Revolut starts rollout of responsible Pay Later instalments product beginning with Ireland

Revolut, the global financial superapp with more than 18 million customers worldwide, is rolling out its responsible pay later product, ‘Pay Later’ in Europe as it continues to expand its suite of products to help people get more from their money. Revolut Pay Later is the first pay later product in Ireland that uses an approved credit limit, designed to focus on affordability. Revolut puts the customer in control of when they want to use Pay Later for rather than being restricted to certain merchant partnerships.

Beginning this week, some Revolut customers in Ireland will be eligible for early access to Pay Later, which will gradually roll out to all users in Ireland – where 1.9m adults have a Revolut account. Pending the sign-ups for Pay Later, Revolut will look to offer the product in additional markets from the end of 2022 and beyond, with Poland and Romania to be the next markets gaining access to the product later this year.

Qualified customers can use Pay Later for purchases up to a maximum of €499, with any of their Revolut cards, including when paying with a Revolut Disposable Virtual Card which provides an extra layer of security for online transactions.

Customers can spread the cost of a purchase across three monthly instalments with the first instalment paid upfront by the customer at the time of purchase followed by two monthly instalments. The fee of 1.65% per purchase is repaid as part of the final two instalments. Fully integrated within the Revolut app, once approved, customers can activate Pay Later on-the-go with one tap in their Revolut app. Customers can view their Pay Later balance in the Cards section and in the Pay Later hub. If a customer would like to repay the instalments early, there are no additional fees to do so.

Whether it’s a new washing machine, hotel booking, or a birthday gift, customers can use Pay Later at any merchant that accepts Revolut online or in store. Unlike other pay later products, merchants do not sign up to Revolut Pay Later, and Revolut does not charge them for Pay Later transactions.

Revolut checks customer affordability by linking to customers’ existing bank accounts through Open Banking. Revolut will assess customer suitability and affordability for ‘Pay Later’ through an underwriting process. The current maximum credit limit is €499, but each customer will have their own bespoke limit as decided by Revolut’s credit assessment.

The new product also features built-in safeguards to check that users can afford their Pay Later limit. Unlike other pay later providers, Revolut is able to offer a more robust assessment as it approves the credit limit before the transaction rather than offering an instalments payment method at the point of sale.

Pay Later is another tool to help customers manage their spending all from one app. The Buy Now Pay Later market in Europe is set to grow to £680bn over the next five years.  Revolut’s ‘Pay Later’ offering meets the growing consumer demand for this personal finance tool, while offering it in a responsible way, with a heavy emphasis on customer affordability and suitability. Pay Later joins the suite of innovative products Revolut will be delivering to solve for all of its customers’ credit needs.

Joe Heneghan, CEO Revolut Europe, commented: “Pay Later is an exciting and fast-growing area of personal finance and consumer spending, and we are excited to add Revolut ‘Pay Later’ to our financial superapp. 

“Revolut Pay Later gives our customers more control and flexibility over their personal finances, in a responsible way, by enabling them to spread the cost of purchases over three instalments. This encourages people to pay within two months, rather than calling on overdrafts and credit cards which don’t carry the same emphasis on quickly paying back the amount borrowed.” 

Impact of NFT technology on banking and payments!

There has already been a lot of discussion regarding cryptocurrency and Blockchain technology. But, today, the scenario has been changing, and people are shifting toward non-fungible tokens. Yes, the non-fungible token is becoming one of the most critical investment opportunities for many people worldwide. Therefore, they are exploiting it to the highest possible limits. If you are also willing to invest in non-fungible tokens in the coming future, you will perhaps require a lot of knowledge about it from the https://nft-code.io/. But, we should also know about the most critical impact of the non-fungible tokens on the different aspects of our global economy. First of all, we are required to know how it will differentiate the banking and payment infrastructure that we know it as today.

