By Alfred Zacharia
Dar es Salaam. Customers of I&M Bank are no longer
need for in-personal visits to access banking services, thanks to a newly
announced ‘Rafiki Chat Banking’ platform.
A press statement released on Wednesday (August 7),
says that the WhatsApp-based platform transforms how customers open accounts
and transact using their accounts.
“Rafiki Chat Banking offers a wide range of banking
services from account opening, self-registration, balance checks, mini
statements, fund transfers, utility bill payments and live customer
chat/support from the bank’s service agents,” the bank’s CEO Zahid Mustafa reveals in
the statement
The platform is a testament of the I&M’s
commitments to delivering convenient, eco-friendly banking solutions that
aligns with the country’s vision for a digital economy.
Simon Guchahi, the head of retail and digital said the
WhatsApp channel is one of the channels has the fastest adaption rates amongst
I&M Tanzania customers and the bank intends to continue investing in
building more functionalities and features working with various technology
partners.
According to him, the upgraded Rafiki Chat Banking
contains more than 27 features including account opening, account management,
beneficiary management, fund transfers, mobile money transfers, utility bill
payments, airtime purchase and live chat to mention a few.
“These improvements ensure a seamless and
user-friendly experience, empowering customers to manage their finances
effortlessly and conveniently,” he noted, adding that customers will get
registered in the platform from their comfort places.
To access the platform one will need to save the
lender’s WhatsApp verified number and start texting ‘Hi’