BII's Internet Banking gives users convenience
BII's Internet Banking gives users convenience
Performing transactions through Internet-based banks is now common practice for certain people around the globe. Indonesians also have been able to enjoy this convenience via on-line services run by Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII).
BII introduced in September 1998 this cyber service, which enables customers to complete transactions through the Internet around the clock. No more queuing, grumbling, form filling, stamp licking or walking needed to conduct certain financial activities.
BII' Senior Vice President, Rudy N. Hamdani, said more people would use this online banking services via the Internet as there had been significant growth in Internet users in Indonesia.
"Five years ago people began to socialize with ATMs, phone- banking and call centers. But now is the new wave era, the new generation. With this e-banking service, BII sets its leadership." he said.
He said that there were some one million Internet users in Indonesia, and that this would reach 1.8 million by the end of the year.
"We are targeting to grab 30 percent of them to use our e- banking," he said. When the country's economic condition improves even more, he said, BII should be able to catch up to 70 percent.
"Internet users have become a special segment. This is so mobile and they always want to access the Internet, through their cellular phones or palmtops. Through this service BII can expect shorter periods to obtain new customers, not in hours, but in minutes," he said. Anyone who wants to bank with BII can visit its website http://www.bii.co.id.
Service
BII Internet Banking was created to enable customers to bank through the Internet, which operates 24 hours a day. All a customer needs is a computer and Internet access.
When logging in, customers will be able to make balance inquiries, view their transaction history, transfer money or make payments to their credit cards or to other bills.
BII Internet Banking was designed to meet customers' need for convenience. Online-help and easy-to-navigate menus make this service easy to use.
To get this service, one must have an account at BII. The account can be a savings account, such as Superpundi or Superdolar, a current account (Supergiro, Giro valas), a time deposit or a credit card issued by BII.
Applying online can be accomplished by filling in the application form on the website. BII will process the application and prepare the Internet Banking PIN (Personal Identity Number).
Customers can still also visit any BII branch where they maintain their accounts. They can complete an application from and submit it to a customer service representative.
Customers are required to show valid identification and proof of account ownership -- such as a Superpundi savings book -- for verification. Upon approval of the application, customers will receive an Internet Banking PIN.
The third way is by dialing BII Telebank at (021) 3183888. Staff will assist customers in completing the form.
The Internet Banking PIN will be sent to the address registered with the bank regardless of how the application was made. Valid identification and proof of BII account ownership is necessary for verification.
Features
Features of this service include Account Information, Statement Downloading, Fund Transfers, Bill Payments, Remittances, Applications, Cheque Book Applications, Rates, Internet Banking E-mail and Transaction History.
Checking a bank balance and fund transfer within BII in real time is possible via this service. Customers can inquire about their balance and get a summary of their account, including transactions and account statements.
They can also download the statement into their PCs in Comma Separate Value (CSV) format. Customers will be able to analyze the data by using an MS Excel program or Spreadsheet.
Real time features
Fund Transfers allow customers to transfer their funds to other accounts within BII. Customers will also be able to transfer funds to another account outside BII, but not in a real time.
Bill Payments allow customers to pay their bills for BII credit cards, Internet service provider subscriptions and cellular phones. Through this service, customers can also send and transfer money locally and internationally via BII or through its Western Union service.
Also, customers may apply for a draft and travelers checks, just like they do when they go to one of BII branch.
Users can also fill in and apply for new accounts such as savings accounts, current accounts, Superdolar accounts, time deposit accounts and credit cards.
Giro Book (check books) can be also be applied for through e- banking, as when customers go to a BII branch in person to do this. The check book will then be ready at the branch for customer pick up, so there is no need to make two trips to the bank; just a quick trip in to pick up the check book applied for through e-banking.
Other information that can be accessed includes foreign exchange rates and the interest rates of BII products.
In addition, e-banking enables users to communicate with BII. Users can send their concerns or share their problems and will get a prompt reply.
All transactions are recorded and customers are able to view each activity and transaction performed for the last three months.
When clicking on the history button, the screen will display details of all deposits made to the account within that time period and the dates they were made. It also reports the complete amounts of checks drawn.
Security
Today, many banks already provide Internet-based services. Many people are enjoying this facility, as when they have bills to pay, they can make the payments from their home PC.
However, many bank customers are still concerned about security in performing Internet banking.
The Internet is a means if transmitting information which can be intercepted by a third, unauthorized party. This can be used to benefit the unintended recipient while, at the same time, causing damage to the rightful owners of that information.
Concerning this issue, BII has taken steps to minimize the risk of the accessed information from being stolen by a third party.
"The precautions include the use of digital ID certificate, plug-ins and User IDs and passwords," said Rudy.
He said that BII used an advanced encryption technique to make sure that no other party can snoop on the data that is uploaded and downloaded between Net surfers and the system.
"BII applies digital ID certificate/128-bit encryption. Meanwhile, customers will receive an Internet PIN/password and a user ID which will be sent to their e-mail address," he said.
The PIN is a combination of an eight-digit password which must contain at least one capital, one letter and one number.
BII requires customers to change their PIN every two months. A notification window will pop up when customers carry out their e- banking, to remind them to change the PIN.
Another feature of the User ID/password scheme is that when a password is entered incorrectly three times consecutively, access will be blocked.
In this new world of no boundaries, BII is aiming to set standards of more innovative service. Through its Internet Banking, BII is eying more customers while preparing collaborations with other parties for public satisfaction and convenience. (icn)