RBC launches EZPay mobile payment system

RBC Royal Bank on Tuesday launched its EZPay mobile payment systems, which can be used by entrepreneurs and businesspersons while on the go.

The machines accept credit card payments outside of an office environment and are ideal for businesspersons such as taxi drivers, small business owners, delivery drivers, contractors, plumbers, interior designers, trade show vendors, personal trainers, photographers and more.

The new payment systems can be obtained for a one-time payment of US $200 each, but will be free to the first 20 business persons who sign up at RBC for them. One free product will also be available for a Saba client.

RBC Country Manager for St. Maarten and Saba Giovanni Croes told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday that the payment system is innovative and is one step towards making St. Maarten a “cash free economy.”

The payment system is actually a small, lightweight, handheld Bluetooth device, no bigger than a mobile phone, which works in conjunction with a smart phone or tablet. Clients interested in the service have to first sign up at RBC and get their device. An application will have to be downloaded.

A demonstration of the easy payment method was given to the media and representatives of a local business at a press conference at RBC’s Cannegieter Street branch on Tuesday. RBC will be having other demonstrations to promote the system.

The cardholder is required to sign on the touch screen to receive their receipts via email or text. In the near future, debit cards will also be accepted by the RBC EZPay devices. RBC said its EZPay product offers the same security as the bank’s more traditional Point of Sale (POS) terminals. RBC said it is the fi rst Bank in St. Maarten and Saba to offer this service to its business banking clients as an innovative alternative for credit card payments.

“The product offers RBC business clients the freedom to accept credit card payments via a wireless device using a smart phone or tablet. It is a very convenient and secure service that is offered at a cost effective price. It promotes business continuity as it will function even when electricity fails. Just download the free app, connect the wireless device via Bluetooth to your Apple or Android mobile phone or tablet, and you’re ready to be paid,” Croes said.

The main benefi ts of the new product include having the ability to accept credit card payments anywhere and anytime in St. Maarten and Saba, payments are deposited directly into the business person’s RBC Royal Bank business bank account, which gives the client the opportunity to spend less time banking and more time doing business. It also offers the client the peace of mind by not having to worry about carrying cash.

“We are extremely excited about this new product as it will assist our clients tremendously to increase their revenues by capturing more sales,” Croes said.

Croes said as fewer tourists walk around with cash the device would be ideal for businesses in the industry to accept payment from their clients who only have cards. He said attaining a cash free economy is possible, particularly with other products in the market such as online banking.

The system was already introduced in other RBC destinations including Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, Aruba and Curaçao. The convenient use is now available in St. Maarten and Saba.

Croes said RBC has other initiatives in the pipeline for 2016. Additional information about the device may be obtained from RBC Service Line at tel. 546-7288 or RBC’s Merchant Sales officer at tel. 554-3773.

The Daily Herald.