Even though the non-fungible tokens are quite a popular point of discussion nowadays, many people are still unaware of them. It is because of a lack of their knowledge, and also, they are not much of prominent internet users. But, regardless of what others are doing, you are not required to remain under the rock. You should know that cryptocurrencies are as crucial as nonphysical tokens, and therefore, you should know about both these aspects. Here is the most critical knowledge based on this topic. Therefore, we will be enlightening about the direct impact of non-fungible token technology on the banking and payment infrastructure.

Faster settlement

An essential thing that the non-fungible token technology will do with the banking system is faster settlement. Yes, you might be pretty familiar with the traditional technology, but there is a lot of paperwork, which may lead to delays in the payment settlements. This kind of problem will go with the help of non-fungible tokens and technology. It is due to the fact that it is empowered through blockchain technology. The faster transactions have been one of the most crucial features of the blockchain, and therefore, the non-fungible tokens can prove to be one of the most significant turning points in this. So, you should know that the non-fungible tokens will make the first settlement possible in the banking infrastructure.

Proof of payment

Today, people send money from one place to another more open than earlier. So, there is also a requirement to prove every payment we make. However, this is quite difficult for anyone to prove that he has made a specific payment to someone else in the world, and therefore, many scams are taking place. This problem needs to be eliminated as soon as possible, and this is only possible with the help of non-fungible token technology. Proof of ownership is one of the essential characteristics of non-fungible tokens. Therefore, it can ensure that real-time data is accessed to confirm ownership of a particular transaction.

Easy access to information

Easy access to information has also been one of the essential things that the non-fungible token technology will unleash into the banking system. Earlier, when they kept the records on paper, it was pretty difficult for the banking institutions to process transactions and information faster. But now, this needs to be done more than ever before. To do so, the non-fungible token technology can be implemented. If the data is kept in the form of non-fungible tokens, they can be easily accessed as it is available virtually only. Also, the transfer of any data will be faster with non-fungible tokens.

Better infrastructure

The infrastructural changes that non-fungible token technology will bring about in the banking infrastructure can never be overlooked. Earlier, the banking structure was quite outdated, and therefore, there was a requirement for any changes. Well, these changes will be brought with the help of non-fungible tokens. By implementing non-fungible tokens, the technology is going to be highly advanced, and also, and there are going to be reversible transactions. Also, it will be easier for anyone to confirm the ownership of a particular transaction, and things will change a lot. Any data you want to keep in a banking organisation will be done through the Internet and virtual space. It will enhance security and give better control in the hands of the owner. So, things will be beneficial with the help of non-fungible tokens in the banking industry.

What Are Banking Systems And How Can Your Business Benefit From Them

New information technology has transformed the ways companies do their business in this digital era. Traditionally, businesses used to mail paper invoices, write paper checks, and collect monthly payments manually. One viable method that is more efficient is the online banking system which is convenient and can help you track all expenses and income on your computer. Read on to learn what banking systems are and how they can benefit your business.

 

What Is a Banking System?

Banks play a pivotal role in our lives since we use to deposit paychecks, set savings accounts, take loans, and perform other critical functions. There are different types of banks and they form what is commonly known as a banking system or online banking. A banking system describes a network or group of bank institutions that offer various financial services to clients. These financial institutions offer loans, take deposits, operate payment systems, and also facilitate investments. Different types of banks offer indispensable services to various businesses.

Account Monitoring

The primary benefit of online banking for your business is that it allows you to monitor your account from anywhere and anytime. Businesses handle a large number of transactions every day, so it becomes imperative to closely monitor the financial inflows and outflows to measure the performance of your business. With traditional banking, businesses would wait for statements to arrive via mail, or they would call the bank to confirm if the transaction has gone through. However, online banking makes account monitoring easy since you can access your account in the comfort of your home or any place. It is possible to verify all transactions without the need to visit or call your bank.

Processing Loans

Businesses across the spectrum have unique financial needs, and they often turn to different financial institutions to access funding. Few companies can set up a business or maintain it without accessing funding from lenders. If you want to establish a business or expand it, you can approach a reliable industrial loan company to get the loan that you may want to meet your needs. Because of improved technological advancements, the banking sector is constantly changing, and the loan application process is now easier than before. You can apply for a business loan online, and the approval period is short.

