Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) continues its commitment to enhancing customer experiences with the launch of three new Bank-on-Wheels (BOW) mobile kiosks, each featuring innovative upgrades to serve clients better.
The new BOWs were unveiled during a lease contract signing ceremony between UnionBank and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (AFI), held last September 14 at the UnionBank Innovation Campus in San Pedro, Laguna. The contract allows UnionBank to use one electric vehicle owned by AFI as a mobile banking kiosk.
Designed for mobility, the new BOWs offer mobile ATM services in a comfortable setting similar to The ARK, UnionBank’s fully digital and paperless bank branch and the first of its kind in the country. The BOWs enable convenience by bringing banking services closer to clients through numerous features that cater to different needs. Additionally, all automatic teller machines (ATMs), cash recycler machines (CRMs), and other electronic equipment inside the BOWs are powered by batteries to minimize carbon emissions.
The first of the three is a fully electric Bank-on-Wheels (eBOW) which has almost zero emissions and will cover the areas of Metro Manila and nearby provinces. It is equipped with an ATM, where UnionBank cardholders can do balance inquiries, cash withdrawals, fund transfers, bill payment transactions, and PIN changes, while CitySavings cardholders can do cash withdrawals and balance inquiries with zero fees. Non-UnionBank cardholders can do balance inquiries and withdrawals.
The second BOW is equipped with an ATM and a CRM, and will also cover areas in Metro Manila and its surrounding provinces, extending its reach to a wider geographical scope. This BOW allows UnionBank customers to do cardless withdrawals, as well as carded and cardless deposits, in addition to balance inquiries, cash withdrawals, fund transfers, and bill payment transactions. The CRM also allows Citi and CitySavings customers to do cash withdrawals and balance inquiries with zero fees. Meanwhile, non-UnionBank cardholders can do balance inquiries and withdrawals through the CRM.
The third BOW comes with a UnionBank ATM and a CitySavings ATM, and will be based in Davao to serve its customers in Mindanao. UnionBank and CitySavings customers, respectively, can do balance inquiries, cash withdrawals, fund transfers, and bill payment transactions. Non-UnionBank cardholders can do balance inquiries and withdrawals.
“In a world where financial transactions are rapidly evolving, we recognize the importance of adaptability and inclusivity. UnionBank’s Bank-on-Wheels is not just a vehicle; it is a symbol of our dedication to reaching our valued customers, wherever they are, whenever they need us,” said UnionBank Head of Corporate and Digital Operations Magz Magbanua.
“Today’s gathering is not just the signing of an agreement. It’s about a collective endeavor, a testament to how stakeholders from diverse backgrounds can unite to create solutions that transcend boundaries,” said AFI President and Chief Operating Officer Maribeth Marasigan. “We are here to emphasize the importance of environmental management, social responsibility, and good governance in our pursuit of long-term value creation, financial growth, and business capability.”