NMB Bank has been at the forefront, leading market disruption through digitalisation. Its launch and continuous upgrade of the NMBConnect suite of services has contributed to a radical change in Zimbabwe’s banking landscape. The platforms have made it virtually possible for someone to do banking without visiting the branch.
The Bank’s digitalisation programme, which began long before the Covid-19 pandemic, placed it at a vantage point to deal with the disruption caused by the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus. With the economy locked down in March last year, the bank set about expanding the digital options it offered its clients, culminating in the launch of a digital bank, NMBConnect. Through this platform, clients can now carry out all their banking without having to visit the branch.
NMBConnect can be accessed through a mobile App, which can be downloaded from Google Playstore or Apple App Store, NMBConnect online: www.nmbconnectonline.co.zw and the *241# short code. The NMBConnect App is zero rated for Econet subscribers allowing customers to transact without incurring data or airtime costs.
With NMBConnect, potential customers wishing to open an NMB Account can do so via the short code *241# for an entry-level account or through the NMBConnect App on Online for a full KYC account. The platform allows customers to upload documents, which include the national ID, customer’s photos as well as the proof of residence. This also applies for account upgrades. All these services no-longer require potential customers to visit the branch.
Through NMBConnect, the Bank offers its customers a virtual banking experience, which embraces online cash withdrawals and deposits. No paperwork is required. The only reason to visit an NMB Bank branch physically is to either deliver the cash deposited or to pick-up the cash withdrawn through NMBConnect. The customer can also do a virtual withdrawal and send someone to collect the cash on their behalf from any of NMB’s branches across the country. This also doubles up as a local remittance service.
DSTV payments can be made using the NMBConnect DSTV payment option, with the cash for the payment deposited with a teller at a physical branch using the transaction reference number.
Bill payments, purchase of airtime and data bundles as well as school fees payments can be done through NMBConnect. The customer receives a digitally stamped proof of payment, which can be shared with the transfer beneficiary, saved in the phone gallery or shared through e-mail or WhatsApp.
NMB Bank Customers can also apply for loans through NMBConnect, getting near instant disbursements without the need to complete any paper or visit the branch.
“NMB Bank is a long-standing advocate of digital banking. We believe in giving customers total control of their banking, from opening an account, to day to day transacting and managing of their bank accounts through accessing their bank statements from wherever they are. With NMBConnect, we have eliminated paper-based transactions and enhanced the customer experience when accessing banking services. This is another way of ensuring that our customers stay safe during this Covid-19 pandemic,” commented NMB Bank chief executive Ben Washaya.
“Our vision is to digitalise our product offering without losing the excellent customer service we are known for. Every banking transaction can now be carried out online, making banking easier, cheaper and more convenient than ever before.”