Online Banking is Convenient

With online banking, you do not need to make several visits to your bank to perform different tasks like depositing more, withdrawing funds, or seeking other financial services. Many business operators deal with busy and tight schedules which make it difficult for them to get the time to stand in queues to perform routine transactions in banks. Instead, online banking helps you conduct all the tasks from any place as long as you have a reliable internet connection. You can conduct various transactions by accessing your account 24 hours per day.

Easy Transfer of Funds and Bill Payment

Online banking systems help you to perform a variety of transactions like checking balances, make online payments, and transfer funds between accounts. The other element is that you can conduct any transaction online without seeking assistance from a teller. Your banker can also customize the ideal online system that suits the unique needs of your business. Business operators can utilize wire transfers or Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers when paying vendors and suppliers. This will help you enjoy a good relationship with your suppliers, and you will not experience delays in the delivery of goods.

You may also use Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTS) to pay your bills faster, and this method is cost-effective unlike using paper checks that are often slow and expensive. Online banking also makes transferring funds between accounts that include checking, savings, credit cards, lines of credit, and loans easier. The other benefit of transferring funds between accounts is that the facility does not include additional expenses. Automating your online banking system helps ensure that routine company payments are made on time to eliminate late fees. For instance, most payroll, routine expenses, and monthly bills can be automated, and this will save you money in the long term.

If you operate a business during the current period, you should harness online banking systems to improve efficiency in your operations. Online banking is convenient since it helps you to monitor your accounts and transactions from any place and time. The system also helps to make it easy to perform other tasks like applying for a loan to expand your business operations. You can also use online banking to transfer funds between accounts, and this option is cheaper.

KBC Bank launches new survey highlighting the digitisation of Ireland. #KBC #Banking

KBC Bank, Ireland’s digital first bank, has launched a new survey which seeks to put a spotlight on the digitisation of Ireland, revealing how people in Ireland are using digital services and technology as COVID-19 accelerates digital adoption.

Findings from the first KBC Digital Indicator Survey show that Irish consumers have high levels of confidence when it comes to using digital technology, given the acceleration of digitally enabled products and services stimulated by COVID-19. The majority of respondents (85%) are confident in using digitally enabled products and services, with younger cohorts and those in urban areas more likely to describe themselves as ‘very confident’. Confidence with digital technology levels were lower in those aged 66 and over, and in those of a lower social grade, with 19% and 31% describing themselves as ‘very confident’ respectively.

Additionally, 29% of respondents would place themselves ahead of the curve when it comes to trying new digitally enabled products and services, compared to just 6% of those aged 66 or over.

The research findings come as Irish consumers continue to adapt to the changes brought about as a result of the pandemic. Consumers are now using digital technology and digitally enabled services more in their day-to-day lives, with streaming services (54%), fitness tracking (45%) and managing daily finances (44%) proving most popular. Nearly one third (31%) of respondents are now also using digital platforms to open new accounts. At KBC, over 77% of new current accounts were opened digitally or over the phone in 2020.

Interestingly, more than a quarter of those surveyed (29%) are using digital dating services less than before the pandemic. Unsurprisingly, almost a third of respondents (32%) admitted to using technologies more to manage and track their mental health.

Commenting, Fergal O’Riagain, Director of Daily Banking Products at KBC Bank said, “We understand that the pandemic has accelerated the rapid migration to digital technologies, however, the results of our first KBC Digital Indicator Survey show that consumers are increasingly more comfortable with using technology and digitally enabled services in all aspects of their daily lives. At KBC, we are committed to keeping up with the pace of change by making our products and services more accessible to customers across Ireland.”

As consumers embrace new technologies, 74% of respondents have used cash less since March 2020, with 48% reporting a significant decrease in their cash usage. Over half of those surveyed (55%) believe digital payment methods will replace cash payments within the next ten years, while 44% believe this will happen by 2025. According to KBC Ireland’s own data, spending on KBC digital wallets has increased 21% year-on-year in 2020.

