Republic Bank says existing ATM cards will work after switch to new banking platform
-cheque books valid until April 2020
Republic Bank yesterday assured customers that while changes to its new banking platform will see them being granted new account numbers, it will not affect the use of their ATM cards and their current cheque books are valid up to April 2020.
The bank will be opened today from 8 am to 12 noon and then close until Monday. From 2pm today, until 4pm on Sunday, customers will be unable to use ATMs, their bank cards at points of sale locations, access internet banking or complete any online transaction.
“Customers will have new account numbers. This, however, will not affect the use of their existing ATM cards. These will still be accepted at the bank’s ATMs and point of sale terminals. Customers with chequing accounts will be able to use their existing cheque books until April 2020, after which new cheque books will be issued,” the bank’s Public Relations Officer Michelle Johnson yesterday said.
“Customers will only be required to visit our branches to update their personal data or information if there are changes… The bank anticipates that there will be a period of adjustment for its customers, and remains committed to working with them during this transition and beyond,” she added.
All the bank’s branches/offices will be closed to the public tomorrow and the bank will resume normal opening hours on Monday, November 4, 2019.
Johnson said that customers are receiving communication advising of the impending changes, and those who may not yet have received same, are encouraged to visit their branches, where staff will assist with their queries.
Republic Bank, earlier this month, announced to customers the implementation of a new banking platform which takes effect on Monday, November 04, 2019. In a letter to its clients and seen by this newspaper, the bank stated that this new system will usher in several benefits “such as increased transaction efficiency and enhanced product offerings, to allow us to serve you better.”
According to Republic Bank, these enhancements include: An upgraded Republic Online internet banking platform which will offer mobile banking, international wire transfer requests, transfers to other local banks, and other service requests. Also mentioned was the ability to use the Republic Visa International Debit card and Visa credit cards at Republic Bank ATMs and point of sale merchants. Certificate of Deposits with longer terms will also be introduced and there will be enhanced service to facilitate more efficient access to customers’ banking information.
The bank also advised that the implementation of the new platform means that customers will also experience some changes. Those mentioned include that account numbers will now be 12 digits; new account numbers will comprise the existing 7-digit number preceded by 5 digits and a customer ID will be a unique number associated with all the customer’s accounts.