By Mark Kawalya
Several banks rolled out cardless withdrawals from ATMs towards the last quarter of 2020. Absa, unlike other banks that use voucher-based methods, introduced a new system that employs a QR code that the user generates using the Absa banking app that is installed on their phone.
The new feature allows Absa customers to make withdrawals from ATMs without having their debit cards on them. To get started, the user needs to log into the Absa banking app using their smartphone. After signing in, they hit the ATM QR cash button, which generates a QR code. This code is scanned by the ATM, and when successful, the user’s smartphone gives options for the amounts of cash to be withdrawn. The ATM will then dispense the cash once the user has selected the amount that they want to withdraw.
Uganda is undergoing a digital payments transformation that has seen several innovations come up designed to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus. Absa is catering to the needs of its clientele who are looking for convenience and innovations that make it easy for them to make transactions with as little physical contact as possible.
Absa has made considerable investments in digital infrastructure over the last couple of years and continues to prioritise innovation as a critical element in the development of its ecosystem.
“At Absa, we remain dedicated to finding differentiated transactional banking propositions to meet the evolving needs of our customers by providing innovative, digitised products delivered through personalised service, ” says Vinolin David, Absa Groups Programme Director for Cards and Payments.
The new feature joins a plethora of other digital innovations offered by Absa such as the bank’s vertical debit cards, which are used using their contactless function, the ‘Abby WhatsApp chabot’, which is AI-powered, and the Novo FC mobile application.
“This new cardless solution, which is in line with our ongoing delivery of next-generation solutions for our customers, ensures minimal contact is made with the ATM screen and keypads. It also protects customers and minimises the risk of cards being compromised at tampered ATMs, ” Vinolin added.
