Try GOLD - Free

FNB sees Black Friday spend topping R3.3bn as digital payments surge

The Star

|

November 27, 2025

SOUTH Africa's First National Bank (FNB) expects Black Friday spending to exceed R3.

- PHILIPPA LARKIN

3 billion this year, supported by sustained growth in digital payments, rising online shopping activity and steady consumer demand across the retail sector.The bank said early 2025 spending trends show continued uptake of secure digital payment tools, positioning this year’s event for “solid activity” both in-store and online.

In 2024, FNB processed more than R5.4bn in transactions on its Speedpoint devices over the Black Friday weekend. E-commerce remained a major tailwind, with online transaction values rising 37% and volumes up 76%. Virtual Card usage climbed 59% year-on-year, contributing over R600 million to Black Friday spend.

ENB said it expects similar patterns in 2025, with digital wallets and virtual cards among the fastest-growing payment options, while cash usage continues to decline. Online shopping is forecast to accelerate further as consumers look for convenience and improved security.

MORE STORIES FROM The Star

The Star

Teen builds Al diffusion model while achieving academic excellence

TRINITYHOUSE student Tristan Jay Neale is a remarkable example of tenacity and ingenuity during a challenging academic year.

time to read

1 mins

January 12, 2026

The Star

'WE'RE NOT LAZY,' YOUTH HIT BACK AT MANTASHE

Rustenburg young people express pain and frustration over unemployment

time to read

3 mins

January 12, 2026

The Star

Ramlal: Balancing academics with competition

SASHEN Ramlal, a Crawford International Lonehill matriculant, has balanced national-level academic competition with a demanding subject load, through discipline, resilience, and unwavering focus.

time to read

1 min

January 12, 2026

The Star

Treasury releases withheld funds to 75 municipalities, urges tighter fiscal discipline

THE National Treasury and the South African Local Government Association (Salga) have confirmed that the December tranche of the Local Government Equitable Share (LGES) was disbursed over the festive period to 75 municipalities whose funds had been withheld due to financial mismanagement.

time to read

1 mins

January 12, 2026

The Star

Wentzel's triumph over academic and health hurdles

FOR Celia Falconer Wentzel of Crawford International Sandton, the matric year unfolded with an uncommon sense of calm rather than chaos.

time to read

1 min

January 12, 2026

The Star

How Africa can turn fragmented mineral belts into coherent regional value chains

In 2023, a mine operating along the Central African Copperbelt moved its first test consignment through the Lobito Corridor, using the refurbished rail spine that links the Democratic Republic of Congo to Angola's Atlantic coast.

time to read

4 mins

January 12, 2026

The Star

How Tshegofatso Mashatola turned around academic disappointment

FROM academic disappointment to well-earned distinction, Tshegofatso Mashatola of Crawford International Ruimsig turned one of her toughest matric lows into a powerful comeback story defined by resilience, reflection and reward.

time to read

1 mins

January 12, 2026

The Star

The Star

Life coach's reign of terror laid bare in ‘Evil Influencer’

DOCUMENTARIES like this aren't made for comfort.

time to read

3 mins

January 12, 2026

The Star

Copper lure drives Rio Tinto into R3.4trln merger talks with Glencore

Shares in Glencore surge 10% on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, closing at over R100-per-share

time to read

2 mins

January 12, 2026

The Star

The Star

Meta partners with US nuclear companies to power AI data centers

TECH giant Meta has announced major agreements with three US nuclear energy companies that it says will add up to 6.6 gigawatts of clean power by 2035.

time to read

2 mins

January 12, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size