The Prudential Bank, in collaboration with Union Pay International (UPI) Representatives, has initiated a series of sessions to educate their UPI cardholders on the proper use of Union Pay cards in China to ensure adherence to China’s financial regulations.

This will allow them to effectively manage and protect their funds, saving costs and time in the long-term.

The first session at the bank’s head office involved the teams engaging the initial group of customers whose cards and transactions had been flagged as suspicious after multiple uses on selected ATMs for cash in China.

Addressing the session, Bennette Nyewala of the Card Services Team at the Prudential Bank said the sessions have been initiated to raise awareness among customers of using their cards in China effectively and safely. 

UPI team

“The UPI team conducts checks to ensure that transactions remain secure and comply with international financial regulation standards.

We want our customers to conduct business efficiently and to prevent any cyberattacks or their transactions from being flagged in any way.

We have ,therefore, brought in the UPI officials to demonstrate to our customers various ways of conveniently using their cards without raising suspicions,” he said.

The West Africa Regional Representative of UPI, Bright Agbottah, explained to the customers various ways of paying for goods and services in China other than cash to avoid raising suspicions.

He mentioned that the most common method in China is via QR codes, which are regarded as safe. 

“QR codes are China's most popular platform for paying for goods and services.

We encourage traders from Ghana to link their Prudential Bank UPI cards to WeChat, China’s biggest social media platform and pay via the QR codes at merchant shops.

This platform accepts large payments; it is easy to use and raises fewer suspicions.

Paying on POS terminals is also an effective alternative”, he said.

Additionally, the same could be achieved with other major electronic commerce and payment platforms in China.

Chief Information Officer Leopold Armah, while speaking, assured the bank’s customers of its availability and readiness to assist them with successful transactions in China.

He advised them to open dedicated business accounts for their UPI card use to prevent over-exposing their regular operational accounts.  

He further stated, it is certain that the "Far East" (particularly China, Japan and South Korea) has solidified its position as a key driver of international trade and its importance is increasing.

Hence, the decision to repackage the UPI cards, including introducing personalised engagements powered by practical data analysis to address customers' pressing needs, especially businesses/ traders. 

Prudential

Therefore, it is not surprising that the Prudential Bank is among the few banks (if not the only one) offering various solutions to the three major global card schemes.

He believes this reflects the bank's core values of innovation and diversity.

The customers expressed their gratitude to the bank and UPI for the session, stating it will allow them to carry out their business activities efficiently and peacefully in China.