Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and NatWest customers will now be able to withdraw up to £100 in cash from a cash machine at various commercial properties around the UK without their bank card even leaving their house.
The mobile technology is currently available to the 18 million RBS and NatWest customers who have downloaded the ‘Getcash’ app. Customers will be able to use the mobile app at 8,000 RBS, NatWest and Tesco commercial properties where cash machines are available.
The application is simple to use as first a user must enter their password to access the app and choose the amount of money they want to withdraw. Then the user must tap the screen to display a six digit code (this makes sure that no-one is looking over the customer’s shoulder who could quickly steal the code), which they will need to simply type into the ATM. The code is valid for three hours. You can also text the code to a friend or member of your family who can withdraw the money on your behalf – great if you owe a friend some money, but don’t get to see them as often as you would like.
Speaking of the new Smartphone banking app, Ben Green, Head of Mobile at RBS and NatWest, said: “This has never been done anywhere in the UK, and yet is a really simple and secure way to help our customers get cash whenever and wherever they need it.”
In addition to the new app, RBS have also announced plans to allow customer to donate money to charity at a commercial property ATM – the first high street bank do to so. Customers will be able to donate £1 – £150 to a choice of eight chosen charities; Age UK, Barnardos, Cancer Research UK, Children In Need, Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC), Oxfam and RNIB.
Speaking of the significance of the move, Darranda Rowswel from AGE UK stated: “This is a great initiative, making it easy for people who may not give by other traditional channels to donate quickly via the ATM.
“It’s encouraging to see a bank like RBS Group actively supporting charities through this scheme and we are delighted to be involved and work with RBS Group on this.”
Are you a RBS customer? Will you be using the app to withdraw cash? Or do you think that people will be worried about the security or their money if their mobile phone is lost or stolen?