Card-free banking service gains traction

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The ‘cardless’ automated teller machine (ATM) seems to be gaining ground in Botswana with Smartphone technology allowing for speedier and more secure transactions. Many local banks have started offering cardless facilities to their customers to order cash on mobile phones. Bank customers can use the facility to transfer funds even to those who do not have a bank account.

One of the largest banks in the country, First National Bank of Botswana (FNBB) has the FNB Smartphone Banking App that works on IOS Apple, Blackberry 10 as well as Android Smartphones.

The bank also introduced eWallet that allows FNBB customers to send money to anyone with an active mobile phone number. FNBB says cardless cash withdrawal serves as a complementary feature, which ensures that one can gain access to cash whenever needed. FNBB’s director of marketing and communications, Obonye Malope said cardless service is a functionality that allows withdrawals and deposits on self-service devices or ATM’s without the use of an ATM card.

Editor's Comment
Botswana at a critical juncture

While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...

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