Filenews 16 November 2024 - by Angelos Angelodimou
The Association of Banks is in the process of elaborating specific measures that will help in the field of transactions of the elderly with commercial banks.
As we are informed, the Association will not be satisfied with the recent meeting with stakeholders regarding the issue of transactions of the elderly with banks, but is willing to proceed with specific measures that will help this group of citizens.
The policy of banks in recent years favours the reduction of the number of their branches and the guidance of people towards alternative service channels, mainly directed towards electronic transactions. However, in this course there is an issue with older people, who do not have sufficient familiarity with electronic channels.
On the contrary, they seek to carry out their transactions in cash and at the same time they want to be served in person, regarding specific services, such as the collection of their pension and the payment of utility bills, i.e. electricity, water and telephone.
It is understood that a serious issue arises with this group of individuals and their relationship with commercial banks. The Association of Greek Banks has taken the initiative to take measures in cooperation with commercial banks that will help these individuals. Our information tells us that the measures that are under work concern the part of making cash available to consumers, especially since bank branches are reduced.
The measures promoted
Initially, the measures move in three directions:
(a) The expansion of the number of businesses that will offer the cashback service. The aim of the banks is for many more businesses to participate in the program and even more information will be provided in order to inform consumers.
(b) To increase the number of customer service points, which will be able to serve either cashback or bill payments and other services. In this direction, an attempt will be made to cooperate with municipalities and communities and with state services, such as the post offices.
(c) Increase the amount that someone can receive in cash from the cashback service. As is well known, today one can get up to €100 and the thoughts are to increase this amount to either €200 or more.
Facilitation for services
In a second step, the measures will concern the banks themselves. That is, an effort will be made so that by changing some procedures, elderly customers of banks can be served more easily.
For example, there are cases where older people need specific forms from banks for the purpose of paying pensions or for their transactions with organisations such as water or electricity. The aim of the banks is to open a channel of communication with these people, so that by means of a telephone number, for example, they can request the issue of these forms and, after the bank officials have received the customers' details, the forms can be prepared for them and possibly sent to them by post.
In addition to the above, the Association of Banks intends to hold events with the participation of elderly people, in which information will be provided on alternative ways of transactions with banks. Banks believe that there should be an intensification of information, so that in simple words older people understand the options they have.
