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Lecture 9 (Chapter 1). Opening an Account, Step by Step - FNB & Standard Bank

In this lecture we continue reviewing how to open account with brokers in South Africa.

Thandiwe Mbeki

Thandiwe Mbeki

Published · Updated

Lecture 9. Opening an account with brokers, Part 2

Unlike the two independent platforms in Lesson 8, these two accounts live inside banking apps you may already use which changes the process slightly.

FNB Share Investing

You'll need an existing FNB bank account and access to FNB Online Banking or the FNB App.

For the simplest, true "from zero" entry point - FNB Shares Zero:

  1. Log in to FNB Online Banking or the FNB App.
  2. Navigate to Invest and look for the Shares Zero option.
  3. Apply - no minimum balance and no monthly account fee, giving you access to JSE Top 40 shares, ETFs, and ETNs.
  4. Fund it from your existing FNB account and place your first order.

For full access to all JSE-listed shares - FNB Local Trader:

  1. Log in to FNB Online Banking (via PC or laptop).
  2. Navigate to Invest → Share Portfolio.
  3. Select Open a Share Portfolio account.
  4. Choose Local Trader, then select your mandate type (professional or non-professional).
  5. You'll be redirected to the FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management platform to complete registration.
  6. Your account is typically opened within about 7 working days.

Standard Bank

You'll need an existing rand-denominated Standard Bank transactional account (if you're a minor, a parent or guardian's consent is required).

For the simplest entry point - AutoShare Invest:

  1. Log in to Standard Bank Internet Banking or the mobile app.
  2. Go to the Apply → Savings and Investment section (or Share Trading and Investment on the app).
  3. Apply for an AutoShare Invest account.
  4. Set up a once-off investment or a recurring monthly contribution — from as little as R250/month.
  5. Choose from 250+ available JSE shares and ETFs, and your orders execute automatically at scheduled intervals.

For a broader, more active trading platform — Standard Online Share Trading (OST):

  1. Visit the Standard Online Share Trading website directly (accessible via the Standard Bank securities portal).
  2. Register for an account there, separate from your everyday internet banking login.
  3. Once verified, you'll have access to the full range of JSE-listed shares, ETFs, and a linked free tax-free investment account.

The pattern across both banks: there's a "beginner-friendly, automated, low/no-cost" entry point (Shares Zero, AutoShare Invest) and a "full-featured" upgrade path (Local Trader, OST) once you want more control and a wider range of instruments. For someone starting completely from zero, the first option in each pair is the natural place to begin.