BOV cards recommended for long weekend ahead

Another long weekend is approaching, bringing along with it an opportunity for relaxing with family and friends. Whether one is travelling, shopping or dining out, cards are the ideal medium to settle payments.

In a bid to encourage more customers to opt for cards to settle payments, Bank of Valletta’s executive head Electronic Banking, Ivo Camilleri explained some of the key benefits of card payments: “Compared to cash or cheques, cards present important benefits, both for the cardholder and the retailer.

“Paying by card at retail outlets allows our customers unparalleled convenience, flexibility and freedom of choice. On the other hand, retailers benefit from higher turnover, added security, and the simplicity that comes about from not having to make unnecessary trips to the bank to deposit cash and cheques,” he said.

Camilleri also mentioned the fact that when used in conjunction with the bank’s 24X7 Services package, one may keep track of one’s balances and transactions immediately via either internet or mobile banking.

Cards also present important benefits for the online shopper. “Not only do they make it easier to purchase goods and services online, but there are safeguards in place to protect the cardholder.”

Here, Camilleri referred to the BOV 3D Secure. “Customerfriendly and easy-to-use, the BOV 3D Secure is a service that is available automatically and free of charge to all BOV cardholders shopping online from participat- ing merchants.”

It offers cardholders peace of mind from the possibility of fraudulent transactions, because the transaction is authenticated by themselves before being processed.

“Then there is also the BOV Cards Loyalty Programme that automatically rewards customers for every €1 spent with a BOV Premier Card. “The BOV Cards Loyalty points may be redeemed against a suite of offers from the bank’s partners, ranging from cashback on flights to credit at retail outlets.

Bank of Valletta is investing heavily in financial education, in a bid to show people the benefits of using cards for payments over alternative conventional methods. In this regard, the bank has increased the presence of electronic point of sales in shops and establishments across Gozo.

Meanwhile, an Advanced Deposit ATM has also been installed in its branch in Victoria, thereby giving customers the opportunity to familiarise themselves with this ATM and the advantages it offers like real-time deposits of cash in one’s account. More details about Bank of Valletta’s suite of cards and electronic payments are available on the bank’s portal www.bov.com, by calling the bank’s Customer Service Centre on 2131 2020 or via email on customercare@bov.com