Bangkok Bank has launched the “BeMerchant NextGen” mobile app to help customers cope with a new normal following the COVID-19 crisis. The app enables merchants to receive QR Code payments via digital channels to replace cash. The app also facilitates many payment types including mobile banking and mobile applications that link with cards and e-wallets. The launch of the app reinforces the Bank’s position as a leader in digital payment solutions.
Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President, Manager Credit Card Division, Shoke Na Ranong said the COVID-19 outbreak has led to behavioral changes of consumers to embrace a new normal, including behavior wherein people avoid using cash.
“Avoiding contact with cash is not only safe but also more convenient. To seize opportunities to help retail stores adjust to changing customer behavior, Bangkok Bank has launched “BeMerchant NextGen”, a mobile app to help merchants move towards a cashless society. The app enables both online and physical merchants to receive payments from any digital payment method that customers prefer,” said Mr. Shoke.
“BeMerchant NextGen” is an app for merchants and entrepreneurs that can facilitate all types of QR Code payments including PromptPay payments via mobile banking of any bank as well as Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, TPN, WeChat Pay and Alipay. The app was developed in response to changes in customers’ lifestyles with greater preference for digital payments and the cashless society policy under the National e-Payment strategy of the Thai government, the Ministry of Finance, and the Bank of Thailand.
The app can serve small shops well as it does not require space to install or minimum required payment. It can also help shops save costs as no fee is required for PromptPay payments, while fees are low for receiving QR Code payments from Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, TPN, WeChat Pay and Alipay. As such the app is suitable for all types of retail stores including those in shopping malls and markets, shops with many cashiers or branches, clothes merchants, jewelry shops, beauty salons, spas, barber shops, convenience stores, restaurants, online shops, taxis and motorcycle taxis.
Merchants can easily apply for the app. For those who already have the Bangkok Bank Be1st Smart debit card, download the “BeMerchant NextGen” app from App Store or Play Store, use a 10-digit mobile phone number to register, and the app is active right away. The bank believes the “BeMerchant NextGen” app will support Thai entrepreneurs amid the COVID-19 crisis as it can help boost sales from offering many and more flexible types of payment to customers, while money from the sales will be transferred to sellers’ accounts immediately after sellers provide account summaries. Payments made via applications that link with cards, WeChat Pay and Alipay will be transferred to sellers’ accounts by the next day.
Mr. Shoke added that the launch of “BeMerchant NextGen” will help enhance the Bank’s digital payment solutions. The Bank as a trusted partner is ready to stand beside retail business owners by offering another tool that can facilitate business anywhere, anytime and reduce cash use as sellers can send QR Codes to customers via mobile phones, from which customers can make payment however they prefer.
“Bangkok Bank is focused on offering digital experiences, so the Bank is committed to developing systems, networks, financial products and services to create a robust digital ecosystem that can fulfill customer needs with security,” said Mr. Shoke.