WHAT IS THE E-ZWICH SMARTCARD?

The e-zwich smartcard is an electronic card which allows secured (tied to users fingerprint) payment for goods, services and transfers of funds throughout the country.

It allows users to either spend from pre loaded cash or bank account(s) tied to the smartcard.

FEATURES OF THE SMARTCARD

1. Works for both the banked and unbanked
2. Allows you to withdraw cash at any ATM or e-zwich terminal across Ghana.
3. Allows you to deposit cash onto the smartcard
4. Allows card balance enquiry at any PBL branch throughout the country
5. Provides transaction reports
6. Allows transfer of funds from one smartcard to another
7. Allows transfer of funds from smartcard to merchant and bank account
8. Allows online and offline merchant transactions
9. Allows payment of utility bills
10. Can be linked to more than one bank account
11. Security: it is based on biometric fingerprint identification system

HOT TO OBTAIN THE SMARTCARD/POS DEVICE

You can obtain a smartcard or Point of Sale (POS) device from any PBL Branch nationwide. Clients and Merchants can fill registration forms from the nearest PBL branch. Individuals need a photo ID (voter's ID card, passport or driver's license) whiles merchants need their business and VAT registration documents to complete PBL Merchant Registration Forms.

WHERE IT CAN BE USED

The smartcard is accepted by businesses with e-zwich POS device. These businesses include shops, hotels, restaurants, hospitals and schools.

BENEFITS TO SMARTCARD HOLDERS

1. Less cash to carry
2. Easier and more accurate expenditure tracking
3. Competitive interest earned on balances on linked bank accounts
4. Loss of your smartcard does not translate into loss of money. Report to the nearest PBL branch for a new one to be issued and your balance restored within 48 hours.
5. Multifunctional; offering the convenience of executing multiple forms of transactions
6. Can be used anywhere in Ghana.

BENEFITS TO MERCHANTS

1. Eliminates cash shortage resulting from erroneous counting of large sums of cash.
2. Enhanced cashflow: Payments received via smartcard take less time to clear than the traditional 3 days for cheques
3. Eliminates risk associated with carying cash sales to the bank
4. Reduces the threat of armed robbery and theft at business places
5. Minimize exposure to fraud.