Increasingly, formal banking operations characterized by traditional formal working hours are gradually being replaced with the new era which allows clients to access their accounts and make different transactions at a time and place of their convenience. The transition is facilitated by digital financial services which are increasing clients’ convenience and reducing costs related to banking services. Banque Populaire du Rwanda Plc. (BPR Plc) the largest in network outreach, has been constantly introducing new digital services as well as adjusting existing ones to improve user convenience. 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. With new digital financial services, clients will also have alternative of using Ipad to request some bank services. 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. Among the top BPR mobile banking (both the mobile app and USSD) services, features by the bank include: Viewing account balance: Full Statement which allows a client to review their banking history featuring all their previous transactions. The system also has provisions for mini statement reviews, which show the last three transactions of a client. Fund transfers The feature allows clients to transfer funds to their own accounts or to other accounts the customer has as well as to other people with BPR accounts. The feature also allows intra-bank transfers to other domestic banks. Using BPR’s mobile banking, users can also be able to conduct cardless withdrawal at BPR Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and BPR Hafi Agent outlets across the country via the IZI Cash feature. BPR clients can also send funds to Mobile Money Wallets across the two telcos; MTN Rwanda and Airtel Rwanda. Paying bills and savings BPR Mobile Banking services which are available via both USSD and Mobile Application also has provisions to pay bills, including tax payments, school fees, electricity, water bills, and TV subscription such as star times, 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. Users can also make requests for chequebook and debit cards on the platform. BPR’s Mobile banking works on any phone without further configuration required. There are no monthly or registration fees levied on users.
