{
  "id": 19621854,
  "title": "Smart ID applications: Major update for Absa, Capitec, FNB and Standard Bank customers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/smart-id-applications-major-update-for-absa-capitec-fnb-and-standard",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-12T08:06:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/business/2026-11-12-smart-id-applications-major-update-for-absa-capitec-fnb-and-standard-bank-customers/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "The Department of Home Affairs has significantly expanded its Smart ID replacement service, now available at over 750 bank branches across South Africa. Minister Leon Schreiber announced that the department exceeded its target of 750 branches by over four months, marking the fastest service expansion in the department's history. The service is currently accessible to customers of Absa, Capitec, First National Bank (FNB), and Standard Bank. Previously, South Africans had to stand in long queues at Home Affairs offices to apply for a replacement Smart ID card. With this new service, customers can now visit a participating bank branch without the need for prior booking or additional paperwork. The department plans to continue expanding the program, with more banks and services to be introduced in the future.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}