Andhra Bank to introduce Biometric machines in ATMs

Bangalore, Feb 19 (UNI) Tasting huge success in introducing biometric machines in its ATMs, Andhra Bank would next year open 150 ATMs with the new technology.

Bank Chairman and Managing Director K Ramakrishnan told newspersons here that the bank, which had taken a pioneering step of introducing biometric machines, had found it extremely popular with additional security dimension. Even farmers were easily adapting to the new technology and other banks were also eyeing the technology, which did not involve huge expenditure. Each machine, with German technology, was costing around Rs 4.5 lakhs.

These machines would be deployed predominently in rural and semi urban areas. But, some branches in urban areas would also have the facility, he added.

Dr Ramakrishnan said the bank was planning to increase its popular Mobile ATM Banking facility. The RBI had granted licence to Andhra Bank to move further. The Bank was also planning to enhance features offered in Mobile ATMs, enabling customers to use the facility for other payments also as against deposits only now.

On credit card expansion, he said the bank, which had about 1.5 million credit cards in circulation, was planning to provide most of its customers with its cards. All branches have been asked to vigorously pursue in increasing the numbers as the card business was profitable.

Dr Ramakrishnan was here in connection with the inauguration of the bank's new branch here, taking the total number of branches in the city to 25.

UNI