Who’s Cheaper to Bank With? New Data Reveals Big Fee Gaps in Namibia
By TUW
Consumers using basic bank accounts in Namibia continue to face very different costs depending on where they bank, with some institutions offering free everyday services while others charge notable transaction fees.
A December 2025 comparison released by the Bank of Namibia highlights sharp contrasts in charges for debit card purchases and debit order payments across major banks. The findings show that while a few banks have moved towards zero-fee transactions to attract low-income and entry-level customers, others still apply fees that can add up significantly over time.
For card payments at point-of-sale (POS) devices, only two banks currently allow customers to swipe for free on their basic accounts. Other institutions charge between N$3.00 and N$6.00 per transaction, meaning frequent card users may end up paying more simply for everyday purchases.
Debit orders show an even bigger gap. Intrabank debit orders (payments within the same bank) are free at some banks, but can cost as much as N$17.00 at others. When it comes to debit orders paid to third parties at different banks, charges range from zero to as high as N$32.00 per transaction.
The central bank notes that basic bank accounts remain an important tool for financial inclusion, but stresses that customers should actively compare fees before choosing where to bank. Small differences per transaction can translate into substantial monthly costs, especially for customers who rely heavily on debit orders for rent, utilities, or insurance payments.
Below is a summary of the December 2025 basic bank account fee comparison as published by the Bank of Namibia.
Banking Fees and Charges Comparison – December 2025
| Bank / Account | Debit card purchase at POS | Debit order (Intrabank) | Debit order to third parties (Interbank) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlântico (Basic Bank Account) | Free | N$10.00 | N$23.00 |
| Banco BIC (Basic Bank Account) | N$3.00 | Free | Free |
| Bank Windhoek (Easy Save Account) | N$4.50 | Free | Free |
| FNB (CardWise Zero Account) | Free | N$2.00 | N$22.00 |
| Letshego (Let’sGo Basic Account) | N$4.70 | N$9.41 | N$21.95 |
| Nedbank (Basic Bank Account) | N$6.00 | N$17.00 | N$32.00 |
| Standard Bank (Basic Blue Account) | N$5.00 | Free | Free |
Source: Bank of Namibia
