BDO to install more machines for QR code-based use

BDO Unibank Inc. is eyeing to install more upgraded automated teller machine (ATM) terminals this year to allow cardless, QR (quick response) code-based withdrawals.

The Sy-led bank said in a statement on Monday there are over 100 QR-enabled ATMs in Makati currently.

The QR code-based withdrawal is seen to provide a safer way of accessing funds via ATM terminals, BDO Senior Vice President and Head of ATM Network and Applied Payment Solutions Tovi Mendoza said.

“Now, our clients will enjoy faster and more convenient transactions, and most importantly, limit the risk of catching Covid-19 since they will touch the ATM surface a lot less,” Mendoza explained.

Clients can generate the QR code via the digital banking app.

Beginning April 7, BDO, along with other local banks, will be adopting acquirer-based ATM fee charging principle as mandated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. This scheme will charge cardholders for balance inquiry or fund withdrawal based on the fees imposed for other banks by the ATM operators.

With this, the Sy-led bank will charge non-BDO clients P18 for withdrawal and P2 for balance inquiry.

BDO, in a recent advisory, encouraged clients to use its over 4,000 ATM terminals so they can transact without incurring additional fees. “Using your BDO card at non-BDO ATMs will incur fees which may vary depending on the bank,” the bank said.

This year, BDO is set to beef up its digital platforms with an end-to-end engineering process to enhance customer experience.

It is addressing the capacity issues of its online platforms given that numerous complaints were received last year. Some customers said they had a hard time accessing their accounts or accomplishing transactions online.

Also, BDO is aiming to streamline bank operations through re-engineering of business processes, which includes robotic process automation.

In January to September 2020, the bank saw its net earnings plunge by 48 percent to P16.6 billion because of higher provisions for potential credit loss.

BDO shares climbed by 1.12 percent, or P1.20, to close at P108.20 each amid the 0.16-percent uptick for the benchmark index on Monday.