CARD Bank launches cardless ATM

The microfinance clients of CARD Bank can now do Automated Teller Machine (ATM) withdrawals even without a card as the bank launched its cardless cash machine in its Maharlika branch in San Pablo City, Laguna on June 1, 2018, Friday.

By using only a QR Code generated from the konek2CARD mobile application, clients can withdraw their savings even without using their Matapat ATM card, or their Pledge Savings account.

The new banking initiative is considered by CARD Bank as another milestone in its microfinance operations. “We are proud of this innovation and this is a manifestation of our never-ending journey to financial inclusion through technology,” said Marivic Austria, president and CEO of the bank.

The launching was graced by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Board members Antonio Abacan, Jr. and Juan De Zuñiga, Jr., BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier, BSP Managing Director Pia Bernadette Roman–Tayag and other representatives from the BSP. After the launching, they visited the clients of CARD Bank in Manggahan, Dolores, Quezon Province where they met the clients and the konek2CARD agents of the bank.

Clients shared how the bank helped them in their financial needs and are now glad about the convenient and faster transactions they are experiencing because of the konek2CARD.

At first, Austria said that their clients are hesitant in using the technology. “The reactions are valid, but all of these are part of the innovation we are bringing. We also understand because for the very long time our clients are used in doing traditional banking transactions,” said Austria.

“We are very happy because gradually our clients find the technology relevant and convenient to use,” added Austria. “I also thanked the management and staff for the tireless support in making this innovation possible.”

The future of banking

In 2017, CARD Bank launched the konek2CARD, a mobile application that allows the clients of CARD Bank enjoy a hassle-free banking transaction anytime, anywhere using their smart phones.

By using the konek2CARD app, clients can check their account balance and transaction history, pay their bills, insurance, and loans, buy a load for their mobile phones, and transfer funds.

One of the newest features of the app and now the most feted innovation of the bank is the cardless cash machine. “The newest feature enables its users to generate QR Code for the cardless cash machine. The code is used as an alternative in withdrawing savings even without using Matapat ATM card or bring Pledge Savings account passbook to the bank,” said Austria adding that this is the future of microfinance banking.

Innovation, according to Austria, is not new to CARD Bank. “Since then, CARD Bank always make sure that it is relevant and responsive to the needs of its clients. Innovation coupled with technology are always the key,” deemed Austria.

The konek2CARD mobile application is one of the alternative delivery channels realized because of the Core Banking System (CBS), a centralized banking system, in collaboration with collaboration with CARD MRI Information Technology (CMIT) and Fortress Data Services (FDS).

“As we continue to embrace digital transformation, we will keep on upholding the core value of CARD MRI. We will retain it within the institution, the staff, and to our clients” Austria concluded.

CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) is a group of 21 institutions including CARD Bank, all aim to eradicate poverty through microfinance and community-based development programs.