NBK is leading in cutting-edge payment solutions: Al-Othman
Bank launched payment solutions through Fitbit, Garmin Smartwatches NBK to offer advanced digital services
KUWAIT: As part of its efforts to provide cutting-edge payment solutions to its customers, NBK is committed to developing the technological infrastructure required to operate these innovative services, thanks to the progress achieved in implementing its digital transformation strategy and working closely with international companies that provide these services. In addition to the bank’s leadership in providing digital banking services locally and regionally, and its strong relationships with these institutions, subject to the regulatory instructions and technical requirements set by the Central Bank of Kuwait for providing these services.
NBK was the first bank to introduce top-notch digital payment services through smart devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers and stickers early this year, the latest of which was Fitbit Pay and Garmin Pay using smartwatches supporting this feature.
Commenting on this subject, Mohammed Al-Othman, General Manager of Consumer Banking, National Bank of Kuwait, said: “We are committed to offering cutting-edge digital payment solutions to our customers to be the first to use them in Kuwait. The latest of these solutions were Fitbit Pay and Garmin Pay service, which reflect our leadership in providing digital banking services that would enrich our customers’ banking experience.”
“We are well prepared to provide more pioneering digital payment services, thanks to our proactive efforts in implementing digital transformation strategy, which established our strong foundations of technological infrastructure required to provide these services,” he added. Al-Othman praised the efforts of the Central Bank of
Kuwait in supporting the banking sector in providing progressive digital banking services in general, especially the advanced digital payment solutions to the Kuwaiti market by providing the appropriate regulatory and supervisory environment.
Al-Othman continued: “We will spare no effort to carry on the diligent endeavors we have already started to provide leading-edge digital banking services and payment solutions to our customers. I also confirm that we are working to provide more advanced digital payment solutions in the near future, in light of our huge capabilities and inventive technological infrastructure, which make us ready to provide these services to our customers in Kuwait and the region, once they are provided in Kuwait.”
Al-Othman affirmed that Consumer Banking Group sets the digital transformation and technological advancement as the basis of new banking services and products offered to customers, which we will continue to focus on during the coming period, as significant steps have already been taken, especially with regard to digital platforms and applications used by our customers.
Al-Othman indicated that NBK continues to serve its customers under the current exceptional circumstances through its e-channels and various digital services, in addition to the new services provided, the latest of which was the mobile branch that witnessed unprecedented response from customers.
During the first months of this year, the Consumer Banking Group launched several advanced payment solutions to minimize the use of cash, most notably the Fitbit Pay and Garmin Pay service.
Fitbit Pay allows NBK Customers to make seamless payments in a safe, convenient way using supported Fitbit smartwatch models. Similarly, NBK Customers can use Garmin Pay service to make contactless payments using their Garmin smartwatches at any NFC-enabled POS terminals, as they can activate it by entering their credit card details to the Garmin smartwatch, and use it to make payments quickly and easily.
It’s worth mentioning that NBK was awarded the “Best Consumer Digital Bank” and the “Best in Mobile Banking” in Kuwait by “Global Finance” Magazine for 2019. NBK continues to consolidate its leading position through its largest local banking network in Kuwait, with 68 branches all over the country, in addition to a large POS network topping 13,500 devices, including over 11,700 NFC-enabled devices. Besides, the bank owns the largest ATM network in Kuwait, with 327 ATMs, including over 100 CDMs.