The First National Bank of Botswana last Friday launched a new smartphone banking application (App). When presenting to the media during the launch, the Bank’s Head of E-Solutions Consumer, Gaogakwe Mokobi said that new App is an additional platform to the mobile and internet banking services. The App, which can be used by both FNB and non-FNB customers, can be accessed on iOS Apple, BlackBerry10 as well as Android smartphones.
The application is free to download from the relevant App stores. To use it, one needs to be registered on online banking and have internet connection on WIFI or 3G. Mokobi said that the FNB App is a safe and secure banking application. “You download it and link it to your online profiles, for you to login you have to use your online details, so no one will open your App,” he said.
Amongst the benefits that the App brings along is the direct and easy access to accounts held with FNB; users can make transfers of funds between accounts, view balances and detailed transactional history. What is new then? One may ask. Mokobi said that they have introduced the GEO Payments, which will enable users to pay other FNB App users through cell phones. The payments may be done from anywhere as long as the recipient is in close proximity.
The FNB App can also be used to locate FNB Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and branches in close proximity, to buy prepaid airtime, make free calls and send messages to other App users, and access eWallet services. “The App is going to offer our clients a simple and intuitive baking experience. It is like having one’s own personal branch on your phone,” said a media release from the bank.
However, there are restrictions for non-FNB customers; they will not access the e-Wallet services and will not be able to locate FNB branches and ATMs.
As part of its digital and mobile strategy, the bank also launched the FNB.mobi for those with non-compatible phones. For users to access this, they need to have internet on their phones and go to www.fnbbw.mobi. “It is a website that is optimized for cell phones, it combines both online and mobile banking,” Mokobi said. The user will then access the services accessed by those with smartphones, in their non-compatible phones.