CARD SME Bank and its digital banking transformation

The CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) has always been an advocate of financial inclusion. Throughout the years, it has been providing Filipinos from the low-income sector with access to financial services. As CARD MRI continues to explore new innovations to reach the goal of poverty eradication, its thrift bank—CARD SME Bank—is undergoing digital transformation to provide reliable banking services.

Late last year, CARD SME Bank introduced to its clients the konek2CARD mobile application where they can do hassle-free banking transactions with the use of android phones. Through this app, clients can monitor their savings account, transfer funds, pay loans, check their transaction history, and view mini statement, anytime and anywhere.

They can also do self-initiated withdrawals from its Digital Cash Machine (DCM) installed in their bank premises via a QR Code generated by the app. A digital cash machine is a proprietary machine provided by the bank for its clients.

Clients can also pay their loans and withdraw their savings through konek2CARD agents located in their barangays.

According to CARD SME Bank President and CEO Aristeo A. Dequito, transforming the mindset of people from traditional banking towards technology is difficult, but the institution’s determination to provide its clients better banking experiences is their utmost priority. This makes changing the outlook of its clients in its digitalization efforts a top priority.

“We know that introducing a new technology may be challenging, but we assure them that these innovations are of highest integrity and user-friendly. Our efforts are now paying off as our clients are experiencing the efficiency of these services,” said Dequito.

Digital banking through konek2CARD and Digital Cash Machine

Said CARD SME Bank client Josefina Carpio, “konek2CARD initiative is really a good development for the clients of the bank. Withdrawals are done faster. Another good thing about konek2CARD is its convenient features like adding mobile top-ups. We always have our smartphones with us anywhere we go and konek2CARD is very convenient when we forget our ledgers or ATM cards. We can always access our savings account, anytime and anywhere. This mobile application is also very user-friendly.”

Carpio also encourages other clients to use the mobile app for easier banking transactions.

The bank is initially offering this service to its clients who are residing in hard-to-reach areas to provide them access to their accounts and do other transactions without going to the bank.

 “Through these digital transformations, CARD SME Bank clients can now work smarter as they experience more efficient banking services,” said Dequito. These digital revolutions can help clients decrease cost by not regularly going to the bank and be more productive.

Its clients are more satisfied with the fast and competent services rendered by the banking institution.

“Through these efforts, CARD SME Bank is pushing for digital financial inclusivity for all so everyone can have access to affordable financial products and services of CARD MRI,” Dequito concluded.