Editor,

RE: "Why does it take forever to get a debit card?” (The New Times, March 2, 2016)

Reference is made to the above article. While the major challenge reported by the Rwandan banks in delivering debit cards on time is that the production is done outside the country, RSwitch, through its Card Bureau has gone a long way in trying to make sure banks as well as their customers get their cards as soon as possible when ordered.

RSwitch issues a local debit card scheme known as SmartCash, which can be delivered to the banks within 24 hours upon order; meaning that bank customers are able to get their cards within 2 days.

Currently we are working with 8 banks in Rwanda issuing SmartCash cards; accounting for a larger percentage of total number of debit cards in Rwanda all of which are able to transact on all ATMs and Point Of Sale terminals across the country.

Additionally in further efforts to close the gaps in delays for debit card delivery, RSwitch recently got certification to do processing for VISA and UPI transactions and are already working with these global schemes to ensure that their cards are also produced in Rwanda; meaning that all UPI, VISA and MasterCard issuing banks will be able to get their cards much faster.

The challenge of delays in debit card delivery by Rwandan banks will soon be a story of the past.

Yours,

RSwitch Limited.