BankMuscat enhances its mobile banking services

BankMuscat has further enhanced the quality of its Mobile Banking services by introducing a host of new features for its customers across the country. This is also in keeping with the Bank’s over-riding philosophy of attempting to use the power of technology to create a distinct customer experience. Speaking on the occasion, BankMuscat chief executive, AbdulRazak Ali Issa said: “BankMuscat has always maintained that it is committed to harnessing the power of technology to make banking more convenient and delightful. With more and more people today on the move, customers, we believe, need to be provided with options that take the bank to the customer and not necessarily, (as in the past) the other way around. Our Mobile Banking services have been especially designed keeping in mind the needs of the customer, whether corporate or retail, and will ensure that the services they need are made available to them around the clock.” The facilities available through BankMuscat Mobile Banking include both push messages and pull services. Push messages are transaction-related alerts that customers receive to keep them abreast of transactions that are taking place through their accounts. This includes customer alerts on loan repayment, salary credits, point of sale transactions and ATM withdrawal notifications. Pull services allows customers to obtain account related information for anywhere around the world, anytime, by dialing 90090. This service allows customers to inquire after their account balances, request for a mini-statement, request for a chequebook and / or cancel their ATM cards. To ensure that the service is secure and safe, a customer’s registered mobile number is validated each time before the requested information is provided to the customer. Mobile Banking Services are available to all BankMuscat account holders who possess a mobile phone registered with any of the recognized service providers in the country. The Bank does not charge its customers for this service. BankMuscat customers can register for this service using the Bank’s e-channels or by calling the Bank’s call center. Customers can also visit any of the Bank’s branches and enroll for the service. BankMuscat launched its Mobile Banking services in January last year and has adopted a phased approach with regard to the roll out of its services. Using a spread of research and consumer testing techniques, the Bank has attempted to develop and periodically introduce products and services that are relevant to the local customer. Other services in the pipeline include Arabic text messaging and Fund Transfers.