First National Bank (FNB) customers will no longer pay transaction fees when using their bank cards to make bail and other payments at magistrate courts.
This is according to FNB, following the launch of speed points at magistrate courts on Thursday. FNB spokesperson Kirsty Watermeyer says FNB customers will not pay an additional transaction fee when using FNB cards for local payments through the speed point devices.
She says the bank removed the charges on its customers last year as part of its pricing strategy. She says magistrate courts have dedicated transactional accounts that can receive electronic payments, with funds reflecting immediately. “This reduces the need to travel elsewhere to access cash and reduces the risks associated with carrying large amounts of cash,” she says. Watermeyer says the bank will also provide technical support to the judiciary in towns where magistrates’ courts are located, with dedicated personnel assisting with technical faults, connectivity problems and maintenance requirements to minimise disruptions to court services. The speed points will be rolled out nationwide by the Office of the Judiciary. This means people will no longer have to rely on traditional cash payment methods, but pay electronically using bank cards, contactless payment options and FNB-supported digital payment channels. It is also expected to reduce delays previously experienced by accused persons who needed to pay bail but did not have immediate access to cash. Previously, accused persons had to rely on family members to withdraw money from an ATM and bring it to court before they could be released.
Executive director in the Office of the Judiciary Benhardt Kukuri says when users had to rely on cash payments, it caused inconvenience for court users who did not have sufficient cash on hand.
He says the cash-based process also presented challenges relating to the handling, safekeeping and reconciliation of cash.
“These processes can be time-consuming and increase the administrative burden on court staff. We anticipate that electronic payments will make shorter queues and faster payment processes, especially during busy periods,” he says. He says the rollout is part of the judiciary’s commitment to modernising court services and making them more accessible, convenient and user-friendly. Kukuri says those without cards or digital banking access will still be allowed to pay cash, in accordance with the applicable court payment procedures.
Chief justice Peter Shivute on Thursday said the system is especially beneficial for those who previously had to travel long distances to access banking or court payment facilities.
