“But not all credit cards are created equal,” said Aylwin Herminia P. Tamayo, Senior Vice President and Credit Cards Business Head of EastWest Bank. “Your credit card may offer greater convenience, but the more important thing is: does it also have robust security measures, so you don’t fall prey to fraudulent transactions or scams?”

She said EastWest credit cards are packed with powerful security features that ensure customers can confidently use EastWest credit cards without becoming a victim of budol (fraud).

As stolen cards usually lead to fraud, EastWest did away with the need to carry a physical credit card. The bank, in partnership with Visa, has pioneered EastWest Pay, the first NFC-enabled (Near Field Communication) payment app in the Philippines. 

The tap-to-pay feature in its mobile app enables credit cardholders to make seamless transactions with just a few taps on their smartphones by linking their EastWest Visa credit cards (EastWest Priority Visa Infinite, EastWest Visa Platinum, EastWest Visa Gold, and EastWest Visa Privilege). For enhanced security, the app requires mobile verification and a six-digit passcode upon registration. 

EastWest has successfully integrated mobile NFC and tokenization technology, enabling users of an NFC-powered Android smartphone to experience faster, more convenient, and secure payment process at point-of-sale (POS) terminals.

EastWest also enabled credit cardholders to securely access their account even while even on-the-go. Through the EasyWay app, they can use biometrics, check their credit card balance, view and download their statement of accounts, pay bills, among other things. EastWest customers can experience safer and secure banking, both online and even before they get to an EastWest branch.

To make credit card services more accessible, EastWest has an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot, ESTA (EastWest System Tech Assistant), that leverages the widespread use of Facebook Messenger so credit cardholders can effortlessly perform credit card services — from viewing all types of transactions (unbilled, current, and historical); making balance transfers, installment conversions, and Insta-Cash; to requesting limit increases, supplementary cards, and points redemption. 

Cardholders can protect themselves from fraud and scams with a few taps on the phone and access ESTA to lock and unlock their accounts in real-time, fulfill installment conversions immediately, and update customer information on the spot. The platform also allows for promotions search and display, submission of customer service support tickets with two-way capability, and querying of EastWest credit card product features and related information through ChatGPT.

“ESTA is not just groundbreaking, it is also award-winning,” Ms. Tamayo added. For offering a seamless and secure banking experience right at users’ fingertips, ESTA earned the “Mobile Banking and Payment Initiative of the Year” award from the Asian Banking and Finance Awards 2024 held last July 4, 2024 at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Center Singapore.

“As of now, ESTA is the only locally known customer-facing electronic platform with AI capabilities, setting EastWest apart from other industry players. This, as well as our other innovative security features, demonstrates the bank’s commitment to technological advancement and customer service excellence,” Ms. Tamayo stressed.

Download EastWest Pay now on Google Play and the EasyWay app on Google Play and the App Store.

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