Union Bank unveils cardless transaction apps

Union Bank of Nigeria, Wednesday unveiled a new version of its mobile banking applications, UnionMobile and *826#, designed to enable customers make card-less transactions anywhere, among others.

Emeka Emuwa, the Chief Executive Officer of the bank, at the launch in Lagos, said that the introduction of the new applications was to improve its services to customers and to mark the bank’s 100 years anniversary.

The new applications allow customers to perform banking transactions through short code messaging on their mobile phones.

Emuwa said that the platforms were specifically made to make customers’ lives simpler and smarter without exposing them to any banking related risk, while meeting their needs.

Also, the upgraded online banking platform, UnionOnline, was designed with aesthetic improvements, new features and targeted offers for customers, Emuwa said.

In his words, “with *826#, Union Bank joins a growing financial industry trend which hopes to extend banking services to less tech savvy customers and customers who want to avoid internet banking which requires data as well as the financially excluded.”

According to him, the investment in understanding their customers needs has led to the innovations and first-to-market features in the new applications, and as such, the new platforms married simplicity, functionality and aesthetics to deliver a seamless and improved user experience to customers.

The app, Emuwa said, now give customers room to make deposit without being at the banking hall.

He said that customers could locate the Union Bank Direct Sales Agent (DSA) closest to them and request cash collection for deposit or withdrawals using mobile app.

“Agents can also open accounts and assist customers with other banking services at a location convenient for them, he said.

Enuwa further explained that “*826# is the smarter way to spend your 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Naira,’’ adding that with the new USSD code, customers could make balance enquiries, buy airtime, buy air ticket with 15 per cent discount and many more.

Carlos Wanderley, the Head of Retail Banking, said this new feature was designed to support customers dealing with smaller businesses.

According to him, the “Locate an agent” feature was developed to provide a much convenience for small businesses and sole entrepreneurs.

“This is an on demanded service which allows them conclude basic banking transactions at a time and location most convenient to them.

“It saves them time and provides one-on-one VIP service they would likely not get at the branches,” he said.