Looking forward, nearly half of those surveyed (47%) feel they will use mostly digital payment methods and only ‘some’ cash, while nearly one quarter (23%) feel they will use an equal mix of both. Young millennials (21%) are most likely to believe they will use only digital payment methods into the future, followed by those aged 66 years or over. Higher social grades are also more likely than lower social grades to feel they will use digital only.

In addition to embracing digital technologies, Irish consumers are also more aware of online security threats with 95% of respondents claiming that they are more vigilant when it comes to online scams or text and email phishing attempts. Overall, 51% of respondents would describe themselves as much more vigilant.

Fergal O’Riagain, Director of Daily Banking Products at KBC Bank continued: “We’ve already seen notable increases in eCommerce spending, with online grocery spend amongst KBC customers increasing 116% year-on-year in 2020 and online home improvement centre spend up 228% year-on-year for example. As consumers continue to use digital solutions in their daily lives, we will continue get them ‘digital ready’, which includes our soon to launch first to market range of wearable contactless payment devices. By offering new, secure ways to pay, Irish consumers now have more choice and greater flexibility when it comes to making purchases, both in-store or online.”

PTSB sms scam to watch out for.. #PTSB #Scam #Phishing

A new scam doing the rounds to watch out for claiming to be PTSB and beneficiary called SAMSON. The text has a PTSB identifier on top which most do to make it look real and here is when people panic and get caught out . As per usual you will be instructed to login to your account via the link given in the sms which brings you to a site near identical to the PTSB website and if you follow this you have just handed over your information and you know what happens after that.. Below is what to look out for and as usual report this and delete straight away and do not click on the link.

PTSB have had similar messages just recently but with a different approach you can find out more on that HERE 

As per the PTSB WEBSITE

What should you do if you receive suspicious SMS?

  • Do not click on the link that is in the SMS.
  • Do not divulge any credit/debit card/account log-on information.
  • Do not respond to the message.
  • Regarding genuine authorisation codes received from permanent tsb via SMS please ensure that you read and fully understand the text message before proceeding
  • If you have already clicked the link and/or sent your details, contact us as soon as possible on +353 (1) 669 5851. We will cancel your Open24 number and arrange a new one for you.

Fraud Alert: Bank of Ireland urge increased vigilance against investment scams from fake or unregulated investment firms. #Fraud #Investments

Bank of Ireland has issued a fraud alert today urging extra vigilance against investment fraud.  Following an increase in reports of incidence of investment fraud the Bank is strongly advising consumers to be alert to investment scams being carried out by false and unregulated companies offering fake investment opportunities.

Describing how investment scams can operate, Edel McDermott, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland said: “There has been a notable increase in false and unregulated companies offering convincing investment opportunities promising a quick profit.  For example, they might be selling cryptocurrencies or offering bonds and share investments that do not exist.  A consumer or investor who falls victim to these companies and hands over money is unlikely to see their money again.  There is unfortunately no redress for a consumer or investor who hands over money to an unregulated firm.  By being aware of how these false companies turn up and the tactics that they use, consumers and investors can take steps to protect themselves against fraud and financial loss”. 

Common ways to encounter these bogus companies and warning signs include:

Internet search:  Bogus firms online may appear when searching for investment opportunities or via pop-up message on a website or through social media.

False endorsement: Online article where a celebrity appears to promote an investment or tells a story about how much they made from it.

Cold calls: Unsolicited calls or emails from someone who claims to be from a legitimate investment company who puts pressure on the consumer to take advantage of an urgent opportunity.

How consumers can protect themselves from these scams: 

  • Do not respond to cold calls and don’t be rushed into investing your money.
  • Be suspicious of any offers that guarantee a return or a large profit.
  • Research the company and check the Central Bank register before making any investment.

Many of these firms might appear to have legitimate websites and convincing products or investor ‘log in’ to check your investment.  To safeguard against this, consumers and investors are urged to ensure that any company they are considering investing with is a regulated firm by checking the Central Bank of Ireland register (ROI) or Financial Conduct Authority (UK).  If a firm is not listed, do not invest with them. 

