Etisalat, GTBank give customers new retail banking experience
The Nigerian consumer is billed to experience an exciting experience as Etisalat and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, have partnered to make banking easy.
With the newly launched GTEasySavers, a savings account that is easy to open and easy to operate on the mobile phone, customers of Etisalat and GTBank can now conveniently open a saving account on their mobile phones without entering a banking hall.
According to Matthew Willsher, chief executive officer, Etisalat Nigeria, GTEasySavers is designed to enable under-banked and unbanked individuals achieve their financial goals while operating a regular bank account via their mobile phones. This strategic alliance will enhance the service delivery of both brands and offer customers unparalleled lifestyle and loyalty benefits.
“This is really a breakthrough for both the banking sector and telecommunication companies in Nigeria. Our companies have succeeded in both our customers’ appreciation. We are working towards providing more new solutions in banking and telecommunication,” he said at the launch of GTEasySavers on Tuesday.
Registered subscribers of Etisalat network can conveniently open a GTEasySavers account by simply dialing a USSD short code – “737*0#” via their mobile phones, and a ten digit GTBank account number is sent via SMS immediately. Funding of the account can be done by cash deposits at Etisalat Experience Centers and GTBank branches; electronic transfers from other bank accounts; Cash Deposit ATMs at GTBank branches and GT Express Agent locations.
Willsher further explained that the new chapter in the continuing growth of the banking industry made possible through GTEasySavers by GTBank and Etisalat Nigeria will “enable account opening via an Etisalat phone more convenient for individuals to carry out transactions using the transformative power of the banking system. Etisalat currently has the highest quality network in Nigeria and our partnership with GTBank is designed to add value to the lives of our customers and make banking more accessible. We will continue to offer innovative products and services in fulfillment of the promise we made to Nigeria over six years ago when we commenced operations in the country. The partnership will also begin a journey for unbanked customers from our over 22 million subscriber base.”
On his part, Segun Agbaje, managing director/CEO, Guaranty Trust Bank plc, said the launch of the product on Tuesday is one of the happiest moments in two years that both GTBank and Etisalat have been working together to create a product that will make consumers have a more convenient way to bank.
“Both Etisalat and GTBank have something in common and we are launching a product that will make waves in the banking industry. This is the first account the consumer will open without getting into the banking hall. We are passionate about driving the CBN’s financial inclusion strategy in ensuring the under-banked and unbanked, begin to find the propositions of banking services more attractive and convenient and then take the bold step of patronizing our numerous bank products and offerings, a passion which we fully share with Etisalat Nigeria,” he said.
The GTEasySavers account operates like a regular bank account and is in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy for the country. Transaction limits on the account is pegged at CBN’s Tier 1 KYC status limits of N20,000 for single deposits and maximum cumulative of N200,000 account balance at any point in time. Benefits for account holders include free airtime, higher interest rates on savings and quarterly rewards.
Customers who sign up for this account need not provide any initial documentation but can upgrade the status of their accounts to Tier 3 at any time, by simply visiting any GTBank branch with additional information/documentation, including a valid identification card and utility bill.
Anne AGBAJE