Harambee Sacco , a leading Savings & Credit Co-operative society has launched instant card-issuance to enable members apply for and instantly receive a Visa Debit card, and immediately start using the card to transact in the usual way at any Visa-branded outlet including ATMs, Co-op Bank Agents or to shop at Visa-branded outlets and online stores.
The instant card-issue system is enabled by the Co-operative Bank, and gives the Sacco the capability to print Visa Debit Cards right at the branch, at that very moment a customer applies for a card.
In a statement, Harambee Sacco chairman Macloud Malonza said this is a first for Saccos, and a huge change from the current practice where members have to wait for up to two weeks to receive their Visa debit cards. He lauded the partnership between Harambee Sacco and Co-operative Bank that enabled the new solution, which will significantly boost convenience for Sacco members.
“The launch of this instant card issuance is timely, indeed overdue, as it will greatly enhance convenience for our members who from today no longer have to wait for weeks before they receive their cards. Furthermore, this instant issuing of cards is consistent with Government guidelines intended to minimise the use of cash in favor of cashless transactions in an effort to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. As a Sacco, we invite our members who do not as yet have debit cards to visit our branches and apply,” said Malonza.
Speaking during the launch of the card, the Director of Co-operatives Banking at Co-op Bank, Vincent Marangu said the instant card issuing solution will be rolled out to all Saccos that are providing Visa Debit cards to members through Co-op Bank,thus extending the service to millions of Kenyans through the regulated Saccos in Kenya.
“This launch is the latest among various digital banking solutions provided by the bank to enhance the efficiency of Co-operative Societies for the benefit of their members and prosperity of the Co-operative Movement at large. This instant card issuing solution will be rolled out to all Saccos that are providing Visa Debit cards to members through the Bank, Maragu said.