Bank of Ireland is committed to building awareness around fraud, including investment fraud of this nature. Bank of Ireland will continue to focus on the issues around fraud, through the Bank’s own channels and by working collaboratively through the Bank and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) FraudSMART campaign.

Useful Links in the fight against fraud:

https://www.bankofireland.com/security-zone/

http://registers.centralbank.ie/Home.aspx

https://register.fca.org.uk/s/

www.fraudsmart.ie

Bank of Ireland customers who think they have been the victim of this type of fraud, should contact the Bank as soon as possible.

https://www.bankofireland.com/security-zone/report-fraud/

Buyer Beware! Consumers worried about fraudsters survey reveals. #Fraud #Scams #Shopping #online

More than six in ten (62%) consumers are worried about being targeted by online fraudsters and over four in ten (43%) feel more exposed to online fraud threats due to being online more since COVID-19, according to research by Bank of Ireland. The survey also found that almost six in ten (58%) intend to shop more online this Christmas compared to last year and nine in ten consumers are now banking or shopping online. In recent weeks we have seen several scams which we posted here and now you need to be more vigilant than ever and always remember if it looks to good to be true it probably is as the saying goes

The study of 1,000 consumers was carried out as Bank of Ireland launches the most extensive public awareness campaign on fraud by any bank in Ireland. Fronted by TV personality Baz Ashmawy and running across TV, radio and social media through November and December, the campaign aims to remind consumers to be alert for potential fraud and provides guidance in the lead up to Christmas. Fraud awareness and prevention is a critical part of Bank of Ireland’s Financial Wellbeing Programme for customers.


Pictured above  – Gavin Kelly, CEO, Retail Ireland, Bank of Ireland and Baz Ashmawy.

The research also shows that over half (53%) admit to spending more time shopping online since the onset of COVID-19, rising to two thirds (66%) of 18 – 34 year olds. Four in five (80%) consumers are opting to use debit and credit cards in place of cash during the pandemic. More than half (55%) of consumers indicated they have received a fraudulent email, text message or call claiming to be from their bank in the past, while seven in ten (69%) say they regularly consider the threat of fraud when online.

Commenting on fraud, Gavin Kelly, CEO Retail Ireland, Bank of Ireland said: “Due to COVID-19 we’re all spending a lot more time online – for work, keeping in touch with people, and shopping – which means we are more susceptible to fraud. As we head towards the Christmas period, at Bank of Ireland we are ramping up our efforts to remind people to remain vigilant, particularly when online.

“With Level 5 restrictions now in force and many retail outlets shuttered across the country, online activity will spike even further in the coming weeks. Our research shows that over half of us have received a fraudulent email, text message or call claiming to be from our bank, and this trend is very likely to continue as our use of cards, online shopping and digital banking continues to increase. Our new nationwide fraud awareness campaign will help protect customers’ financial wellbeing and emphasises that by working together we won’t let the criminals win.

 “Fraudsters target customers of banks, utility companies, postal, taxation and social welfare services and other organisations. They are active day in, day out, 24/7. We see the stress it causes for consumers and businesses on an ongoing basis. As a bank we have a responsibility to be extremely vigilant to these attacks and to advise our customers how to deal with the various threats. We will never text, send emails or call a customer looking for their confidential banking details. You can forward any suspicious emails or texts to us at 365Security@boi.com and if anyone is concerned that their account or personal information has been compromised, they should call our 24/7 freephone line 1800 946 764.”

 

The research also revealed:

  • 66% believe they know the kind of tactics used by fraudsters in attempting to steal their money.
  • 95% said they would have little or no trust in receiving a text message or e-mail from their bank with a link requesting them to login to internet banking.
  • One in four (25%) feel comfortable sharing their personal information, rising to one in three (33%) of 18-34 year olds.

For more advice and information on fraud, visit www.bankofireland.com/security or www.fraudsmart.ie

The research was commissioned with RED C and the survey was conducted from 8th to 13th October 2020 with a national representative sample of 1000 respondents.