was removed. | [1]
| Smart Spend | Some Level 4 and Level 5 customers may see lower rewards than before. | [1]
| Islamic Banking | New point categories were added for Islamic accounts, savings, and vehicle finance. | [1]
Partner and travel notes
Some partner benefits also changed, including at least one removal of earning at Supa Quick from 1 July 2026. eBucks also expanded travel offers, with reports of new airline coverage and stronger international flight discounts for qualifying customers. Public commentary around the update is split: some see the easier Level 5 thresholds as a real gain, while others argue the programme became more prescriptive and less generous in practice.
Practical takeaway
If you use eBucks mainly through everyday shopping and app activity, the new rules may feel like a mixed bag: easier qualification on one side, but tighter or lower rewards on others. If you rely on virtual-card rewards or Smart Spend, the 2026 version looks less generous than before.