Banque Populaire du Rwanda Plc. (BPR Plc.) has updated customers on the bank’s new digital channels including Mobile Banking, Internet Banking and Agency Banking.
Clients were taken through BPR’s digital banking products on Friday 10th October 2019 during Customer Service Forum as part of the bank’s celebration of Customer Service Week at Silent Hill Hotel in Kayonza district
With BPR’s Internet Banking platform, customers are able to directly access their account without physically going to the bank.
It may be used to instantly transfer money to BPR accounts, from BPR to other banks’ accounts, make standing orders, bulk payment like salaries, paying taxes and requesting for banking tools like Cheque books, receipt books and payment orders.
BPR Mobile Banking is another platform that has many services delivered using a mobile phone. It gives customers an alternative to transact more with their cell phone, either using the USSD way by dialing *150# and following the steps or by downloading the BPR mobile app from Play Store or App store.
The new app has many added features like; self registration, non BPR customers can open accounts by themselves, one can scan and pay for different goods and services, save to Ejo Heza, pay school fees and many more.
Customers have to register and get instant notification to start transacting with their accounts.
The Customer Service Forum is an annual program designed to meet clients, hear their suggestions, update them on the current progress, services and products of the bank and appreciate their contribution to the bank’s growth.
It is also one of activities meant to meet and interact with customers to chart ways of improving their experience with BPR.
The event attracted customers from Eastern Province and Gicumbi district, Northern Province.
This year’s Customer Service Week was globally celebrated under the theme “The Magic of Service”.
BPR delegation was led by the Managing Director, Maurice Toroitich accompanied by Mugisha Shema Xavier, the Head of Retail Banking, Cyusa Jean Luc, the Head of Corporate and Investment Banking and Irihose Grace, Digital Product Development Specialist who took customers through the bank’s digital banking steps among others.
The event was also graced by the mayor of Kayonza district, Jean Claude Murenzi who appreciated BPR support to social economic transformation in the area.
BPR Country Head of Retail Mugisha Shema Xavier observed that organizing such events constantly enables the bank to maintain good service delivery, transparency and meeting demands of current and potential clients.
As a bank that measures success by customer satisfaction, BPR attaches great relevance to constant upgrading of services which in return translates into mutual benefits and expanded clients’ base.
“We already have loans, savings products but we also have new innovative digital banking services to improve your experience with BPR. Technology is becoming an essential component of daily lives. That is why we decided to leverage services delivery on technology. This enables decentralized services as customers transact with the bank easily,” he said.
With BPR Agency Banking, customers can withdraw, deposit, transfer or receive money.
BPR assigns agents using Point of Sale Machines to deliver banking services and get commission fees per transaction in return.
Among others, BPR introduced mobile banking, internet banking, all designed to enhance customer experience transacting with ease and protect them against cash in transit risks.
The mayor of Kayonza district, Jean Claude Murenzi appreciated BPR as the first bank to open a branch in the area and the support the bank offers to clients and the district’s economic growth.
“I am also a client of BPR. We appreciate your services that enable us run our business smoothly. The bank’s digital banking platforms enhance real-time communication, save time and improve banking experience,” he said.
“BPR has contributed to social economic transformation in Kayonza district where it has roots. We appreciate the services. Let’s keep up the momentum. The fact that BPR has maintained customers’ trust is a reflection of good service delivery,” added Murenzi.
The mayor assured support, collaboration in different programs tailored for social economic transformation to thrive.
The BPR Managing Director, Maurice Toroitich appreciated the clients’ presence despite their busy schedules and assured them of improved service delivery.
“We feel at home in this area where the first BPR branch began. The core principle of the bank was to support people’s growth. It is therefore our obligation to render top notch services. Technology is a game changer. That is why we introduced digital banking platforms for enriched customers’ experience, grow the business and maintain good service delivery,” he noted.
Customers participated in interactive sessions during which they expressed interest in increased agency banking services.
BPR made a promise of commissioning 300 agents by the end of 2019 and grow the number as years pass by.
The forum was closed with cutting a cake and lunch with customers in celebration of Customer Service Week.
One of loyal BPR customers, Oreste Habakurama hailed digital banking platforms for the role it plays in daily businesses.
He encouraged peers to embrace ‘mobile banking’ services for convenience.
The Customer Service Week was globally celebrated from 7th to 11th October 2019.
BPR started in 1975 in Nkamba village, present Ruramira sector in Kayonza district of Eastern Province, by a group of ordinary Rwandans with extraordinary dreams.
BPR wants many services that are currently offered by physical branch to be made available on mobile banking application or internet banking, enabling more transactions.
With ongoing upgrading, the services available will be a lot more in the new upgraded platform, giving customers options to open accounts online themselves, contrary to existing systems where a customer’s only choice was to go to BPR branch to fill up a form to open an account.