As the world continues to grapple with the spread of the new coronavirus, activities have stalled and forced many to stay at home. This has led to people migrate to technology platforms where services can be accessed from lockdowns. Banque Populaire du Rwanda Plc. (BPR Plc.), has reiterated its commitment towards offering digital services that clients can tap into as the world continues to find ways to address Covid-19 and its impact. The bank, the largest in terms of network outreach, has highlighted some of its digital services that customers can access while staying at their homes. This includes mobile and internet banking platforms, which allows people to transact and do a host of banking services on their mobile phone, computer or other electronic gadgets as well as enabling new clients (non BPR clients) to open bank accounts and start transacting instantly, among other things. Below are some of digital services the bank offers: Mobile banking The bank’s mobile banking platform is available on USSD by dialing *150# and a mobile application which is downloadable from App store and Play store on compatible devices. BPR customers who are not registered on mobile banking are no longer required to go to the branch as the platform provides for self registration. Both the mobile app and USSD platforms allow customers to access several services including; Viewing account balance Full Statement (view full account statement) Mini Statement (view last 3 transactions on the account) Fund transfers To own Accounts (transfer funds to other accounts the customer has) To other BPR accounts (transfer funds to other people with BPR accounts) To domestic commercial banks (transfer funds to accounts of other local banks) Send to IZI Cash (Cardless Withdrawal only on BPR ATMs country wide) Send to Mobile Money across both networks – MTN and Tigo. Pay bills, including tax payments, school fees, electricity, water bills, and TV subscription (startimes, DSTV and Canal+) Customers are also able to send funds to save in Ejo heza, as well as top up airtime across MTN and Airtel Service Request Cheque Book Request (request a Cheque book) Debit Card request (order for a debit card) Internet banking BPR customers can also can access banking services at a click of a button using internet banking. The service enables customers to add, delete or pay a beneficiary. Internet banking allows clients to add a standing order, and delete it. BPR internet banking also allows for bulk payments such as salaries, as well as options to view full bank statements and fund transfers. These services are in addition to all services that the bank’s mobile banking platform offers. Internet banking is accessed via BPR website www.bpr.rw. The bank says it recently added an option where its retail customers can now register themselves on internet banking as opposed to doing it at its branches. For Corporate and SME customers, they will be registered from the branches that are currently open from 8am to 3pm (Monday to Friday) and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays so that all accounts’ users can be linked. Waiver of digital banking charges As a precautionary measure to curb the spread of COVID19 , the bank recently announced a waiver of transaction costs of some of its digital banking services to allow customers to use cashless modes of payment to limit the risk of transmission of the virus through handling of cash. Effective 19 march of this year, the bank announced; Zero charges on all BPR to BPR account transfers made through Mobile and Internet Banking. Zero charges on all Interbank transfers (between local bank transfers) on Mobile and Internet Banking. Zero charges on all transfers from BPR accounts to mobile wallets (both Airtel and MTN). With that the bank encourages its customers to use digital channels to stay safe at home and reduce movements to branches.
