FNB announced earlier today that it plans to expand Home Affairs Smart ID and passport services to 240 branches nationwide by December 2026, significantly increasing access to the service. Since the upgraded digital model launched earlier this year, more than 14 000 Smart ID cards have already been issued through the new system. The rollout is already available at more than 51 FNB branches across all nine provinces, with additional branches expected to come online every month as the programme expands. According to Zibu Nqala, CEO of Retail and Business Banking Distribution at FNB, bringing Home Affairs services into bank branches has already made a noticeable difference for customers. Importantly, applicants using participating FNB branches will continue paying only the standard Home Affairs application fee of R140, with no additional convenience or logistics charges.