Dear Editor,
I am the holder of an ATM card for Republic Bank. This bank recently opened a new outlet in Kitty. I am very disappointed with the service at this ATM. The process is inordinately slow, especially the release of the card upon completion of the transaction.
I am certain that Republic Bank is aware that providing an ATM service not only involves depositing/withdrawing cash. It also involves the actual process of conducting these transactions. For example, when an individual enters the ATM outlet, he usually does so because it is the quickest means of accessing his bank account.
As such he expects the mechanism of an ATM machine to be so automated that the transaction will be user friendly and speedy.
Unfortunately this is not the case with the Republic Bank ATM, especially after completing the transaction when the message to remove the card takes some time before coming onscreen. An individual in a hurry may overlook this last stage, leaving the card in the machine, or heaven forbid, leaving the card at the mercy of another unscrupulous user who may then have access to the account.
Certainly Republic Bank, as one of the biggest banks in Guyana, can do better than this. I have been fortunate to use other banks’ ATMs where the system is much quicker and more efficient. So the technology is available for an improved service.
Another frustrating aspect of conducting ATM transactions with Republic Bank is that there are very few machines that allow for deposits. The only locations where deposits can be done are at the Camp Street and Water Street branches.
Again, this decision points to little regard for the customer. Both the Water Street and Camp Street branches are so located that these areas are very busy all day long and have little parking space. So conducting deposit transactions there becomes onerous for the customer and indeed very risky if you have to walk some distance with your cash to get to the ATM.
Why can’t the deposit ATMs be decentralized? Can’t the branch on New Market Street offer this service?
One hopes that the bank makes the effort to improve its ATM service to its customers. After all, the bank usually says loud and clear that we, the customers, are their most important assets. Well, it is time their actions mirror their words.
Yours faithfully,
M Abraham