WESTERN Union has pledged to expand beyond its existing 20-plus Bahamas locations, as it unveiled a new service designed to increase money transfer efficiency.
The cross-border payments solutions provider, in an effort to drive traffic to its growing Bahamas network, has introduced a 'limited time' offer that will allow consumers to use its 'Direct-To-Bank' service for just $10.
Launched on February 3, Bahamas-based residents will be able to transfer cash to bank accounts in more than 50 countries, including the Philippines, the US, Nigeria, China and Mexico. Western Union is promising that the funds will reach their destination bank accounts within minutes - or a maximum of two days - depending on the country.
Andre Largie, Western Union's global money transfer lead for the Caribbean Region, said: "Now we have the capability to accept cash from a customer here in the Bahamas and deliver that cash to an account across the world.
"That service we refer to is 'direct- to-bank' or 'send to an account', and that service is enabled at all of our Western Union locations here in the Bahamas."
He added: "Now this is very important because not every market has this opportunity. But at Western Union the Caribbean, and most certainly the Bahamas, is very, very important to us. Enabling our services here and delivering our services in communities that are underserved by financial institutions is something that we take great pride in."
The announcement was applauded by members of the Bahamas' extensive Filipino and Haitian communities, who are among the biggest users of money transmission services.
Florita Viterbo, vice-president of the Filipino Association of the Bahamas, said: "This service, their new service of sending money direct to the banks - Oh my God, you cannot imagine--because in the Philippines, there are so many crimes, especially when it comes to money matters.
"When they send directly to the bank, they don't have any worries of going to the Western Union shop to pick up their money. They will have peace of mind that it's in my account, and it can stay there and I don't need to be worried about crime."
Charlene Jean said she will definitely spread the message about the new service to the Haitian community.
"As a Bahamian of Haitian descent, we are happy and we are elated that Western Union is here to serve the Creole community," she said. "From what I have gathered, the rates are cheaper and the customer service will be spectacular."
Western Union earlier this year announced the opening of its locations in New Providence, Abaco, Andros and Grand Bahama in alliance with its three agents: Sun Cash, Money Maxx and GraceKennedy Money Services.
Western Union's future plans include further expansion and the on-going improvement of its products and services.
"You can expect us to work even harder to serve the people of the Bahamas," said Mr Largie. "You can expect us to work harder to expand our locations.
"We are currently in over 20 locations in the Bahamas and some of the Family Islands, and we are working hard to expand that even further. You can expect us to continue to innovate and to deliver even more greater value to our customers here in the Bahamas, and you can expect us to continue to deliver money in minutes, safely and securely."
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