NRI banking at your fingertips

Manage financial services during lockdown through online platforms

Visiting the bank at the beginning of every month has been a ritual for expatriates - be it to send money back home after payday, apply for loans, or to finance investments in India. But with the onslaught of Covid-19 and financial institutions closing their branches to limit physical interaction, many might be confused about how to pursue their routine banking transactions. 
Despite the closure of outlets, banks have been quick to enhance their existing digital presence, with some introducing additional options to give customers a wholesome experience. The UAE has the highest smartphone adoption in the region, so making the switch to online banking modes has taken place at ease.

Convenience lies at the user's fingertips, opening up a world of options, as NRIs can enjoy a variety of services, accessible at any time of the day and year through mobile devices. From creating a new offshore bank account and checking current balances, to requesting regional or international amount transfers and applying for new products, financial institutions have stepped up to boost banking services through websites and mobile apps.

Additional security protocols are also in place to ensure that any monetary transaction and bank interaction remains confidential and secure. A double secure password that requires confirmation through the cardholder's mobile phone further ensures customer accounts are protected from misuse.

Naturally at some point, customers may require some level of human interaction to resolve issues or learn more about banking products. To accommodate this need, bank have an on-call customer service representative available 24/7 to cater to various needs through the website and mobile app, eliminating the expenses involved in a long-distance call.

Remittances form a major part of an NRI's life, especially to support the livelihood of dependents back home. The Covid-19 is no match to Indian banks' outstanding services, allowing various secure channels to help customers send their hard-earned money without the need of human interaction. Individuals can deposit money in minutes, or even in seconds, to a bank account in India with a simple tap.

Adding to convenience are scheduled deposits that automatically transfer a desired amount every month straight to the receiver's bank account. Besides remittances, this proves to be a helpful personalised tool for those managing payments and mortgages back home.

Digital banking also supports e-commerce, allowing NRIs an opportunity to shop online as well as send celebratory and seasonal gifts straight to the doorsteps of loved ones. The world is in a nutshell thanks to technology, and handling finances between the UAE and India for NRIs has become a convenient affair as digital banking is here to stay.

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