Metbank to introduce Europay, MasterCard and Visa

Published: 01 July 2013

Metbank announced last week that it will introduce Zimbabwe's first certified Europay, MasterCard and Visa in collaboration with the global payments technology company, MasterCard.

This will see the bank offering gold and standard MasterCard debit cards to its individual customers as well as the MasterCard business debit card to its corporate customers.

The debit cards will include EMV technology which makes them more difficult to counterfeit, leading to a reduction in fraud.

The use of a Personal Identification Number at the time of purchase will provide further peace of mind to cardholders.

The introduction of EMV-certified debit cards, a global payment standard, comes at an appropriate time as the Government is stressing the need for Zimbabwe's banking system to be more inclusive.

MasterCard Southern Africa area business head Mr Charlton Goredema said they have been involved in EMV deployment in more than 130 countries, working closely with governments, central banks and financial institutions to introduce safer, easier and more convenient ways to transact.

"We have a shared vision with the Zimbabwean Government, to create a world beyond cash and MasterCard is committed to introducing innovation to the country's payment industry.

"Formal banking products such as the recently launched MasterCard will assist in making it possible for all citizens to enjoy the benefits of electronic payments thus creating more financially inclusive country and continent," he said.

Speaking at the launch of the payment cards in Harare last Thursday, Mr Belmont Ndebele, the managing director of Metbank, said the cards enable convenience to do business in Zimbabwe and abroad.

"These cards are the answer to your needs as you conduct business in Zimbabwe and abroad and seek the convenience and freedom that comes with a product that is portable, flexible, secure and can be used internationally.

"Being the first bank to introduce the Chip Debit MasterCard in our beloved country, Metbank continues to work on the technology to introduce new, easier and more secure payment products for all stakeholders," he said.

He also appreciated this partnership citing the fame of the MasterCard brand.

"The opportunity to partner a worldwide brand is not taken for granted. We appreciate the partnership and have already learned a great deal from it.

"The MasterCard brand is known card which is accepted in over 210 countries in the world. Cardholders are never far from an ATM 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," said Mr Ndebele.
- herald