Mr Director, we are all experiencing many difficulties in our daily lives because of the coronavirus. How has the world changed from the perspective of our local bankers?
Aleksander Fuławka: Nest Bank employees, like all other residents of Bolesławiec, are struggling with many difficulties. We, too, have to resolve on an ongoing basis problems related to arranging childcare and shopping, while also adapting to the requirements connected with the obligation to wear masks and protective gloves. What is surprising, however, is how greatly the needs of our customers have changed as a result of the pandemic.
What do you mean?
Because payment points were temporarily closed and post office opening hours were reduced, many residents of Bolesławiec suddenly lost the ability to pay their household bills, such as electricity, water and gas bills, quickly, easily and safely. A similar problem also affects entrepreneurs who, while fighting to keep their businesses profitable, have not closed their shops and offices. Having accepted cash from customers, they have great difficulty finding a place where they could quickly and cheaply deposit it into their accounts, pay ZUS or amounts owed to the Tax Office, or pay their suppliers’ invoices.
Recently, so many such customers have come to us that, together with Nest Bank’s long-standing and trusted partner, Payland net S.A., we decided to create a new solution specifically for them, one that would solve problems related to bill payments and cash deposits.
What exactly does your solution involve?
We have launched a payment point at our branch, which can be used both by our customers and by Bolesławiec residents who do not otherwise use Nest Bank’s services. Every holder of a personal account at our bank can order transfers at the branch to pay household bills or a loan instalment, or deposit cash into their own Nest Bank account without incurring any additional fees. In addition, every entrepreneur who decides to open a business account at our branch can pay amounts owed to ZUS and the Tax Office without commission.
And what if I am not your customer but would like to pay my rent or telephone subscription without standing in a long queue?
You are also very welcome at our branch. Such customers can pay their bills with us as well, and commissions start at just 51 groszy—you will really have a hard time finding a better offer in Bolesławiec.
What if I do not want to pay in cash, but by card? Because of the coronavirus, not everyone wants to handle banknotes.
Aleksander Fuławka: Our branch is one of the few places where bills can also be paid contactlessly by payment card, via BLIK or by phone. By responding to market expectations, we promote cashless transactions while also taking care of our customers’ safety. The commission for accepting a card payment is, of course, no different in any way from the commission for a cash payment.
Thank you very much for the interview.
Partner Branch
38A Zgorzelecka Street, 59-700 Bolesławiec
Opening hours Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00, T: +48 570 134 665