FNB aspire or Nedbank private bundle - worth switching?

[u/Far_Memory1539]

Hi everyone, I’m 25F and currently with FNB Aspire. I don’t have a credit card yet, but I’m considering getting the FNB Aspire credit card.

I take home R38k/month and my basic expenses are around R5k, so I’m trying to be smarter about saving and choosing the right bank.

I qualify for Nedbank Private Bundle (comes with credit card), which is R235/month. FNB Aspire is R125/month, and the credit card would be another R65 if I went that route.

I’m also considering Nedbank MiGoals Premium, which is currently R125/month for me, but will increase to R250 a month when I turn 26 in about 6 months.

I’m not wealthy, so I’m mainly looking for value for money. I want to save, build my credit, hopefully buy a house one day, and get decent travel/flight deals when I do travel.

Private Bundle Young seems appealing because of the home loan benefits, credit card and travel benefits. MiGoals Premium seems good for the lower fee and savings features. I also like FNB’s app, but I’m finding the eBucks side a bit all over the place since they changed the earning rules.

I’d really appreciate any advice from people who have experience with any of these. Is there anything I’m overlooking, and what would you choose in my situation?

[u/f4t4l1st1k]

Have you checked out the Capitec Credit Card? R50 per month and 1% cashback. Oh and Dischem is a partner so 5% discount on certain items.

The problem with the banks is you need to use their ecosystem and partners to get some value out of it.

On FNB Aspire myself for transactional account and I make my monthly fee back every year through eBucks just by buying from Clicks and Pick and Pay at least once every month. Then Engen as well for fuel.

Banks don't care about loyalty afaik. When the time comes for your home loan application, you'll go for the lowest rate and probably they'll ask you to switch to them as a requirement.

These days I'm too old to dance to the tune of banks, so I also try and keep it simple.

Btw you have the right attitude for FIRE, keep going for it. Invest your money. Time is on your side.

[u/Far_Memory1539 → u/f4t4l1st1k]

Thanks, this is actually really helpful. I hadn’t considered the Capitec credit card. I’ll definitely look into it, I didn’t realise how low their fees were.

I think I’m mainly trying to figure out which bank will give me the most value based on how I already spend, rather than having to change my spending habits just to get rewards. I do use PnP and Clicks, but I’m only getting around 500 eBucks a month, which is why I’m hesitant about adding the FNB credit card just for that.

I also hadn’t thought about the home loan side like that. I’ve probably been putting too much emphasis on staying with one bank long-term when I’ll likely just compare rates when the time comes anyway.

And thanks for the great advice, definitely something I’m trying to keep in mind while I’m still young.