How Nigerian banks are innovating with 'WhatsApp Banking'

·
September 18, 2018
·
4 min read

Imagine you are chatting with your tailor on WhatsApp. After sending them a picture of the beautiful style you saw on Instagram earlier in the day, you discuss the cost of achieving the look and request for their account number.

To send the money, instead of going through a USSD menu or opening your bank’s app (if you even have that installed), you simply find your bank as a contact on WhatsApp and proceed to begin the process of transferring the money. You complete your transaction in less than three minutes without leaving the messaging app.

This and other basic services within your favourite instant messaging app is what WhatsApp Banking promises. Leveraging on WhatsApp Business and Chat Banking, some Nigerian banks now offer access to financial services via WhatsApp.


Suggested Read: How the new WhatsApp Business app will work for small businesses

Advertisement

WhatsApp Banking is an extension of Chat Banking already available on Facebook and since the instant messaging app is the most used among Africans, it gives banks a wider reach compared to Facebook Messenger.

The first of its kind was launched in July 2018 by Absa in South Africa and barely one month after, five Nigerian banks -- United Bank for Africa (UBA), Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), First Bank of Nigeria (FBN), Access Bank and Zenith Bank -- followed suit.

At the moment, only UBA and Access Bank customers can use WhatsApp Banking. GTbank is still currently testing the service while First Bank is yet to unveil its WhatsApp number.

In the case of Zenith Bank, it is called Qwerty Banking. Users can conduct banking transactions within any mobile messaging application by simply enabling the Zenith Bank keyboard interface on the bank's app.

Using UBA on WhatsApp, you’ll be interacting with Leo, its Chat Banker

To initiate a conversation, you’ll simply need to send a “Hi” or “Hello” to the bank’s WhatsApp number.

Don't miss out on Africa's financial revolution

Keep up with the rapid pace of innovation in Africa's fintech landscape with Fintech Today. Designed for quick consumption, our exclusive newsletter, trusted by over 1,000 industry leaders, delivers the latest insights, trends, and breakthroughs right to your inbox.
Fintech Today

Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.

Initiating UBA's WhatsApp Banking

Just like on other banking channels, you’ll be able to check your account balance, send money, buy airtime and pay bills.

Screenshot 2018 09 12 11 28 49 563 com.whatsapp

To begin, you’ll need to create a PIN. You however cannot create a PIN if you do not have an ATM card or a token

Screenshot 2018 09 13 17 56 39 006 com.whatsapp

The bill payment option is still unavailable at the moment

Screenshot 2018 09 13 18 03 05 386 com.whatsapp

To enter sensitive information, you’ll be directed to secure web page on your browser

UBA whatsapp bankingUsing Access Bank on WhatsApp is very similar

You initiate a conversation by sending “Hi” or “Hello” to the bank’s WhatsApp number. You start by signing up as an existing customer or opening a new account.

Initiating Access Bank's WhatsApp Banking

Opening a new bank account takes less than three minutes

IMG 20180913 181720

IMG 20180913 181813

In addition to being able to open a new account, you can send money, check your account balance and Bank Verification Number (BVN) and resolve issues, among other things.

Unlike UBA that redirects to your web browser when you need to enter sensitive information, everything with Access WhatsApp Banking takes place within the messaging app.

You can only transfer a maximum of ₦20,000, exclusively to only Access Bank accounts

Screenshot 2018 09 13 18 23 15 350 com.whatsapp

 

Zenith Qwerty Banking

To use Qwerty Banking, you'd first have to install or update the Zenith Bank mobile app.

To begin, activate the Zenith Qwerty Banking option in the app's settings

 

zenith bank appOnce activated, you can access banking services on all messaging apps (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, Skype and even SMS) on your device. You can transfer funds, pay bills, buy airtime and access your account

IMG 20180917 110728

WhatsApp and Chat Banking promise access to basic banking services and that’s exactly what you get. One worry however is security.

However, even though there are security measures already in place, anyone who has access to your phone could initiate a conversation with your bank and depending on the information they have, carry out transactions without your knowledge. Then again, the same can be said about other digital banking channels.

As the service is gradually improved and more Nigerian banks catch up with the trend, we may probably see more Nigerians favour this banking option over bank apps, online banking and maybe using USSD.

I'm always open to new experiences.
I'm always open to new experiences.
Subscribe To Techpoint Digest
Join thousands of subscribers to receive our fun week-daily 5-minute roundup of happenings in African and global tech, directly in your inbox, hours before everyone else.
This is A daily 5-minute roundup of happenings in African and global tech, sent directly to your email inbox, between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m (WAT) every week day! 
Digest Subscription

Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.

I'm always open to new experiences.

Other Stories

43b, Emina Cres, Allen, Ikeja.

 Techpremier Media Limited. All rights reserved
magnifier