Standard Bank has warned its customers that it will be offline this Sunday, 7 February, while it performs scheduled system updates.
The system changes require planned downtime, which will affect the ability of clients to perform “certain banking activities and transactions” between 2am and 8pm on that day.
“Standard Bank has scheduled system changes to provide a single customer view and ensure a consistent customer experience across different channels,” it said in a statement.
It said customers will still be able to use their Standard Bank debit, cheque or credit cards to make in-store purchases and cash withdrawals at ATMs.
They will also be able to use other services such as SnapScan and MasterPass. However, the following services will be disrupted:
— There will be limited access to bank account facilities such as beneficiary payments and inter-account transfers.
— ATM deposits will be unavailable.
— The banking app, Internet and cellphone banking services will be unavailable.
— There will be limited assistance at Standard Bank branches and the AlwaysOn Banking channel via WeChat.
“While Standard Bank recognises the impact of service disruptions on customers, the downtime is necessary to make the system changes, and to ensure that customers’ personal information is safe and secure,” it said in the statement.
To limit the impact on banking activities, the bank advised customers to plan ahead and consider doing the following:
— Make payments or do banking transactions via the banking app, Internet and cellphone banking before Sunday.
— Transfer any required money to relevant accounts in advance.
— Top up airtime and electricity before the weekend to avoid any shortfall.
— Although they will still be able to use their debit, cheque or credit cards to make purchases, they should consider withdrawing cash to have on hand. — © 2016 NewsCentral Media
