Bankers want people to use ATMs and internet banking more

The Malta Bankers' Association (MBA), together with the Central Bank of Malta and the Malta Association of Credit Management, have launched a media educational campaign to encourage further use of more efficient and secure methods of payment.

Using TV, print media, radio, digital media and outdoor advertising, the parties promoting this campaign are calling on the Maltese public to make more use of alternative and modern methods of payment such as internet banking, credit transfers, direct debits and the use of debit and credit cards. The objective of the campaign is to promote the fact that such payment methods are not only more efficient and convenient, but are also more secure, traceable and environmentally friendly, due to the fact that all transactions are paperless.

Speaking about the launch of the campaign, the Secretary General of the MBA, James Bonello, said: "Although in the past six years we have seen a decrease in cheque usage from 12.5 million cheques annually to just under 10 million cheques each year, the dependence on cash and cheques in Malta as a means of payment is still considered to be one of the highest in Europe. Given the banking sector's continuous investment in the most technologically advanced automated systems, this need not be so, especially since automated transactions are more secure and easily traceable."

Bonello also urged those members of the public who are still effecting payments by cheque or cash to enquire about the advantages offered by automated payment systems.

Bonello added that using the banks' automated infrastructures, one can receive his or her salary, pension or social benefits directly into his or her personal account. Added to this one can effect utility bill payments and other bills in a safe and convenient manner, and without having to queue at any of the service providers' offices.