MANILA, Philippines - Some branches of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) and its thrift bank subsidiary PSBank will be open during the Christmas holiday season.
Metrobank and PSBank said they would like to serve their customers during these times.
According to Metrobank, this is in anticipation of higher demand for cash and an increase in customer traffic at its branches.
Selected Metrobank branches nationwide will be open to serve the banking public on all Saturdays of December; on Dec. 9, 23 and 30 (Sundays); and on Dec. 24, 30 and 31, all declared public holidays.
Metrobank said they continue to conduct system and hardware checks to ensure that all of its 1,200 automated teller machines nationwide are loaded with sufficient cash to meet the requirements of its customers over the long weekend.
Metrobank operation support teams will be on duty 24/7 to ensure continuity of ATM and electronic banking services.
As an alternative to waiting in line to withdraw cash from ATMs, Metrobank said its ATM accountholders could pay for their purchases in over 20,000 department stores, supermarkets and other establishments nationwide through the BancNet point-of-sale (POS) terminals.
Customers can also make use of Metrobank Direct to inquire about their balance, transfer funds or pay cellphone, credit card, insurance and other utility bills.
All 531 PSBank ATMs, on the other hand, would also be ready to serve the public during the busy Christmas season.
“We would like to assure our clients that all our ATMs are ready and operational for the rush and revelry during the holidays. Aside from ATMs located in our 217 branches nationwide, we also have ATMs in malls, supermarkets, town and leisure centers, and transport hubs such as bus, gas and MRT stations which you can use,” PSBank Branch Banking group head/first vice president Francis Llanera said.
The bank has a dedicated ATM team working round the clock to ensure that all ATMs are operational.