HSBC Bank Armenia starts serving ArCa cards

PanARMENIAN.Net - HSBC Bank Armenia has resumed acquiring of international VISA and MasterCards and started servicing ArCa cards via its ATM network, as a result of $1million worth software upgrade project. The bank stopped accepting international cards in November 2009 due to technical and security issues.

Now the whole network of more than 50 ATMs is ready to accept and serve cards issued by both local as well as international banks, operating under ArCa, VISA or MasterCard systems.

The software upgrade has also allowed the bank to reduce the tariff for encashment - another step towards improved service at better pricing. Now all cardholders of the ArCa as well as travelers/tourists and other local bank cardholders can easily access their funds via more than 50 ATMs of HSBC Armenia.

The bank has also invested USD 150 thousand stated to issue chip and pin cards, which provide customers with higher security than cards with magnetic stripe, the Bank said in a press release.

In addition to 53 standard ATMs the bank has also launched its first Drive Through ATM on 20A Myasnikyan Street, Arax petrol station. The new device will provide maximum convenience, saving both time and effort, as customers will be able to obtain cash without leaving their cars and without having to think about finding a parking space. It will increase convenience for customers who are travelling out of Yerevan on one of the main roads leading out of the city, and they will be able to withdraw funds without getting out of their cars

"HSBC has been the first bank to bring in ATMs to Armenia in 1996, and I am pleased to be the first with drive through ATMs. We are committed to our promise to continually invest in new technologies to improve customer experience,” HSBC Bank Armenia Chief Executive Officer Astrid Clifford said.