Given that less than 10% of people are estimated to have access to financial services in a number of Pacific countries, Westpac is pleased to announce it has opened more than 50 in-store banking outlets across the region to deliver convenient banking to local people.
Westpac reached its milestone of 50 active in-stores early this month, launching 40 in-stores in Fiji. The bank also plans to open further in-store outlets in Fiji by 2014.
“In-store banking reflects our commitment to bringing banking outside Westpac branches and into local communities delivering convenience to communities in rural and remote locations,” said General Manager, Adrian Hughes.
Westpac’s Transaction Solutions Officer and Ulaiasi Radike of Radike’s Canteen test the In-store Banking terminal. Photo: SUPPLIED.
“The relief customers show when they realise they can bank at their local store speaks volumes about the convenience our service offers,” he added.
Westpac’s in-store service allows customers to make a deposit or transfer between their accounts, all from an EFTPOS machine at a participating store. Customers can also pay a bill if they and the payee are registered for Westpac Bill Pay, print a mini-statement or make a balance enquiry.
“Given so many of our customers live in remote or rural locations, we know it’s not always convenient for them to travel to a Westpac branch to do a few basic banking transactions,” said General Manager, Adrian Hughes. “In-store banking saves time and money by eliminating the need to travel into a branch and allowing customers to bank locally, where they shop.”
People in Dravuni, Kadavu, Nabouwalu of Bua, the island of Tavewa in the Yasawas Tubou Village in Lau and Nuku Village in Rabi are among those who now have access to their accounts.
Westpac’s in-store banking service is complemented by Westpac’s comprehensive and free financial education courses, which teach communities to responsibly budget and save to reach their financial goals. Workshops include Westpac’s Financial First Steps, which teaches basic money management by identifying between needs and wants, tracking spending habits and budgeting.
“It follows that we have a responsibility to help strengthen financial literacy wherever we roll out our in-store banking service, so we help empower local communities to bank smarter and achieve their financial goals, whatever they may be.”
Press Release