Hellenic Bank: Investing in technology is a win-win

Digitisation in banking is no longer just an option, but an imperative. Keeping customers’ needs top of mind, Hellenic Bank is constantly rolling out new products and services. By consciously investing in alternative service channels, Hellenic Bank has progressed in leaps and bounds in terms of digitising its services, putting the necessary infrastructure in place to meet people’s basic needs, today and in the future.

Contactless transactions have become a must – which is exactly why Hellenic Bank offers fast and low-cost options, in a bid to provide its customers with the best service. Hellenic Bank was the first Bank in Cyprus to afford its customers the ability to register online via its digital channels (without needing to visit a branch) along with the option to issue a debit card by simply calling the Customer Contact Centre. As a result, more than 85% of all banking transactions are now carried out through the Bank’s alternative channels.

Contact Pay

One of the most important features available to customers is Contact Pay, hosted on the upgraded Hellenic Bank Mobile App, which makes everyday transactions as easy as texting. Users can now send or receive money, to and from their saved contacts on their smartphone, between their Hellenic Bank accounts. With integrated biometrics, Hellenic Bank’s Mobile App features a user-friendly and simple design that makes banking a breeze.

In a matter of seconds, users can gain access to their accounts, cards, and transactions; and in a few easy steps they can transfer money, carry out payments, or settle their utility bills. The app has resonated with customers, fundamentally changing the way they transact. Over 120,000 customers have downloaded the app, while over the past three months usage has gone up by 69.0%. Meanwhile there has been a 40.4% increase in usage of Contact Pay, as more and more customers prefer this mode of transacting.

Everything goes online

All the Mobile App features are also available through Hellenic Bank’s Web Banking, which allow customers to transfer at no charge up to €1,000 to European countries (SEPA), find and print their IBAN certificate, pay their utility bills, recover their PIN, or temporarily deactivate their card, apply to open an account, and even apply for a loan and insurance products. At the same time, customers may “Book a meeting” through the Bank’s website and schedule an appointment with a Bank officer. The meeting can be face-to-face or online.

What’s more, Hellenic Bank Visa and Mastercard cardholders can carry out contactless payments simply by holding their mobile phone over a POS terminal, avoiding any physical contact with cash. This applies to digital wallet payments with iPhones (Apple Pay) and Android (Hellenic Bank Wallet) devices alike.

Our goal is to constantly improve the services we offer, digitising procedures and modernising tasks across the spectrum of our services and products. Tools such as the digital signature play a big part in this drive, allowing us to offer more and more services through our alternative channels. Digital signatures allow customers to digitally sign their personal documents, contracts, and agreements, as well as orders and forms – making the handwritten signature on paper a thing of the past.

24/7 ATM service and familiarisation with the alternative channels

Hellenic Bank’s fleet of cutting-edge ATMs – with 24/7 service – cover over 83% of transactions (deposits, withdrawals, transfers, payments). Moreover, 94% of withdrawals and 52% of deposits are now carried out through ATMs.

Hellenic Bank ATMs feature contactless card readers, cash withdrawals at no charge and can carry out bulk cash deposits using the smart touch screens. Customers can also set a favourite transaction for fast cash withdrawals, as well as deposit cash or cheques that are instantly credited to linked accounts or to their credit card.

As we constantly strive to decongest traffic at Bank branches, providing the best possible service, we are stepping up efforts to familiarise customers with our digital channels. Customers can seek assistance at our branch Connect Corners, where Hellenic Bank Meeter and Greeters can train them, making them more comfortable using the digital channels. In this way customers will be able to use the tools and services available to them, fast, securely, and conveniently, without having to visit a Bank branch.