The latest generation of ATMs introduced over the past year by Bank of Valletta offers a series of innovative features that change the way customers interact with technology to manage their finances. From the conventional machines we have become accustomed to, we are now dealing with new advancements and higher interactivity, redefining traditional ATMs as Interactive Teller Machines.

The biggest leap forward is contactless technology that is now enabled on over 60 BOV ATMs across Malta and Gozo. Many customers are already accustomed to using a digital wallet on their phone or smartwatch. Digital wallets have brought about new ways of carrying out transactions, without the need to carry cash or cards – just a phone or a watch now enables fast and efficient payments at retail stores.

This convenience is now extended to ATM withdrawals, where customers can withdraw money just by tapping their phones to the contactless sign on the ATM, without using a physical card. A physical card can still be used contactless on all ATMs. So whoever needs more time to get used to the new way of interacting with the machine, the conventional card reader, and the old way of inserting the card, is still available. 

Another recently introduced feature is a smart contingency solution for ATM cash deposits, which kicks in if connectivity drops due to systems updates and maintenance. Before processing a cash deposit, the ATM checks if the back-end systems are available. If this occurs during maintenance, it will let customers know that the deposit can still be accepted and will be processed automatically once the service is restored. These transactions will be queued and processed without any further action from the customer.

As part of the bank’s upgrade and renovation programme, four new Bulk Deposit ATMs have been installed in Republic Street Valletta, Gżira, Mosta, and the latest addition in Santa Venera just outside BOV Centre. Bulk Deposit machines offer business customers the convenience of depositing up to 300 notes all at once, 24 hours a day. This gives business customers peace of mind, knowing that they can use the ATMs without going to a branch for this transaction.

With over 60 of the current fleet of 94 ATMs already replaced, and another 37 new ATMs in the process of being delivered by the end of this year, the Bank is well positioned to offer this enhanced innovation to customers all over the island. The Bank will be announcing further enhancements and innovative features that will continue to add convenience to all customers who use ATMs daily as part of their financial management.